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Dolphin – GameCube & Wii Emulator

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Dolphin is the only emulator you need to play GameCube and Wii games on your PC with enhanced graphics and performance features. Known for its high compatibility and easy to user interface, Dolphin supports various controllers, including real Wii remotes via the DolphinBar.

Dolphin Download

Select which version you require below to be taken to either the official website or app store for your device where you can download:

Windows
Android
apple [#173] Created with Sketch. macOS
Linux

Dolphin Setup Instructions

This guide will walk you through the process of setting up the Dolphin emulator to play GameCube & Wii games. Additionally, you’ll discover how to use the DolphinBar to pair a real Wii remote for an authentic Wii experience.

Step 1: Download Dolphin Emulator

  1. Go to dolphin-emu.org.
  2. Click on “Download Dolphin” to access the download page.
  3. Choose the stable beta version for your operating system (Windows, Mac, or Linux).
  4. Download the appropriate version for your system (e.g., Windows x64).

Step 2: Extract Dolphin Emulator

  1. Locate the downloaded Dolphin emulator file.
  2. Right-click on the file and select “7-Zip” > “Extract to ‘dolphin-master/'”.
  3. This will create a new folder with all the extracted files.
  4. Delete the original zip file to save space.

Step 3: Launch Dolphin Emulator

  1. Open the extracted Dolphin folder.
  2. Double-click the Dolphin executable file to launch the emulator.
  3. When prompted, choose whether to allow Dolphin to report information to its developers.

Step 4: Configure Graphics Settings

  1. Click on “Graphics” in the Dolphin main menu.
  2. Set the backend to “OpenGL” for high-spec PCs, or “Direct3D 11” for lower-spec PCs.
  3. Change the aspect ratio to “16:9” for widescreen or leave it on “Auto” for the original 4:3 ratio.
  4. Check “V-Sync” to eliminate screen tearing.
  5. Enable “Start in Fullscreen”.
  6. Check “Compile Shaders Before Starting” to reduce in-game lag.
  7. Go to “Enhancements” and set the internal resolution (e.g., 4x for 1440p monitors).
  8. Set anti-aliasing and texture filtering according to your PC’s capability.
  9. In “Advanced”, check “Show FPS” if you want to monitor the frame rate.

Step 5: Set Up GameCube Controller

  1. Click on “Controllers” in the Dolphin main menu.
  2. Under “GameCube Controllers”, click “Configure” next to Port 1.
  3. Select your controller from the “Device” dropdown menu.
  4. Map each button manually by clicking the corresponding button and pressing the desired button on your controller.
  5. Save the profile with a name (e.g., “P1”) and click “Save”.
  6. Repeat for additional controllers if needed.

Step 6: Set Up Wii Remote with DolphinBar

  1. Plug the DolphinBar into a USB port on your PC.
  2. Switch the DolphinBar to Mode 4 (Real Wii Remote).
  3. Depending on the DolphinBar’s placement (top or bottom of the monitor), adjust the position switch accordingly.
  4. Sync the Wii Remote with the DolphinBar by pressing the sync button on both the bar and the Wii Remote.
  5. In Dolphin, go to “Controllers”.
  6. Ensure “Emulate the Wii’s Bluetooth adapter” is checked.
  7. Set all Wii Remote slots to “Real Wii Remote”.
  8. Click “Refresh” to sync and confirm your Wii Remote vibrates.

Step 7: Add Game Directory

  1. In Dolphin, double-click where it says “Double-click here to set a games directory”.
  2. Navigate to the folder containing your GameCube and Wii ROMs.
  3. Select the folder and click “Select Folder”.
  4. Your games will appear in the emulator.

Step 8: Download Game Covers

  1. Click on “Config” in the Dolphin main menu.
  2. Go to the “Interface” tab.
  3. Check “Download game covers from gametdb.com for use in Grid mode”.
  4. Exit the configuration menu.

Step 9: Change to Grid View

  1. Click on “View” in the Dolphin main menu.
  2. Select “Grid View” to see your games with their cover art.

Step 10: Load a Game

  1. Select a GameCube game from your list and double-click to start playing.
  2. To load a Wii game, follow the same steps.