NDS4iOS Nintendo DS Emulator Now Available to Download

NDS4iOS, a Nintendo DS emulator that runs on both non-jailbroken and jailbroken iOS devices, is now available to install through an over-the air download, reports TouchArcade.

Similar to the first version of the popular GBA4iOS Game Boy emulator, NDS4iOS requires a device's date to be set back to a prior date, specifically February 8, 2014. The emulator allows users to play Nintendo DS ROMs directly on their iPads and iPhones, and is compatible with iOS devices running iOS 5.1.1 and above. NDS4iOS also includes features such as Dropbox integration and iOS 7 controller support, as well as a settings menu that contains options for control pad style and position.

nds4ios_credit_ta

Image credit: TouchArcade

Although several emulators such as the iMAME arcade emulator have snuck into the App Store via shell apps in the past, they are usually pulled by Apple within hours or days after being released. However, NDS4iOS is able to overcome Apple’s restrictions as it bypasses the App Store entirely. Instead, the emulator can be installed directly on an iOS device by visiting its official website and tapping a download link.

The initial release of NDS4iOS follows a major update to GBA4iOS in February, which added controller skins for Game Boy Advance and Game Boy Color games as well as iOS 7 controller support, Dropbox integration, and a in-app web browser that can be used to download games from any ROM website. The emulator also temporarily allowed non-jailbroken users to install GBA4iOS without a date change via an Apple Enterprise certificate, however that was revoked soon afterwards.

NDS4iOS is available to install now through the emulator’s official website.

Popular Stories

maxresdefault

Apple Shows Off a Key Reason to Upgrade to the iPhone 17

Saturday February 7, 2026 9:26 am PST by
Apple today shared an ad that shows how the upgraded Center Stage front camera on the latest iPhones improves the process of taking a group selfie. "Watch how the new front facing camera on iPhone 17 Pro takes group selfies that automatically expand and rotate as more people come into frame," says Apple. While the ad is focused on the iPhone 17 Pro and iPhone 17 Pro Max, the regular iPhone...
apple wallet drivers license feature iPhone 15 pro

Apple Says These 7 U.S. States Plan to Offer iPhone Driver's Licenses

Monday February 9, 2026 6:24 am PST by
In select U.S. states, residents can add their driver's license or state ID to the Apple Wallet app on the iPhone and Apple Watch, and then use it to display proof of identity or age at select airports and businesses, and in select apps. The feature is currently available in 13 U.S. states and Puerto Rico, and it is expected to launch in at least seven more in the future. To set up the...
m5 macbook pro deal

Why You Shouldn't Buy the Next MacBook Pro

Tuesday February 10, 2026 4:27 pm PST by
Apple is planning to launch new MacBook Pro models as soon as early March, but if you can, this is one generation you should skip because there's something much better in the works. We're waiting on 14-inch and 16-inch MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, with few changes other than the processor upgrade. There won't be any tweaks to the design or the display, but later this...
iOS 26

Apple Releases iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3

Wednesday February 11, 2026 10:07 am PST by
Apple today released iOS 26.3 and iPadOS 26.3, the latest updates to the iOS 26 and iPadOS 26 operating systems that came out in September. The new software comes almost two months after Apple released iOS 26.2 and iPadOS 26.2. The new software can be downloaded on eligible iPhones and iPads over-the-air by going to Settings > General > Software Update. According to Apple's release notes, ...
Apple Logo Zoomed

Apple Expected to Launch These 10+ Products Over the Coming Months

Tuesday February 10, 2026 6:33 am PST by
It has been a slow start to 2026 for Apple product launches, with only a new AirTag and a special Apple Watch band released so far. We are still waiting for MacBook Pro models with M5 Pro and M5 Max chips, the iPhone 17e, a lower-cost MacBook with an iPhone chip, long-rumored updates to the Apple TV and HomePod mini, and much more. Apple is expected to release/update the following products...

Top Rated Comments

154 months ago
Nintendo are missing a trick here with being stubborn and not being open to change. They could release their own official emu, give a game away with it and then offer an entire back catalog via in app purchase for like £1 and make a ton for games they have gathering dust! Even if it's only NES/SNES/GB/GBA games! Even some original DS games too.
Score: 14 Votes (Like | Disagree)
dermeister Avatar
154 months ago
I don't get it - how can this "app" be downloaded outside of the App Store on iOS? Is it an exploit of some sort?
Score: 11 Votes (Like | Disagree)
OrangeSVTguy Avatar
154 months ago
No thanks lol.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
.Andy Avatar
154 months ago
is it illegal to download the roms?
Have a wild guess.
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
154 months ago
NDS4iOS Nintendo DS Emulator Now Available to Download

I don't get it - how can this "app" be downloaded outside of the App Store on iOS? Is it an exploit of some sort?
Why does it require the user to set the date back in order to run properly? How stupid!
It uses a certificate that Apple have invalidated, you set the date to prior to the invalidation. It's basically how businesses that make their own apps for internal use distributes their own apps. Someone will probably come along and explain it better.

http://en.m.wikipedia.org/wiki/App_Store_(iOS)#Enterprise_App_Stores
Score: 8 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bushido Avatar
154 months ago
Why does it require the user to set the date back in order to run properly? How stupid!

only to install it. u can change it back after
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)