Power on your Recalbox system and connect it to your local network.

The Metal Slug series is the gold standard of run-and-gun arcade action. While most fans are intimately familiar with the neo-geo classics ( Metal Slug 1, 2, X, 3, 4, 5 ), the seventh installment often flies under the radar. Originally released exclusively for the Nintendo DS in 2008 (and later ported to the PSP as Metal Slug XX ), Metal Slug 7 represents a unique chapter in the franchise’s history.

Set the 3D Rendering Engine to for smoother sprite rendering.

: Drop the .nds file into the nds folder.

. Unlike its predecessors, which debuted on the legendary Neo Geo MVS arcade hardware, Metal Slug 7 was originally developed exclusively for the Nintendo DS handheld console in 2008.

While 2021 may seem like yesterday, it was a pivotal year for DS emulation – MelonDS matured, Recalbox added native DS support without hacks, and the retro community finally had a reliable way to play this hidden gem. Whether you build a dedicated Recalbox arcade machine or just launch MelonDS on your Windows desktop, Metal Slug 7 is absolutely worth the effort.

Open the Recalbox menu, go to "Advanced Emulator Configuration," and ensure the DS emulator is set to Libretro DeSmuME . Launch Game: Select the game from the main menu. Running Metal Slug 7 on PC (2021)

Before concluding, it's worth mentioning that Metal Slug 7 received a significant enhanced re-release, titled Metal Slug XX . This version was released for the PSP and, more importantly, for modern platforms. It features improved visuals, additional playable characters (including fan-favorite Leona from The King of Fighters series), and other refinements. If you can't get DS emulation working to your liking, Metal Slug XX is an excellent, often easier-to-run alternative that still delivers the core Metal Slug 7 experience.

For Metal Slug 7 to appear in your Recalbox menu, place your files in the following directory: MAME GUIDE: Setup, ROMs, & HLSL made EASY!

He walked to his arcade cabinet. It was a Frankenstein thing—an old gutted Neo Geo cabinet, a second-hand LCD, Sanwa joysticks. He pressed the power button. Recalbox’s splash screen—a cute pixel raccoon—winked at him.