Where Does DeSmuME Store Saves and Save States?
DeSmuME keeps .dsv battery files in Battery and states in States. The defaults and the Path Settings behind them.
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DeSmuME writes in game saves as .dsv files in its Battery folder. That format carries autodetect headers, which is why the project renamed it from plain .sav years ago. Raw .sav and No$GBA files import through File, then Import Backup Memory.
Save states (.ds0 and up) go in States, or StateSlots on newer builds. Both folders are settable under Config, then Path Settings, and desmume.ini records the choice. On Mac the same trio appears via File, then Reveal Game Data Folder in Finder.
Where DeSmuME stores this, by platform
.\Battery
Folder beside the exe by default, holding .dsv saves. States sit in States or StateSlots next to it. Both paths are settable under Config, Path Settings; desmume.ini stores the Battery key.
~/.config/desmume/Battery
Same Battery and States split under the config home. Exact parent varies by frontend build, so confirm with the path settings dialog when the folder looks empty.
~/Library/Application Support/DeSmuME/Battery
Use File, Reveal Game Data Folder in Finder to open the live folder. Copy Battery files across from Windows to migrate; match emulation settings or states may refuse to load.
Frequently asked questions
dsv vs save state in desmume, which survives updates
The .dsv. DeSmuME warns that states break between versions due to internal changes, while battery saves in the Battery folder carry forward. Save in game at a save point for anything permanent.
how do i use a no$gba sav with desmume
Use File, then Import Backup Memory and pick the .sav. DeSmuME converts it into its .dsv in the Battery folder. After that the game loads it like a native save.
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