Iphone Delta App Online Multiplayer

The Nintendo DS wasn’t particularly recognized for its strong online multiplayer features. However, anyone who tried to outpace friends in Mario Kart DS knows how intense that racing game could become. Thanks to the impressive Delta emulator, those revisiting their DS memories on iPhone or iPad have reason to be excited. One of Delta’s developers announced they’re working on restoring online multiplayer functionality.

On Monday, Riley Testut, the main developer behind Delta, shared that select Nintendo DS games would soon support online multiplayer again. In a post on Threads, he demonstrated it with Mario Kart DS, a personal favorite of mine from my teenage years. Testut mentioned he “messed up the drift at the end,” but it showcased the competitive spirit of the mobile version, even with its sometimes problematic netcode.

Testut collaborated with others in the retro gaming community to integrate a reverse-engineered version of Nintendo’s WFC servers into the emulator. He aims to launch a beta “within the next few weeks,” initially for Delta’s Patreon subscribers before rolling it out to everyone.

This update should enable gameplay over modern Wi-Fi networks, allowing for online battles and trading in classic DS titles like Pokémon Black/White. Delta’s system will support all existing third-party DS servers, including Wiimmfi, AltWFC, and Kaeru. Testut provided more details about compatible online games in his Threads posts, confirming that players could receive gifts in older DS Pokémon Mystery Dungeon games.

Many DS enthusiasts already utilize services like Kaeru WFC to access a replica of Nintendo’s outdated online services. Testut explained to The Verge that he used a third-party tool called melonDS to connect to these fan-made DS servers. This means players using emulators can interact with those still fortunate enough to own a physical DS on the same servers. Since Delta is leveraging these third-party services, the update will be free for everyone.

Nintendo discontinued online support for the DS in 2014. Its successor, the Nintendo 3DS, enjoyed a longer life, but support for its online services ended in April, along with the Wii U. This closure also shut down the eShop, making it tougher to access Nintendo’s top handheld titles from the 2000s and 2010s. For those not wanting to spend a fortune on second-hand hardware, Delta and other emulators are the best alternatives, despite the legal gray areas surrounding emulation.

Delta is an Emulation App on Iphone's Appstore. Snag it, and upload some Roms to it, and play some online multiplayer soon!

-Published by Austin, September 2024