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Nintendo DS and 3DS emulation has been the hardest nut to crack in the handheld emulation world. Two screens, touch input, microphone support, and in the 3DS's case, serious processing requirements — it all adds up to a challenge that most single-screen handhelds simply can't solve gracefully.
That changed in 2025 and 2026. A wave of dual-screen Android handhelds hit the market, and for the first time, playing DS and 3DS games on a dedicated portable feels like a genuine upgrade over the original hardware. Save states, fast-forward, upscaling, and modern screens make these devices worth considering even if you still own a working DS or 3DS.
Here's every handheld worth buying for DS and 3DS emulation right now, organized by tier.
The Dual-Screen Tier: Purpose-Built for DS/3DS
These devices have two physical screens stacked vertically, which means DS and 3DS games display natively without awkward workarounds.
AYN Thor — The Best Overall
The AYN Thor is the gold standard for DS and 3DS emulation on a handheld. Two AMOLED displays, a Snapdragon 8 Gen 2 processor, and a clamshell form factor that feels like a premium 3DS XL. DS games run flawlessly through DraStic or melonDS, and 3DS titles handle beautifully through Citra at 2x or 3x resolution upscaling.
The second screen also doubles as a multitasking display — run YouTube, a walkthrough, or Discord while you play. Battery life is the main trade-off; driving two screens eats power faster than single-screen devices.
Best for: People who want the best possible DS/3DS experience and don't mind paying for it.
Anbernic RG DS — Best Budget Dual-Screen
The Anbernic RG DS is the affordable entry point into dual-screen emulation. At under $100, it uses two 4-inch IPS displays and an RK3568 processor. DS emulation through DraStic is excellent — it comes pre-configured and runs nearly every DS title at full speed with optional upscaling.
The catch: this device does not have enough power for reliable 3DS emulation. If you want 3DS, look at the Thor or the AYANEO options. But for pure Nintendo DS gameplay, the RG DS nails the experience at a fraction of the cost.
Best for: DS-only players on a budget who want the authentic dual-screen layout.
AYANEO Pocket DS — Most Powerful Dual-Screen
The AYANEO Pocket DS is the most powerful dual-screen handheld money can buy. A massive 7-inch OLED top screen paired with a 5-inch bottom LCD, powered by high-end Qualcomm silicon. It runs 3DS games at maximum upscale settings without breaking a sweat, and the large screens make text-heavy RPGs a joy.
The downsides are real: it's heavy, expensive, and the fan noise at max settings is noticeable. This is for the enthusiast who wants the absolute ceiling of portable DS/3DS emulation.
Best for: Enthusiasts who prioritize screen size and raw power above portability.
The Single-Screen Tier: DS/3DS on One Display
You don't need two screens to play DS/3DS games. These single-screen handhelds display both screens stacked or side-by-side on one panel. It's a compromise, but a workable one — especially for 3DS titles where the bottom screen is often just a map or inventory.
Anbernic RG Cube — Best Square Screen for DS
The RG Cube's 1:1 square display is uniquely suited for DS emulation. The vertical space accommodates both screens stacked without the aggressive cropping you get on widescreen devices. 3DS games are playable too, though the smaller screen size means text can get cramped.
Best for: People who want a versatile all-rounder that happens to be great for DS.
Retroid Pocket 6 — Best All-Around Android Handheld
The Retroid Pocket 6 handles 3DS emulation through Citra with ease, and DS games via DraStic or melonDS are no problem. The 5.5-inch AMOLED screen is gorgeous, though the widescreen aspect ratio means DS games will have black bars or look small when stacked vertically.
If you want one device that does everything from NES to 3DS to PS2, the RP6 is hard to beat. DS/3DS just isn't its primary strength.
Best for: People who want a do-everything handheld and play DS/3DS as one use case among many.
MagicX Zero 40 — Best Vertical for DS
The MagicX Zero 40's vertical 4-inch display is tailor-made for DS emulation. Both screens stack naturally in portrait orientation, and the device is compact enough to pocket. Power is limited compared to the big-name Android handhelds, but for DS-era games it's more than enough.
Best for: People who want a pocketable DS machine with a vertical layout.
Which Emulator Should You Use?
The emulator matters as much as the hardware:
- DraStic — The fastest DS emulator on Android. Lightweight, runs on low-power hardware, but is closed-source and no longer actively developed. Pre-installed on most devices.
- melonDS Android — Open-source DS emulator with Wi-Fi support and better accuracy than DraStic. Requires more processing power.
- Citra / Citra Enhanced — The go-to 3DS emulator on Android. Supports upscaling, save states, and most of the 3DS library. Needs at least a Snapdragon 845-tier processor for playable results.
For pure DS emulation, DraStic is still the best choice on budget hardware. For 3DS, Citra Enhanced is the way to go on anything Snapdragon 8 Gen 1 or newer.
Quick Comparison Table
| Device | Screens | DS | 3DS | Price | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| AYN Thor | Dual AMOLED | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ~$299 | Best overall |
| Anbernic RG DS | Dual IPS | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ~$99 | Budget dual-screen |
| AYANEO Pocket DS | Dual OLED/LCD | ★★★★★ | ★★★★★ | ~$499 | Max screen size |
| Anbernic RG Cube | Single square | ★★★★☆ | ★★★☆☆ | ~$120 | Square screen versatility |
| Retroid Pocket 6 | Single widescreen | ★★★★☆ | ★★★★☆ | ~$244 | Do-everything device |
| MagicX Zero 40 | Single vertical | ★★★★★ | ★★☆☆☆ | ~$80 | Pocketable DS machine |
The Bottom Line
If DS and 3DS emulation is your primary goal, get a dual-screen device. The AYN Thor is the best choice for most people — it handles both libraries beautifully and the clamshell form factor feels right. If you're budget-conscious and only care about DS (not 3DS), the Anbernic RG DS at under $100 is a no-brainer.
For people who want a single device that covers everything, the Retroid Pocket 6 or the Anbernic RG Cube are strong picks where DS/3DS is one capability among many.
Prices and availability are subject to change, especially with the ongoing RAM shortage affecting the handheld market in 2026. We recommend purchasing sooner rather than later if you see a price you like.