Software Alternatives, Accelerators & Startups

DeSmuME VS InputMapper

Compare DeSmuME VS InputMapper 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.

InputMapper logo InputMapper

Input Mapper is designed to bridge the gap between the devices you use and the games you play.
  • DeSmuME Landing page
    Landing page //
    2022-08-04
  • InputMapper Landing page
    Landing page //
    2021-09-30

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.

InputMapper features and specs

  • Versatility
    InputMapper supports a wide range of controllers and devices, making it highly versatile for different gaming setups.
  • Customization
    Users can customize button mappings and profiles extensively to suit their personal preferences or specific game requirements.
  • User-Friendly Interface
    The application offers a user-friendly interface, making it accessible even for those who are not technically proficient.
  • Community Support
    InputMapper has an active community and official support which offers assistance and plugin development for new features.

Possible disadvantages of InputMapper

  • Performance Issues
    Some users report performance issues, particularly with latency and connection stability when using certain controllers.
  • Limited Updates
    The software doesn't receive updates as frequently as some users would prefer, which can lead to issues with newer games or devices.
  • Compatibility
    There can be compatibility issues with certain games or operating systems, requiring workarounds or additional tweaking.
  • Complex Setup
    For some users, especially newcomers, the initial setup process can be complex and may require following detailed guides.

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 InputMapper

Overall verdict

  • Overall, InputMapper is considered a helpful tool for gamers looking to customize their device inputs. While the beta version may have some bugs or stability issues, its functionality and flexibility make it a worthwhile option for tech-savvy users who are willing to troubleshoot potential issues or those who require specific control configurations.

Why this product is good

  • InputMapper is a popular tool primarily used for mapping input devices such as controllers to different configurations. Its utility comes from its ability to enhance the gaming experience by allowing users to customize controls for better comfort and gameplay. This can be particularly beneficial for games that have limited control customization options natively. The tool also supports multiple devices, making it versatile for a wide range of input needs.

Recommended for

  • Gamers seeking customizable controller configurations
  • Users with non-standard input devices
  • Individuals who enjoy tweaking and optimizing their gaming setups

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

InputMapper videos

Use a PS4 Controller in Steam with Inputmapper

More videos:

  • Tutorial - How to connect your ps4 controller to your pc windows 10 Using InputMapper 2019!!!

Category Popularity

0-100% (relative to DeSmuME and InputMapper)
Gaming
69 69%
31% 31
Emulators
100 100%
0% 0
Controller Mapping
0 0%
100% 100
Gaming Tools
64 64%
36% 36

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 InputMapper

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 DSโ€ฆ 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
Nintendoโ€™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.

InputMapper Reviews

Top 5 REWASD Alternatives in 2021
InputMapper uses PS4 and virtual Xbox 360 controllers for key mapping of keyboards to make sure different games and applications work effectively. It is free to use, and you can expect it to evolve a lot, so it would be a good platform for you to start.
Fantastic Controller Mappers and Where to Find Them
In general, InputMapper (which is also called DS4Windows) is a good controller mapping software for those who have a DualShock 4 controller. But if youโ€™re looking for deeper features, or using any controller except DualShock 4, you should look for an InputMapper alternative! And itโ€™s easier than it seems to find one ;)
Source: www.rewasd.com

Social recommendations and mentions

Based on our record, DeSmuME should be more popular than InputMapper. It has been mentiond 32 times since March 2021. 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: about 3 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 3 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 3 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 3 years ago
  • Rule
    Youโ€™ll need an emulator that you can load the rom into. Desmume (https://desmume.org) is a decent one. Source: over 3 years ago
View more

InputMapper mentions (8)

  • I feel like Iโ€™m digressing
    You can use either this or this I believe to change shit around to where you can figure out one way or another of playing with two people despite the issues you mentioned. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Controller Issue
    This may be of some use to you, maybe? Source: about 3 years ago
  • free alternative to reWASD
    It mentions some alternatives, though, such as Input Mapper and Xpadder. If your games are on Steam, you could try Steam's controller config thing. Source: about 3 years ago
  • Xbox controller does not work
    If not, try using InputMapper or find something more specific for the controllers. Source: over 4 years ago
  • weird button bug help (xbox one controller on pc)
    Ahh right I understand now. All I can suggest is 1. Untick xbox controller support in big picture mode or settings. 2. Install https://beta.inputmapper.com/ 3. Configure button layout and try it in tekken. I'm not sure what else can be done. Source: over 4 years ago
View more

What are some alternatives?

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

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

Xpadder - Xpadder simulates the keyboard and mouse using your gamepad What does Xpadder let you do?

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

JoyToKey - JoyToKey enables users to control the keyboard using any USB compatible controller (Dualshock 3, Xbox 360, etc.)

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

reWASD - First and only gamepad mapper to make Xbox Elite paddles separate buttons.