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Dolphin
What it is
Dolphin is software for emulating Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles, allowing users to play games for those systems on a PC. It is free, open-source software available for Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and requires a 64-bit operating system. The project lists full HD resolution up to 1080p, PC controller support, turbo speed, and networked multiplayer among its enhancements. Its FAQ describes compatibility as high across most GameCube and Wii titles, while noting that some games may have problems. Dolphin is licensed under GPLv2+; distributing it requires releasing source code and providing attribution. Stable releases are produced every few months, while development builds appear several times daily and receive less testing. The FAQ recommends at least 2 GB of RAM and GPU support for DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 4.4. Users can find community resources through Discord, forums, a wiki, and GitHub, and report bugs through the issue tracker. Dolphin states that it is not affiliated with Nintendo.
For and against
For
- Free plan; no paid plans listed.
- Available on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows.
- Lists 1080p, controller support, and turbo speed.
- Networked multiplayer is listed.
- Community resources include forums, a wiki, and GitHub.
Against
- Does not support 32-bit operating systems.
- Some games may have defects, errors, or crashes.
- Development builds are less tested than stable releases.
The verdict
Dolphin offers GameCube and Wii emulation with several listed enhancements and broad platform availability. Check the 64-bit system requirements and be aware that compatibility issues can occur with some games.
Who it suits
Dolphin suits players who want to run GameCube or Wii games on a supported 64-bit PC or Android device. It may also suit users seeking controller support or networked multiplayer.
Plans and prices
Dolphin Emulator
No paid plans or pricing listed on the official pages opened
Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
On the record
- Affiliation
- The FAQ states that Dolphin is not affiliated with Nintendo.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Community and support
- The official site links users to community Discord, forums, a wiki, and GitHub, and directs bug reports to its issue tracker.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Compatibility
- The FAQ describes Dolphin as having high compatibility across the majority of GameCube and Wii titles, while noting that some games have issues.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Downloads
- The download page lists builds for Windows x64 and ARM64, macOS for ARM and Intel, Android, and Linux Flatpak packages.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Enhancements
- The project lists full HD (1080p), PC controller compatibility, turbo speed, and networked multiplayer as enhancements.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Hardware guidance
- The FAQ recommends at least 2 GB of RAM and says GPU support for DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 4.4 is important.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Limitations
- The FAQ says Dolphin does not support 32-bit operating systems and that some games can have defects, errors, or crashes.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Open source
- Dolphin is licensed under GPLv2+; distributing it requires releasing the source code and giving attribution.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Privacy
- The project provides a privacy policy on its official site.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Purpose
- Dolphin emulates Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles so users can play games for those systems on a PC.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Recent security incident
- A September 2026 progress report says a vulnerability briefly allowed a generic cryptominer attack to compromise the macOS buildbot, and says no builds were compromised.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Release cadence
- Stable releases are created every few months, while development versions are published several times each day and are less tested.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
- Supported systems
- The FAQ lists Windows 10 or newer, macOS 11 Big Sur or newer, Linux, and Android 7.0 or newer, and requires 64-bit operating systems.dolphin-emu.org · read 28 Sep 2026
