VNDS Interpreters
VNDS visual novels are distributed not as executables but rather as folders or archives that must be launched through a VNDS interpreter. There are several apps that can be used to play VNDS novels on a large variety of platforms. This page serves to list and compare them.
| Name | Platform(s) | Latest Version | FLOSS | Active | Recommended |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| VNDSx |  |
Git | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| VNDS Interpreter |  |
Mirror | ✗ | ✗ | ✓ |
| Higurashi-Vita |  |
Git | ✓ | ✗ | ✓ |
| VNDS-LOVE |
    
|
Git | ✓ | ✗ | ~ |
| VNPSP |  |
Git | ✓ | ✗ | ✗ |
| VN3DS | |
GBAtemp | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
| Visual Novel Reader | |
Google Play | ✗ | ✗ | ✗ |
VNDSx
The original software. Originally developed by Jake Probst/ToasterMage as simply "VNDS", the x was added once anonl took over development. Despite having poor stability and lacking support for high quality audio and graphics, VNDSx is still the recommended way to use VNDS on all DS family systems, owing to the incomplete state of the various alternatives.
VNDS Interpreter
The official Android VNDS interpreter created by anonl. It could be downloaded for free, but had to be bought in order to be able to save. With the Google Play page having disappeared years ago, this interpreter is no longer available in any official capacity. A mirror of the latest (paid) version is still available above, though.
Higurashi-Vita
While built for the purpose of playing Higurashi on the Vita, this interpreter is fully capable of playing other VNDS novels just fine. Due to unfortunately having a significantly altered command set and formats, a [converter](https://github.com/MyLegGuy/VNDSVitaConverter) is unfortunately necessary, but due to being the only interpreter on the system and having good compatibility, it is recommended for Vita users.
VNDS-LOVE
Cross-platform VNDS interpreter. Works well for the most part on PC and Switch, but 3DS and Android support is incomplete, so usage on those platforms is not recommended.
VNPSP
An incomplete VNDS interpreter for the PSP. It never got far enough to get an official release and has issues with many VNDS novels. The source code is still available though and there are binaries compiled from it floating around online. While it is the only VNDS interpreter on the PSP, it has too many issues to be a recommended option.
VN3DS
VNDS Interpreter for the 3DS. Due to its early and abandoned state, it has all the limits of the original VNDSx (limited resolution) and more (no audio, no colored text, no custom fade length and a few poorly implemented commands). Its usage is not recommended.
Visual Novel Reader
An alternative to VNDS Interpreter created by Synthicify due to the inactivity of VNDS Interpreter's development. It uses a slightly extended command set known as VNDS++, but none of the new commands were ever used by any visual novels, even in Synthicify's own VNDS ports. Much like with VNDS Interpeter, the load feature must be bought to be used. Because it has less features than VNDS Interpreter, deviates from the standard VNDS command set, is a paid app and has severe issues with finding downloaded visual novels, it is recommended that you use VNDS Interpreter instead.
TODO:
* DarkVN
* iVN
* VNDS-Online
* VNJS
* VNJSn
