Download Dolphin Emulator: Free GameCube and Wii Emulator

Dolphin is a free, open-source emulator that reproduces the Nintendo GameCube and Wii on modern hardware. Beyond simply running original discs or dumped game images, Dolphin can render games at resolutions far higher than the original consoles supported, add anti-aliasing and texture filtering, and even connect players over the internet through its netplay feature. It has been in active development since 2003 and is widely regarded as one of the most technically accomplished console emulation projects.

Dolphin Emulator vs Official Nintendo Hardware

Playing on an original GameCube or Wii guarantees perfect compatibility but limits you to the console's original 480p output and its specific controllers. Dolphin trades a small amount of that guaranteed accuracy for much greater flexibility: HD and 4K upscaling, widescreen hacks for games that only supported 4:3, save states at any point instead of just in-game saves, and the ability to use modern controllers or even a keyboard and mouse. Compatibility across Dolphin's large game library varies title by title, so checking the project's compatibility list is worthwhile.

Dolphin Emulator Features

• GameCube and Wii Emulation — run games from both consoles in a single emulator.
• Enhanced Resolution — render games far above their original 480p output, up to 4K and beyond.
• Netplay — play multiplayer GameCube and Wii games online with other Dolphin users.
• Save States — save and load game progress instantly at any point, not just at in-game save points.
• Wide Controller Support — use GameCube adapters, Wii Remote emulation via various inputs, or standard gamepads.
• Cheat Code Support — apply AR (Action Replay) and Gecko codes to supported games.
• Widescreen Hacks — stretch or hack certain 4:3 games into 16:9 widescreen.
• Cross-Platform — official builds for Windows, macOS, Linux and Android.

How to Install Dolphin Emulator on Windows

1. Open the official download page using the button on this page, which links to dolphin-emu.org.
2. Choose a build — the stable release or an actively updated development build — for your platform.
3. Extract or run the installer depending on the build you chose; Windows builds are often a portable .zip.
4. Launch Dolphin and use "Configure" to set up your controller and graphics backend.
5. Add your game library folder so Dolphin can list your legally owned game images.

Is Dolphin Emulator really free?

Open Source. Dolphin Emulator is released under the GPL and is completely free; it does not include any games, which must be provided by the user from their own legally owned discs.

How to download Dolphin Emulator safely

Use the request button on this page and we will email you the current link for dolphin-emu.org — the publisher's own website — so you receive the authentic build. We do not host, mirror, patch or repackage this software in any way.

Avoid third-party "download manager" sites offering Dolphin Emulator. They commonly wrap the genuine installer in their own bundler, which is how adware and browser hijackers get onto a machine that the user believed was clean.

Alternatives to Dolphin Emulator

Other free utilities software worth comparing before you decide:

Frequently asked questions

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