endrift, the developer behind the multi-platform mGBA emulator, revealed that his April fools prank was actually real. He is indeed working on a new DS emulator that he plans to merge with mGBA and create Medusa, a GB, GBA and DS emulator in one application.

He says that it's currently an early alpha with about 80% of the DS' hardware implemented. Be sure to head over to his website and check out his post, that also includes new information about the next versions of mGBA.

Check out the downloads page for early Medusa builds for Windows, macOS and Ubuntu. Source can be found on his Github. Issues can be reported to the bug tracker.

If you want to support the developer, you can do so via his Patreon or donate page.

Source

 

[lisreal2401]

I mean - I appreciate this for preservation but playing DS games on anything but a real DS or 3DS always felt odd. Even games without touch - it's just not for me. Though, I don't usually like emulating handhelds on anything but handhelds so... maybe it's just me. Probably.

 

[WiiUBricker]

I mean - I appreciate this for preservation but playing DS games on anything but a real DS or 3DS always felt odd. Even games without touch - it's just not for me. Though, I don't usually like emulating handhelds on anything but handhelds so... maybe it's just me. Probably.

I believe there will be a 3DS build, so..

 

[Xanthe]

So, what is the purpose of his emulator? We already have Desmume and No$GBA. Is there something that this emulator offers that others do not?

 

[random_human_being_]

I believe there will be a 3DS build, so..

endrift has already confirmed it won't include the DS part, since it would hardly reach two-digit FPS.

 

[lisreal2401]

I believe there will be a 3DS build, so..

That's fine and all - but that's another thing that confuses me a little. 3DS is already 100% compatible with DS stuff. I get that some may not want a flashcart or want to buy the games but why bother when the alternatives are that much better? GBA I understand, since customization is limited on native 3DS hardware but for my purposes it's not really something I'm excited for, however I do hope it turns out good for everyone else.

 

[WiiUBricker]

endrift has already confirmed it won't include the DS part, since it would hardly reach two-digit FPS.

Well he can always change his mind. Afaik there is already a DS emulator for 3DS somewhere.

 

[xtheman]

Afaik there is already a DS emulator for 3DS somewhere.

That runs like shit, even on new3ds and with a boost from cfw.

 

[Rockhoundhigh]

Whether zeromus deserves all the hate he's gotten over DeSmuME it's nice to finally see a 2nd wave of DS emulation come to fruition. Hopefully both this and melonDS end up panning out.

 

[WiiUBricker]

That runs like shit, even on new3ds and with a boost from cfw.

But, there is still the Vita, right? Right?!

 

[nero99]

Well he can always change his mind. Afaik there is already a DS emulator for 3DS somewhere.

You mean the twl loader/nds_bootstrap loader thing?

 

[WiiUBricker]

You mean the twl loader/nds_bootstrap loader thing?

That's not an emulator.

 

[xtheman]

You mean the twl loader/nds_bootstrap loader thing?

He means this
https://gbatemp.net/threads/wip-3desmume-ds-emulator-for-3ds.430223/

 

[Deleted member 388531]

Meh, already have melonDS in the works...

 

[BORTZ]

What sets this apart from something like Desmume? Other than having GBA and GB compatibility?

 

[Deleted member 388531]

What sets this apart from something like Desmume? Other than having GBA and GB compatibility?

Desmume absolutely despises pokemon due to the author getting tired of people asking if pokemon was playable. And the fact that emulation on android is lightyears ahead thanks to Drastic.

 

[BORTZ]

Desmume absolutely despises pokemon due to the author getting tired of people asking if pokemon was playable. And the fact that emulation on android is lightyears ahead thanks to Drastic.

I actually didn't know that. Thanks.

 

[Hells Malice]

This is one of those "I have no idea why you're even bothering" projects.
DS is a really weird thing to emulate, but I actually used Desmume for 999 and it worked great.

Why make something that someone else has already done that works great?

 

[Mikemk]

He broke the sanctity of April Fools. Let's Boycott HIM! </sarcasm>

Seriously though, I don't get the point of this either. And I agree with @lisreal2401 about playing DS games on a DS

 

[Xandrid]

I hope this will be on vita, and works well on it