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Dolphin Handheld Setup

Set up Dolphin for GameCube and Wii. Learn safe downloads, controller setup, and stable graphics settings.

Dolphin Handheld Setup

Dolphin Emulator — GameCube & Wii (Windows & Android)

Official downloads, baseline settings, controller setup, RVZ/ISO formats, and common fixes.

1) Official Downloads

  • Windows / macOS / Linux: dolphin-emu.org (Release & Dev builds).
  • Android: Google Play listing (stable) and opt-in testing for newer builds.
  • Official Documentation/Guides: Performance, Controller setup, Ripping games, and more.

2) Install & First Run

Windows/macOS

  1. Download the latest release (or a current dev build) from the official site. Extract (portable) or install as directed.
  2. Launch Dolphin. In Config → Paths, add your game directories.

Android

  1. Install from the Play Store (or join the testing program for bleeding-edge).
  2. Open Dolphin → tap the ⋮ menu → Open or add game folders.

3) Add Games (ISO/WBFS/RVZ) & Covers

  • Dolphin supports ISO/GCZ/WBFS/RVZ. RVZ offers high compression with lossless integrity. Add your folders in Config → Paths.
  • Optional: enable cover downloads or use GameTDB art via settings.

4) Controller Configuration

  1. Open Controllers and pick your device type (GameCube/Wiimote emulation).
  2. Map buttons/axes; save a profile per controller.
  3. Using the Official Wii U GC Adapter? Follow the native support guide on Dolphin docs.

Full controller setup docs live on the official site.

5) Recommended Settings (Stable Defaults)

Graphics

  • Backend: Vulkan (or OpenGL if needed).
  • Internal Resolution: 2×–3× to start; raise if you have headroom.
  • Anti-Aliasing: Off/2× MSAA initially.
  • Anisotropic: 2×–4×.

Config

  • Dual Core: On (default).
  • JIT Recompiler: On (default).
  • Prefetch Custom Textures: Off unless you’re using HD packs.

Shader Compilation

  • First-run stutter is normal; consider “Compile Shaders Before Starting” for showcase use. Trade-off is longer startup.

Dolphin’s Performance Guide explains the impact of each option if you need deeper tuning.

6) RVZ: Convert & Verify

RVZ shrinks your collection with lossless compression and is supported natively by Dolphin. Convert by right-clicking a game in your list and choosing Convert (PC).

  1. In Dolphin (PC), right-click a title → Properties → Verify to check integrity.
  2. You can also convert ISOs to RVZ (or RVZ→ISO) if needed; see community tutorials for walk-throughs.

7) Troubleshooting

My RVZ files don’t show up in the list
Ensure you’re on a current release (not very old 5.0), and add the folder under Config → Paths. Right-click → Verify if a specific file is suspect.
Android performance feels choppy
Use the latest Play build or testing program. Try Vulkan→OpenGL (or vice-versa), lower internal res, and keep Dual Core on.
Wiimote/GC controller mapping?
See the official controller guide, including the Wii U GC adapter instructions.