Pro tip: Keep your ROMs in a separate folder and point the emulator to a dedicated BIOS folder (more on that below).
In discussions regarding melonDS and NAND bins, the term "Top" usually refers to the primary display output or the initialization of the screens.
To emulate a Nintendo DSi, or to use the "DSi Mode" in melonDS, a full NAND dump is required. This is typically created using homebrew tools like fwTool or dumpNAND on a modded DSi console. nandbin melonds top
When you load a DSi NAND dump into melonDS:
In the world of Nintendo 3DS homebrew, few achievements feel as rewarding as getting flawless Nintendo DS emulation. While the 3DS has native backward compatibility via "DS mode," it has limitations: no save states, no screen resizing, and no support for ROM hacks. Enter MelonDS—a standalone emulator ported to the 3DS. But to make it sing, you need the right foundation. Pro tip: Keep your ROMs in a separate
That foundation is the Nandbin Melonds Top configuration.
For enthusiasts on forums like GBAtemp and Reddit, achieving the "Top" tier of MelonDS performance means moving beyond the basic install. It means leveraging a custom Nandbin (a binary image of the DS system firmware) to unlock speed, stability, and feature parity with the PC version. This is typically created using homebrew tools like
In this guide, we will break down what "Nandbin Melonds Top" actually means, why it is the gold standard for 3DS DS emulation, and how to install it step-by-step.
Most users download the stable melonDS from the official website (v0.9.5 as of this writing). However, to reach the NandBin top level, you need the latest nightly build or a specially patched version.