Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DeSmuME VS CodeWeavers CrossOver

Compare DeSmuME VS CodeWeavers CrossOver and see what are their differences

DeSmuME logo DeSmuME

DeSmuME is a freeware emulator for the NDS roms & Nintendo DS Lite games created by YopYop156.

CodeWeavers CrossOver logo CodeWeavers CrossOver

Don't buy a Windows license, don't reboot and don't use a Virtual Machine. Try a free trial of CrossOver to run your Windows software on Mac, Linux and Chrome OS.
  • DeSmuME Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-04
  • CodeWeavers CrossOver Landing page
    Landing page //
    2023-02-09

DeSmuME features and specs

  • High Compatibility
    DeSmuME has a high compatibility rate with a wide range of Nintendo DS games, making it a reliable choice for most users.
  • Active Community
    There is a strong, active community around DeSmuME, offering support, updates, and troubleshooting advice which can be very helpful.
  • Save State Feature
    The emulator supports save states, allowing users to save and load their progress at any point, offering greater control over gameplay.
  • High Customizability
    Users can adjust numerous settings including graphics, controls, and emulation speed, enabling tailored experiences.
  • Free to Use
    DeSmuME is open-source and free to use, making it accessible to all users without any cost.

Possible disadvantages of DeSmuME

  • Performance Issues
    Some users experience performance issues, such as lag or frame rate drops, particularly with more demanding games or on lower-end hardware.
  • Complex Setup
    The initial setup and configuration can be complex and intimidating for beginners who are not familiar with emulators.
  • Limited Touchscreen Functionality
    Replicating the Nintendo DS touchscreen functionality can be cumbersome, and some games may not play as smoothly without a real touch interface.
  • No Built-in Network Play
    Unlike some other emulators, DeSmuME does not have built-in network play, limiting multiplayer experiences to local or single-player modes.

CodeWeavers CrossOver features and specs

  • Compatibility
    CrossOver enables users to run many Windows applications on macOS, Linux, and Chrome OS without requiring a Windows license or virtual machine.
  • Performance
    Applications generally run faster and consume fewer resources as compared to running them in a virtual machine because CrossOver eliminates the overhead associated with a full Windows OS.
  • Ease of Use
    The interface is user-friendly, allowing even non-technical users to install and run Windows applications with relative ease.
  • Cost
    CrossOver is generally less expensive than purchasing a Windows license and a virtual machine software, offering a cost-effective solution for running Windows applications.
  • Official Support
    CrossOver provides official technical support and frequent updates, which can be an advantage over community-supported tools like Wine.
  • Integration
    Windows applications run more seamlessly within your native operating system environment, making them appear like native applications.

Possible disadvantages of CodeWeavers CrossOver

  • Limited Compatibility
    While CrossOver supports many Windows applications, it does not support all of them. Some applications may not run perfectly or may have performance issues.
  • Subscription Model
    CrossOver operates on a subscription model, which might be a con for users looking for a one-time purchase option.
  • Dependency on Wine
    CrossOver is based on Wine, an open-source project, meaning your experience is partially dependent on the progress and limitations of the Wine project.
  • Performance Overhead
    Although less resource-intensive than virtual machines, there's still some performance overhead associated with translating Windows API calls to the host OS.
  • Initial Setup
    While easier than some alternatives, initial setup and configuration can still be complex for users unfamiliar with compatibility layers or Windows applications.
  • Licensing Restrictions
    Certain commercial or enterprise licenses may have restrictions or limitations that can complicate using CrossOver in a business environment.

Analysis of DeSmuME

Overall verdict

  • DeSmuME is considered one of the best Nintendo DS emulators available. Its ease of use and comprehensive feature set make it a strong option for those looking to emulate DS games on a computer.

Why this product is good

  • DeSmuME is a popular Nintendo DS emulator known for its high compatibility, numerous features, and regular updates. It allows users to play Nintendo DS games on their computers, offering support for save states, cheats, and high customization. The emulator also includes options for graphical enhancements and debugging tools, making it a preferred choice for both casual gamers and developers.

Recommended for

    DeSmuME is recommended for casual gamers who want to enjoy Nintendo DS games, as well as developers and enthusiasts interested in experimenting with the DS's architecture. It is also suitable for users who value features like save states, graphical enhancements, and customization options.

Analysis of CodeWeavers CrossOver

Overall verdict

  • Overall, CodeWeavers CrossOver is a good solution for those who need Windows applications on other operating systems. While it may not support every Windows application, its ease of use and solid performance make it a worthwhile option for many users.

Why this product is good

  • CodeWeavers CrossOver is well-regarded for allowing users to run Windows applications on macOS and Linux systems without the need to install a separate Windows OS. It is user-friendly, supports a wide range of applications, and offers good performance. The continuous development and dedicated support from CodeWeavers also add value, making it a reliable choice for many users.

Recommended for

  • Mac users looking to run essential Windows applications without dual booting.
  • Linux users who need access to specific Windows software for work or personal use.
  • Individuals who prefer a straightforward installation process without the need for a full Windows license.
  • Users seeking an affordable alternative to virtual machines or dual boot setups for accessing Windows applications.

DeSmuME videos

DeSmuME: Complete Install Guide (Nintendo DS Emulator)

More videos:

  • Review - DeSmuMe: The Amazing Nintendo DS Emulator for PC! |Emulator Review| Ft. Anton Retro
  • Review - Desmume Review

CodeWeavers CrossOver videos

Crisis on Infinite Earths: Crossover Review

More videos:

  • Review - Top 10 New Crossover Cars with Updated Looks, Prices and Specifications in 2019
  • Review - 2019 Compact Crossover Challenge | MotorWeek Comparison Test

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DeSmuME and CodeWeavers CrossOver)
Gaming
73 73%
27% 27
Group Chat & Notifications
Emulators
100 100%
0% 0
Cloud Computing
0 0%
100% 100

User comments

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Reviews

These are some of the external sources and on-site user reviews we've used to compare DeSmuME and CodeWeavers CrossOver

DeSmuME Reviews

Best DS Emulator: Are These Emulators Safe And Legal To Use?
It provides a good gaming experience with features like save states, cheat codes, and controller support. DeSmuME is also easy to use and has a simple interface.
Source: appletoo.us
5 Best Nintendo DS Emulators for PC
Although it only has handful graphic settings, you can get good game graphics comparable to DeSmuME with a few tweaks.
7 Best Mac Emulators For Gamers In 2022
If you are like me, and have never owned a Nintendo DS… DeSmuME can emulate the Nintendo DS and Nintendo DS Lite handheld game consoles with its Mac compatible program.
Source: retrododo.com
12 Best Gaming Console Emulators for Mac in 2022
DeSmuMe is a Nintendo emulator designed to allow users to play dual screens of Nintendo on their PC as the emulator simulates the dual-screen on the PC monitor.
Source: thebingeful.com
10 Emulators To Turn Your Computer Into A Retro Console
Nintendo’s dual screen console can be played on your computer using DeSmuME, with both screens simulated on your computer monitor. Your mouse is used as a stylus for the touch input. It even supports games that require you to play your device sideways.

CodeWeavers CrossOver Reviews

15 Lutris Alternatives
CrossOver is a compatibility layer for Windows that lets the program run natively on Linux, macOS, and Chrome OS, among others. This free and open-source program has many useful features and functions that make it easy to link your Windows programs together. The business edition is excellent for large organizations because it has better support and more powerful features....

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DeSmuME seems to be a lot more popular than CodeWeavers CrossOver. While we know about 32 links to DeSmuME, we've tracked only 1 mention of CodeWeavers CrossOver. We are tracking product recommendations and mentions on various public social media platforms and blogs. They can help you identify which product is more popular and what people think of it.

DeSmuME mentions (32)

  • any one know how to emulate a dsi game
    Citra is for 3ds games. While it should be compatible with ds games since the physical consoles are, this isn't true of the emulators. http://desmume.org/ has what you need. Source: almost 2 years ago
  • Looking for My Old Nintendo 3DS
    You should probably emulate the games, your 3DS is unlikely to be found Here is an Emulator r/roms is a good resource for ROMs. Source: about 2 years ago
  • Scooby Doo First Frights & the spooky swamp
    You can download DeSmuME (http://desmume.org/), which is a free Nintendo emulator. Then you wanna search up "Scooby Doo First Frights ROM" in Google, and download it. Then you can open the emulator, click on File at the top, click "Open ROM", then open the ROM file you downloaded to play the game. Source: over 2 years ago
  • How do you guys play?
    Emulators 100%, mGBA for GBA games (My Boy for android, sprang for the paid version a while ago and don't regret it), DeSmuME for DS and Citra for 3DS. I do technically still own copies of most DS and 3DS games but I despise nuzlocking on hardware at this point and I tend to play romhacks anyways. I personally wouldn't recommend anything other than GBA games/romhacks for a phone, but maybe someone else has a... Source: over 2 years ago
  • Rule
    You’ll need an emulator that you can load the rom into. Desmume (https://desmume.org) is a decent one. Source: over 2 years ago
View more

CodeWeavers CrossOver mentions (1)

  • Anyone try V Rising on Parallels or Crossover?
    Here you go https://codeweavers.com/crossover. Source: about 3 years ago

What are some alternatives?

When comparing DeSmuME and CodeWeavers CrossOver, you can also consider the following products

Citra - Citra is a work-in-progress emulator for the Nintendo 3DS.

Wine - Open Source Software for running Windows applications on other operating systems.

melonDS - A Nintendo DS emulator with support for commercial games.

PlayOnLinux - PlayOnLinux will allow you to play your favorite games on Linux easily

mGBA - mGBA is an open source emulator of the Game Boy Advance. The goals are speed and accuracy.

WineBottler - WineBottler is an App to manage and wrap your Windows apps into convenient OS X apps.