NDS bios are mandatory files to run Nintendo DS games on the DS emulator. The Delta or any other emulator uses the information from the files to recreate how the Nintendo DS system works.
Without the bios files, the DS emulator can’t run games properly. They are the basic instructions for an emulator to work like an actual Nintendo DS console. So, the DS emulator will behave like a DS console once you add these files to the emulator.
The Three Bios Files for Nintendo DS Emulation
Let us briefly tell you about the bios files for Nintendo DS emulation: bios7.bin, bios9.bin, and firmware.bin.
The three bios files play different roles and come in different sizes. you may look at the table below to understand their roles and sizes.
File Name | Description | Size |
Bios7.bin | BIOS file for the ARM7 processor of the Nintendo DS. Responsible for initializing hardware, touch input, sound output, and wireless communication. | 16kb |
Bios9.bin | BIOS file for the ARM9 processor. Handles the 3D graphics engine, game cards, memory management, and save data. | 4kb |
Firmware.bin | Firmware file containing user settings (language, date, time, brightness, and nickname) and the DS boot menu. | 256kb |
Types of DS Emulators
You can use three types of emulators based on your preferences. All of them are ideal for running DS games. Let us discuss each first;
MelonDS
MelonDS is one of the most reliable emulators for DS games due to its accurate emulation. Moreover, you will find it compatible with many Nintendo DS games. You can use this to run games on Windows and Linux OS.
It provides seamless gaming performance with high-quality visuals. Hence, it makes sure you have a great DS gaming experience. Optimized for modern hardware, this emulator is worth the use.
DeSmuME
The second emulator you can use to play DS games on Windows, macOS, and Linux is DeSmuME. It is compatible with the Nintendo DS games, and the performance depends on your system specifications.
The emulator offers save states, cheat code support, high-resolution scaling, and touchscreen input features.
No$GBA
No$GBA is another reliable DS emulator that is compatible with commercial DS ROMs. The emulator is ideal when it comes to providing the highest performance. It also has the best features like save states, cheat code support, customizable controls, and No$Zoomer. This emulator is ideal for Windows OS.
The selection depends on your accuracy, performance, or additional feature needs. In this article, we suppose you are using the MelonDS emulator. So, let us know how to download the emulator and add bios files.
Delta
How to Download and use MelonDS (Setup Guide)
Let us guide you on how you can play your favorite DS games using MelonDS.
Step 1: Download MelonDS
- The first step involves downloading the emulators for your OS (Windows, Linux, macOS) from https://melonds.kuribo64.net/downloads.php.
- Download and install on your PC.
Step 2: Setup MelonDS
- Once installed, open the emulator. A black screen will appear. There, you can go to EMU settings>select DS Mode.
Step 3: Configuring BIOS Files
- You need to add Bios files to MelonDS for accurate emulation. It includes bios7.bin, bios9.bin, and firmware.bin.
Step 4: Setting the Console Type
- After adding bios files, you can set the console type. Under console types, select DS mode to play DS games.
Step 5: Loading a Game (ROM)
- You can now load the game. To do so, go to File → Open ROM. Choose the ROM you want to play. (We will also include links to websites where you can legally download Nintendo DS ROMs).
Step 6: Gamepad and Other Settings
- The emulator will let you configure your controller, adjust graphics settings, and set up save states.
Step 7: Downloading ROMs
- Hence, you can download your favorite DS games from https://vimm.net/vault/DS.
- Finally, you have MelonDS set up and running with BIOS files and ROMs. If you encounter issues, double-check your BIOS configuration and console mode settings.
How to add a Bios File to MelonDS
Here in this section, we will describe the step-by-step details to add a bios file to MelonDS;
Step 1: Download the Required BIOS Files
It is essential to download the bios files. You can download it from the link https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1mUzF30Wyizp6gMYb1ABOxozaTI6OK1R0?direction=a
It is necessary to obtain these three bios files for MelonDS to run properly;
- bios7.bin – ARM7 processor BIOS.
- bios9.bin – ARM9 processor BIOS.
- firmware.bin – DS firmware file.
Once you obtain the bios files from reliable sources, go to the next step;
Step 2: Open MelonDS and Access Configuration
- First, launch the emulator on your PC.
- Now, click the config. Tab at the top of the window.
- Go to emulation settings.
Step 3: Add BIOS Files
Now, you can locate the DS mode settings from the emulation settings window.
- Next to ARM BIOS 7, click Browse. Go to the folder where you saved the bios7.bin file. Select it.
- You can do the same process for ARM BIOS 9 by selecting the bios9.bin file.
- Finally, for the firmware section, click browse. Choose the firmware.bin file.
Step 4: Save Settings
- Once you added the files, click OK to save the settings.
- Finally, you can exit the settings window.
That was a detailed guide on how to add three bios files to the emulator to make it run properly. Now, you can enjoy your favorite DS games on the go.
List of Compatible Games with MelonDS
We described everything and guided you on how to add bios files for the emulator. It is necessary to know which games are compatible with the emulator. So, here we are presenting you with the list of tested games on MelonDS.
Genre | Games |
Adventure | Ace Attorney Series, Ghost Trick: Phantom Detective, Hotel Dusk: Room 215, Legend of Zelda: Phantom Hourglass, Legend of Zelda: Spirit Tracks, Professor Layton Series, 9 Hours, 9 Persons, 9 Doors, Trace Memory, Apollo Justice: Ace Attorney, Rune Factory: A Fantasy Harvest Moon |
RPG | Chrono Trigger, Dragon Quest Series (IV, V, IX), Final Fantasy III, Final Fantasy IV, Final Fantasy Tactics A2, Golden Sun, Radiant Historia, The World Ends With You, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, Mother 3, Shin Megami Tensei: Devil Survivor |
Platformers | Kirby Canvas Curse, Metroid Prime Pinball, New Super Mario Bros., Super Mario 64 DS, Castlevania: Order of Shadow, Sonic Rush, WarioWare: Touched!, Yoshi’s Island DS |
Action Bleach | The Blade of Fate, Castlevania Series (Dawn of Sorrow, Portrait of Ruin, Order of Ecclesia), Contra 4, Mega Man ZX Series, Metroid Prime Hunters, The Legend of Kage 2, Nanostray, Ninja Gaiden Dragon Sword |
Puzzle | DaGeDar, Elite Beat Agents, Meteos, Picross 3D, Planet Puzzle League, Brain Age, Polarium, Mario vs. Donkey Kong 2: March of the Minis |
Other | Orcs & Elves, Pokemon Diamond/Pearl/Platinum, Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver, Pokemon Black/White, Pokemon Black 2/White 2, Animal Crossing: Wild World, Cooking Mama, Electroplankton, Advance Wars: Dual Strike, Advance Wars: Days of Ruin |
Conclusion
Now, you should be able to download and use Bios files for Nintendo DS emulation. You can thus have a seamless gaming experience. The emulator works well and provides high gaming performance. It also enhances the gaming visuals for better gaming experience.