Locate the newly created file. It is often named nand.bin or a string of numbers ending in .bin (e.g., dsi_nand.bin ). Setting Up nand.bin in melonDS
This article is for educational purposes. Always own the hardware you are emulating.
Pitfalls and gotchas
In the context of melonDS, nand.bin acts as the virtual storage for the DSi console.
Are you getting a specific when trying to boot?
Enable .
, BIOS, and firmware files into the melonDS executable folder or a designated "Firmware" directory. Configuration : Open melonDS, navigate to Config > Emu settings , and go to the Path Selection : Browse and select the
You will find websites offering pre-dumped nand.bin files for download.
For many retro gaming enthusiasts, melonDS has established itself as the premier emulator for the Nintendo DS. While booting a standard game ROM ( .nds ) is straightforward, users looking for authentic system functionality—such as accessing the DSi Menu, using DSiWare, or running the System Settings—will inevitably encounter a critical, yet often misunderstood file: nand.bin .
As an enthusiast and responsible member of the emulation community, it's important to reiterate the legal landscape. The files discussed in this guide—the BIOS, the firmware, and the NAND—are the intellectual property of Nintendo Co., Ltd. Creating and distributing these files without permission is a form of piracy.
firmware.bin is the system software that boots, while nand.bin is the storage that holds the apps and data the firmware uses. My NAND keeps throwing errors.
