How to run Nintendo DS games

The Nintendo DS was a fantastic handheld console that was home to some of the most creative and entertaining games of the generation. Unfortunately, many of the best console games aren't available on modern systems, and even if you own the games, if the console breaks, there are few viable options to play them on modern machines.

EmuDeck on Steam Deck serves as a gateway to retro gaming, allowing you to play games from different generations, including from the DS. This guide will walk you through the steps to install EmuDeck so you can enjoy your favorite DS games on Steam Deck.

Enable developer mode on Steam Deck

Before installing EmuDeck on Steam Deck, you must enable developer mode and CEF remote debugging to ensure that Steam Deck remains compatible with EmuDeck updates.

• Turn on Steam Deck.
• Click Steam button to access the Steam menu.
• Open the “System” menu and turn on Developer mode.
• Open Developer menu.
• In the developer menu, enable CEF remote debugging.
• Press the Steam button and select the power menu.
• Switch to Desktop mode.

Before installing EmuDeck on Steam Deck…

• To install EmuDeck and the games, you will need a high-speed A2 micro SD card. Format the SD card in Steam Deck.
• ROM DS for games – DS files end in .nds.
• You can use a keyboard and mouse to facilitate installation and file transfers.

Switch to desktop mode on Steam Deck

• Press the Steam button, select Power, and switch to Desktop mode.
• Open your browser and download EmuDeck.
• Select download and select your Steam OS version.
• Run the installer and select Adapted.
• Click on the SD card icon.
• Then select Steam Deck.
• Choose RetroArch, MelonDS, Steam R OM Manager and Emulation Station. Or install all emulators for later use.
• Skip the next few screens and select “Finish” to begin the installation.

Transfer your DS files and add them to your Steam Deck library

Now it's time to move the DS files into the appropriate folders for EmuDeck to detect them in Steam rom manager.

• Click on Dolphin file manager.
• Click on the SD card labeled as Primary.
• Click the split option.
• In one square select Emulation and PZUMI.
• Click on the folder named NDS.
• Copy the DS files to an empty folder.

Add games using the Steam ROM Manager

• In desktop mode, reopen EmuDeck.
• Open the Steam ROM Manager from the left panel and click yes.
• Then click Next.
• Click on the two Nintendo DS windows.
• Click on Add games and then click Disassemble.
• The Steam ROM Manager will prepare your games and their skins.

Fix missing covers for DS games on Steam Deck

Most of the time, the Steam ROM manager will find all your skins and add them to your game mode and Steam Deck library. However, some obscure or imported titles may not be displayed. Use the following steps to fix any missing covers:

• If you are missing covers, select “Fix”.
• Enter the name of the game in the Fix cover and title search bar.
• Select one of the game covers in the sidebar and scroll until you find a suitable cover.
• Click the cover to make it highlighted in white.
• Then click Save and close in the upper right corner of the Steam Rom manager.

Add your own covers

You may need to add your own covers if SRM can't find them. Use Google Image Search to find your game cover and follow these steps.

• Instead of Fix, click Download.
• Find and add your image.
• Then select Save and Close.
• Close SRM and switch back to game mode.

Play your DS games in game mode

• Click the Steam button to access your library option.
• Choose Collections.
• Choose Nintendo DS folder and select your game.

Productivity Council

• Press the QAM button when launching a DS game – button with three dots below the right trackpad.
• Open it Performance menu from QAM.
• Turn on Use a profile for each game.
• Then increase the frame rate to 60 FPS to fix any possible lag issues.

That's all you need to play Nintendo DS on Steam Deck and enjoy games on another system.