Nintendo DS · iOS

iNDS Emulator Guide

One of the original open-source Nintendo DS emulators built for iOS.

Nintendo DSCategory
Free*Cost (see FAQ)
EmulatorType
Overview

What is iNDS?

iNDS is an open-source Nintendo DS emulator with a long history on iOS — it dates back to the Cydia/jailbreak era of iOS emulation and has since transitioned to sideload-based installation like most other console emulators on modern iPhones. Being open source, its codebase has been maintained and adapted by the community over a long stretch of iOS versions.

It handles the DS's dual-screen layout by displaying both screens on your device at once, either stacked or side by side depending on orientation and settings. Expect the same general controls as other DS emulators: touch input for the bottom screen, plus optional Bluetooth controller support.

Features

iNDS Features

No Jailbreak Required on iNDS

No Jailbreak Required

iNDS installs on a standard, non-jailbroken iPhone or iPad through sideloading.

Save States on iNDS

Save States

Save your progress at almost any point and pick up exactly where you left off.

Controller Support on iNDS

Controller Support

Connect a Bluetooth MFi controller alongside the on-screen touch controls.

Regular Re-Signing on iNDS

Regular Re-Signing

Free Apple ID signatures need re-signing roughly every week — a normal part of sideloaded apps, not specific to iNDS.

Walkthrough

How to Install iNDS

1

Install a sideloading tool

Set up AltStore or Sideloadly on a Mac or PC, or use an EU alternative marketplace directly on-device where available.

2

Download the app file

Get the .ipa for iNDS from its official or trusted source.

3

Sign in with your Apple ID

Your sideloading tool uses your Apple ID to generate the signing certificate the app needs.

4

Install to your device

Connect your iPhone or iPad and let the tool push the signed app over.

5

Trust the developer profile

Go to Settings → General → VPN & Device Management, then trust the profile before opening iNDS.

Related

See Also

NDS4iOS IOS

Another Nintendo DS emulator option for iOS.

View Guide

iOS Setup Guide IOS

General iOS emulator setup, sideloading included.

View Guide
Support

iNDS FAQ

Yes, iNDS is open source, which is part of why it's been maintained and adapted across many iOS versions over the years.

Both screens display at once, either stacked or side by side depending on orientation and your settings.

No, on modern iOS iNDS installs through sideloading rather than requiring a jailbreak.

Yes. iNDS is an emulator only — you'll need your own legally owned or backed-up DS ROM files.

Ready to Try iNDS?

Follow the steps above and you'll be set up in a few minutes.

Get iNDS