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SeedlessDS 1.0.0-beta1

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@SapphireRhodonite SapphireRhodonite released this 08 Aug 02:33
1.0.0-beta1
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This is the first public beta release of SeedlessDS.

SeedlessDS is a Nintendo DS emulator app for Android built around the DraStic r2.6.0.4a core, with a new Android frontend, a new UI written in Kotlin and Jetpack Compose, RetroAchievements integration work, and dual-screen behavior designed for modern Android handhelds.

Screenshot_20260807-202219 Screenshot_20260807-202227 Screenshot_20260807-202258

The goal of SeedlessDS is simple:

Provide a lightweight Nintendo DS experience for devices where melonDS-based emulation may be too demanding, while keeping a modern Android interface and features that match the direction of its sister project, WatermelonDS.

What is SeedlessDS?

SeedlessDS is designed for Android handhelds with physical controls, and especially for dual-screen devices.

The name comes from the same visual idea as WatermelonDS:

SeedlessDS is the smaller sibling of WatermelonDS.

It is the watermelon without the seeds.

While WatermelonDS continues to be the long-term melonDS-based project, SeedlessDS exists to provide a more lightweight option for low-power handheld consoles today.

This is especially useful for devices where performance is limited and users still want a smooth Nintendo DS experience.

Main Highlights

  • New Android frontend for a DraStic-based core
  • Based on the DraStic r2.6.0.4a core
  • New UI built from scratch with Kotlin + Jetpack Compose
  • UI direction designed to match the WatermelonDS family
  • Focused on Android handhelds with physical controls
  • Designed with dual-screen devices in mind
  • RetroAchievements support work
  • rcheevos integration pinned to v12.3.0
  • Achievements, leaderboards, and profile information
  • Save states with screenshots
  • Quick save and quick load
  • Cheat database and custom codes
  • Global and per-game settings
  • Physical controller mapping
  • Front-end friendly launch intent support

Built for Low-Power Handhelds

SeedlessDS is intended for handheld consoles and Android devices with less powerful chipsets.

Some devices may not be able to run melonDS-based emulation comfortably in all games. SeedlessDS is meant to fill that gap by providing a lighter alternative while still offering modern features such as:

  • A controller-first interface
  • Save states
  • Cheats
  • RetroAchievements
  • Dual-screen presentation improvements
  • A modern Android library experience

This does not replace WatermelonDS.

WatermelonDS remains the main long-term project. SeedlessDS is an additional option for devices that need something lighter today.

RetroAchievements

SeedlessDS includes RetroAchievements integration work.

Current RetroAchievements-related features include:

  • Achievement support
  • Leaderboard support
  • Profile card with hardcore and casual score
  • Integration through rcheevos v12.3.0
  • Native memory bridge work for achievement support

This is still an early beta, so please report any RetroAchievements issues with as much detail as possible.

Library and UI

SeedlessDS includes a new app interface designed for handheld usage.

Features include:

  • ROM folders
  • Search with accent-insensitive matching
  • Filters for All, Favorites, DS, DSiWare, and RetroAchievements
  • Continue Playing section
  • Box art support using libretro thumbnails
  • Cached box art on disk
  • Bundled thumbnail index for faster startup
  • Gamepad navigation across the interface
  • External panel descriptions while navigating menus

The UI is being designed to feel part of the same family as WatermelonDS while keeping SeedlessDS focused on lighter hardware.

Controller Support

SeedlessDS is built for physical controls.

Supported mapping areas include:

  • DS buttons
  • D-pad
  • Touch-related functions
  • Fast-forward
  • Quick save
  • Quick load
  • Swap screens
  • Cycle layouts
  • Microphone
  • Turbo
  • Emulator-specific shortcuts

The goal is to make the full app usable from a handheld console without requiring constant touch input.

Front-End Support

SeedlessDS can be launched by Android intents, making it easier to integrate with front-ends.

Example:

am start -n com.seedlessds.app/com.seedlessds.app.LaunchGame \
    -e rom_path /storage/emulated/0/roms/nds/game.nds \
    --ei load_slot 1

Supported file types currently include:

  • .nds
  • .dsi
  • .srl
  • .ids

Current Build Information

  • App: Kotlin + Jetpack Compose
  • UI framework: Material 3
  • Core: DraStic r2.6.0.4a based core
  • Native bridge: libdrastic_bridge.so
  • RetroAchievements: rcheevos v12.3.0
  • Rendering: EGL-based dual-panel rendering path
  • ABI: arm64-v8a
  • Android: 5.0+ / API 21+
  • Build target: API 35
  • Version: 1.0.0-beta1
  • Version code: 109

Roadmap

SeedlessDS is currently an Android beta, but there is more planned.

Future goals include:

  • Continue improving RetroAchievements support
  • Continue improving the UI to better match WatermelonDS
  • Improve compatibility and stability on low-power handhelds
  • Continue documenting the DraStic core interface
  • Publish the parts of the project that are already ours
  • Move toward a clean, publishable reimplementation of the emulation core
  • Prepare a Linux version for compatible handheld devices

A Linux version is planned, with devices such as the RG35XX SP in mind.

The long-term goal is to make more of the project open and portable over time, while keeping the public code clean and suitable for release.

Important Legal Notes

SeedlessDS does not include Nintendo DS BIOS or firmware files.

DraStic is the property of its original authors.

Nintendo, Nintendo DS, and any referenced game titles are trademarks of their respective owners.

This project is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or connected to Nintendo or the original DraStic authors.

Known Notes

  • This is an early beta release.
  • Only arm64-v8a Android devices are supported right now.
  • RetroAchievements support is still being tested.
  • Some games may have compatibility issues.
  • Some UI areas may still need polish.
  • Low-power handheld behavior may vary by device.
  • Dual-screen behavior depends on the Android device and display implementation.

What to Test

Please test and report feedback about:

  • Game compatibility
  • Performance on low-power handhelds
  • Dual-screen behavior
  • Controller navigation
  • Controller mapping
  • Save states
  • Quick save and quick load
  • Cheats
  • RetroAchievements login
  • Achievement unlocks
  • Leaderboards
  • UI layout issues
  • Front-end launch behavior

Reporting Issues

When reporting issues, please include:

  • Device model
  • Android version
  • Game title
  • Whether you used one screen or two screens
  • Whether RetroAchievements was enabled
  • Whether you used touch controls or a physical controller
  • Steps to reproduce the issue
  • Screenshots or video, if possible
  • Logs, if available

Thank You

Thank you to everyone testing SeedlessDS.

This project exists because some handhelds need a lighter Nintendo DS option today, while WatermelonDS continues to mature as the long-term melonDS-based project.

SeedlessDS is still early, but it is already a useful path for low-power Android consoles, dual-screen handhelds, and RetroAchievements-focused Nintendo DS gameplay.

Thank you for testing and supporting SeedlessDS.

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