Difference between revisions of "Wii emulators"

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[[File:Wii-Console.png|thumb|The Nintendo Wii]]The '''Wii''' is a 2006 console by Nintendo. Because of similarity between the Wii and the [[GameCube emulators|GameCube]], Wii emulation happened very quickly through GameCube emulation.  
+
{{Infobox console
 +
|title = Nintendo Wii
 +
|logo = Wii-Console.png
 +
|developer = [[:Nintendo]]
 +
|type = [[:Category:Home consoles|Home video game console]]
 +
|generation = [[:Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles|Seventh generation]]
 +
|release = 2006
 +
|discontinued = 2013
 +
|predecessor = [[GameCube emulators|GameCube]]
 +
|successor = [[Wii U emulators|Wii U]]
 +
|emulated = {{✓}}
 +
}}
 +
 
 +
{{for|other emulators that run on Wii hardware|Emulators on Wii}}
 +
 
 +
The '''[[wikipedia:Wii|Wii]]''' is a seventh-generation home video game console by Nintendo released on November 19, 2006, and priced at {{Inflation|USD|249.99|2006}}. It has an IBM PowerPC CPU at 729 MHz with 88 MBs of RAM and an ATI Hollywood GPU.
 +
The Wii was a huge success with 101.63 million units sold, beating the likes of the Xbox 360 and PS3 by being cheaper and attracting a large number of casual gamers and non-gamers. Because of the Wii's and the [[GameCube emulators|GameCube]]'s similarity, Wii emulation happened very quickly through GameCube emulation.
  
 
==Emulators==
 
==Emulators==
{| class="wikitable"
+
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
|+PC
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
|-
 
 
! scope="col"|Name
 
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Operating System(s)
+
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
+
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|GCN
+
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Wii
+
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|Triforce
+
! scope="col"|Compatibility
! scope="col"|[[libretro|Libretro Core]]
+
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
 +
! scope="col"|Active
 
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
 
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
 
|-
 
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|[[Dolphin]]
+
!colspan="11"|PC / x86
|style="text-align: center;"|Multi-platform
 
|style="text-align: center;"|[https://dolphin-emu.org/download/list/master GIT]
 
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
 
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
 
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
 
|style="text-align: center;"|*
 
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
 
 
|-
 
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|Ishiiruka-Dolphin
+
| [[Dolphin]]
|style="text-align: center;"|Windows
+
| align=left|{{Icon|Windows|Linux|macOS|FreeBSD}}
|style="text-align: center;"|[https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-ishiiruka-dolphin-custom-version GIT]
+
| [https://dolphin-emu.org/download/#download-dev Dev]<ref group=N name=dolphinstable>The stable versions are years out-of-date and missing countless features and bug fixes. '''Beta or development versions are a better choice for almost all users'''; the stable versions should only be used if you have a specific need for them.</ref><br/>[https://dolphin-emu.org/download/#download-beta Beta]<ref group=N name=dolphinstable></ref><br/>[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ ''libretro core'']<ref group=N name=DolphinRA>Dolphin libretro core is currently at Alpha release and has bugs that are not present on standalone Dolphin. Similar to PPSSPP, Citra and melonDS libretro cores, the standalone version of Dolphin is highly recommended over the libretro core as the libretro core version is outdated and can be slow and unstable.</ref><br/>[https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-ishiiruka-dolphin-custom-version Dev] ([[Ishiiruka-Dolphin]]) (いし海豚)
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
+
| {{✓}}
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
+
| {{✓}}
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
+
| [https://dolphin-emu.org/compat/ 97%]
|style="text-align: center;"|✗  
+
| {{✓}}
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
+
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="11"|Mobile / ARM
 +
|-
 +
| [[Dolphin]]
 +
| align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
 +
| [https://dolphin-emu.org/download/list/master Dev]<br/>[https://buildbot.libretro.com/nightly/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=DolphinRA></ref>
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| [https://dolphin-emu.org/compat/ 97%]
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{}}
 +
|-
 +
| DolphiniOS
 +
| align=left|{{Icon|iOS}}
 +
| [https://dolphinios.oatmealdome.me/download Release] [https://dolphinios.oatmealdome.me/beta Beta]
 +
| ?
 +
| ?
 +
| ?
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Dolphin MMJR]]<sup>&Dagger;</sup>
 +
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
 +
|<strike>[https://github.com/Bankaimaster999/Dolphin-MMJR git]</strike><sup>&Dagger;</sup>
 +
|?
 +
|?
 +
|?
 +
|{{}}
 +
|{{✗}}
 +
|{{✗}}
 +
|-
 +
|Ishiiruka (いし海豚)
 +
|align=left|{{Icon|Android}}
 +
|[https://github.com/Tinob/Ishiiruka git]
 +
|{{?}}
 +
|{{?}}
 +
|?
 +
|{{✓}}
 +
|{{✗}}
 +
|{{}}
 +
|-
 +
!colspan="11"|Consoles
 +
|-
 +
| Dolphin
 +
| align=left|{{Icon|XB1|XboxSXS}}
 +
| [https://github.com/SirMangler/dolphin/releases 1.1.5]<ref group=N>Use these builds until [https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/11339 this PR merge].</ref><br />[https://buildbot.libretro.com/stable/1.14.0/windows-msvc2019-uwp/x64/ libretro core]<ref group=N name=DolphinRA></ref>
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| [https://dolphin-emu.org/compat/ 97%]
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
|-
 +
| Hagi
 +
| align=left|{{Icon|NX}}
 +
| Patch-based
 +
|{{✗}}
 +
| ?
 +
| <small>[[Official_emulators#GameCube_.2F_Wii|Only for selected titles]]</small>
 +
|{{✗}}
 +
|{{✓}}
 +
|{{}}
 
|}
 
|}
<nowiki>*</nowiki>WIP, currently non-functioning
+
</div>
{| class="wikitable"
+
==Native==
|+Mobile
+
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
|-
+
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;width:100%"
 
! scope="col"|Name
 
! scope="col"|Name
! scope="col"|Operating System(s)
+
! scope="col"|Platform(s)
! scope="col"|Latest Version
+
! scope="col"|Latest version
! scope="col"|GCN
+
! scope="col"|[[#Enhancements|Enhancements]]
! scope="col"|Wii
+
! scope="col"|[[#Hardware_features_and peripherals|Hardware features<br/>and peripherals]]
! scope="col"|Triforce
+
! scope="col"|Compatibility
 +
! scope="col"|<abbr title="Free/Libre and Open-Source Software">FLOSS</abbr>
 +
! scope="col"|Active
 
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
 
! scope="col"|[[Recommended emulators|Recommended]]
 
|-
 
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|[[Dolphin]]
+
!colspan="11"|Consoles
|style="text-align: center;"|Android
+
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|[https://dolphin-emu.org/download/list/master GIT]
+
|-
|style="text-align: center;"|
+
| Virtual Wii
|style="text-align: center;"|
+
| align=left|{{Icon|WiiU}}
|style="text-align: center;"|✓
+
| v5.5.6
|style="text-align: center;"|
+
| {{✗}}[https://old.reddit.com/r/wiiu/comments/2c9dw3/trouble_with_resolution_of_the_virtual_wii_on_wii/cjd9hcx/ *]
 +
| {{}}
 +
| [https://wiki.gbatemp.net/wiki/WiiU_VC_Wii_inject_compatibility_list 99%]<br/><small>518 out of 522 reported titles</small>
 +
| {{✗}}
 +
| {{✗}}
 +
| {{}}
 
|}
 
|}
 +
<references group=N />
  
 
===Comparisons===
 
===Comparisons===
* [[Dolphin]] is the only option for Wii emulation. It is updated on a near daily basis and has very good emulation, barring some noticeable issues with GameCube. System requirements are high. In addition, it is recommended to sync a Wii remote to play games, as it can be difficult mapping the motion controls to a controller, especially if MotionPlus is required.
+
;Emulators
 +
:;[[Dolphin]]: The only option for Wii emulation. This is probably due to the project going open-source, allowing more developers to pursue it early in the console's lifespan. It's updated on a near-daily basis and is very compatible, barring some noticeable issues with GameCube games. In addition, it is recommended to sync a Wii remote to play games, mainly because it can be difficult mapping the motion controls to a controller.
 +
 
 +
::;[[Ishiiruka-Dolphin]]: A fork of Dolphin optimized towards performance at the cost of accuracy and stability in the process.
 +
 
 +
:;Hagi: An [[Official emulators|official]] GameCube/Wii emulator developed by Nintendo European Research & Development (NERD). Hagi has been used primarily for re-releases [[Emulators on Switch|on the Switch]], such as ''Super Mario Sunshine'', ''Super Mario Galaxy'', ''Pikmin'', and ''Pikmin 2''.
 +
;Native
 +
:;vWii (Virtual Wii): vWii is the part of the Wii U's system for Wii mode[https://wiibrew.org/wiki/VWii]. Similar to [[PlayStation_5_emulators#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility for PlayStation 4 (Pro)]] or [[Xbox_Series_X_and_Series_S#Hardware_features_and_peripherals|Xbox Series X|S backwards compatibility for Xbox One]].
 +
 
 +
==Hardware features and peripherals==
 +
:''See [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Category:Input_supported this page] for peripheral support by titles.''
 +
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
 +
{| class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
 +
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
 +
! colspan=2 | Name
 +
! Dolphin
 +
! Virtual Wii
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=2 | [[Wikipedia:Wii_system_software|Wii system software]]
 +
| [[#Wii_System_Menu|Wii System Menu]]
 +
|{{✓}}[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Wii_Menu *]
 +
|{{✓}}[https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/1162/~/how-to-switch-between-wii-and-wii-u-modes *]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Virtual_Console|Virtual Console]]
 +
|{{✓}}[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Virtual_Console *]
 +
|{{✓}}[https://www.nintendo.co.uk/Support/Wii-U/Game-Tips/Backwards-compatibility/Can-I-play-Wii-software-WiiWare-or-Wii-Virtual-Console-titles-using-the-Wii-U-GamePad-/Can-I-play-Wii-software-WiiWare-or-Wii-Virtual-Console-titles-using-the-Wii-U-GamePad-688505.html *]
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=3 | [[#Connectivity|Connectivity]]
 +
|[[Nintendo_Wi-Fi_Connection|Wi-Fi & WFC]]
 +
|{{✓}}
 +
|{{✓}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Nintendo_Wi-Fi_Connection|WiiConnect24]]
 +
|{{✓}}
 +
|{{?}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[#DS_connectivity|DS connectivity]]
 +
|{{✗}}[https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2021/02/11/dolphin-progress-report-december-2020-and-january-2021/#50-13447-ios-wd-and-ncd-fixes-by-leoetlino *]
 +
|{{✓}}
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=4 | Controllers
 +
|Nunchuck
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
|Classic Controller
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
|Nintendo GameCube Controller
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|{{~}}[https://en-americas-support.nintendo.com/app/answers/detail/a_id/13287/~/how-to-connect-the-gamecube-controller-adapter *]
 +
|-
 +
|Wii MotionPlus
 +
|{{~}}
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=3 | Inputs
 +
|Motion Controls (Gyro)
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
|Built-in Speaker
 +
|{{y}}[https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2015/12/20/hey-listen-wiimoteaudio/ *]
 +
|{{?}}
 +
|-
 +
|IR Sensor
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | 5.1 channel surround as Dolby Pro Logic II
 +
|{{y}}[https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/5235 *]
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
| colspan=2 | [[#Wii Optical Disc|Wii Optical Disc]]
 +
|{{n}}
 +
|{{y}}
 +
|-
 +
! colspan=4 | Peripherals
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2 |Wii Speak
 +
| {{y}}[https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/12567 *]
 +
|?
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2 |Wii Balance Board
 +
| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=USBPass>No support for emulating these peripherals (e.g. [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Your_Shape_featuring_Jenny_McCarthy Your Shape Camera]) but if you have the peripheral device you could use [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=USB_Passthrough USB Passthrough]. Also there is a [https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/11618 pull request] for adding Wireless Skateboard Controller emulation to Dolphin.</ref>
 +
| {{✓}}[[Wikipedia:List_of_games_that_support_Wii_Balance_Board|*]]
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2 |PDP Headbanger Chat Headset
 +
| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=USBPass></ref>
 +
|?
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=2 | Portal
 +
| [https://skylanders.fandom.com/wiki/Portal_of_Power Skylanders Portal of Power]
 +
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/11331 *]
 +
|?
 +
|-
 +
| [https://disneyinfinity.fandom.com/wiki/Disney_Infinity_Base Disney Infinity Base]
 +
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/11546 *]
 +
| {{✓}}
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=2 | Tablet
 +
| [[Wikipedia:UDraw_GameTablet#Games|uDraw GameTablet]]
 +
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/7880 *]
 +
|?
 +
|-
 +
| Drawsome Tablet
 +
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/8080 *]
 +
|?
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2 |Wireless Skateboard Controller
 +
| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=USBPass></ref>
 +
|?
 +
|-
 +
|colspan=2 |Ubisoft Your Shape Camera
 +
| {{~}}<ref group=N2 name=USBPass></ref>
 +
|?
 +
|}
 +
</div>
 +
<references group=N2/>
 +
 
 +
===[[Wikipedia:Wii_Menu|Wii System Menu]]===
 +
[[File:Dolphin-Wii-OperaBrowser.png|thumb|298px|Wii System Menu and Wii Opera browser emulation using Dolphin emulator.png]]
 +
Dolphin is capable of running the system menu. To get the system menu, one needs to use [http://www.wiibrew.org/wiki/BootMii BootMii] to dump the NAND of the Wii and import it. Refer to the [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=NAND_Usage_Guide NAND usage guide on the Dolphin wiki] for more details.
 +
 
 +
As of 5.0-4588, it is possible to automatically get the System Menu, along with all other system software, by performing an online update (in the Tools menu).
 +
 
 +
===Wii Optical Disc===
 +
The Wii Optical Disc (RVL-006) is the physical game medium for the Wii, created by Panasonic. Nintendo extended its proprietary technology to use a full size 12 cm, 4.7/8.54 GB DVD-based disc, retaining the benefits of the GameCube Game Disc, and adding the standard capacity of a double-layer DVD-ROM. Wii Discs always include a partition with files to update the Wii system software, which are installed before starting the game if needed. This ensures that systems that cannot connect to the Internet are still updated. For the same reasons as the GameCube, the Wii cannot play DVD-Videos or CDs. However, earlier Wiis can play DVD-Video using [[Homebrew_and_hack_Roms|homebrew]] such as WiiMC.[https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nintendo_optical_discs#Wii_Optical_Disc]
 +
 
 +
*Dolphin has support for Wii Optical Disc dumps/[[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#GameCube_.2F_Wii|images]]. But unfortunately most regular optical drives for PCs are unable to read Gamecube & Wii discs, so you need to rip your discs. However you can use some out-of-print models of DVD drives which may read GC and Wii discs but even then you'll need a compatible software tool to dump it. See [[Ripping_games]] page for more information. Other than that, there is no support for DVD-Video if you plan to use Dolphin with WiiMC [[Homebrew_and_hack_Roms|homebrew]] software for DVD-Video.
 +
*Virtual Wii has support for Wii Optical Disc ([https://youtu.be/4iaq_mKn7mE demonstration]). It cannot play DVD-Videos though, but we don't know if it's possible to play DVD-Videos using Virtual Wii and [[Homebrew_and_hack_Roms|homebrew]] software (similar to earlier Wii models as mentioned above). According to some user reports it's possible with using external optical drive[https://gbatemp.net/threads/full-dvd-playback-on-wiiu-vwii-wiimc-lg-drive.500189/].
 +
*See [[Home_Media_Player#Emulators|this dedicated page]] for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.
 +
*See [[Ripping_games]].
 +
 
 +
===Connectivity===
 +
 
 +
====DS connectivity====
 +
An unadvertised feature of the Wii is being able to connect to the [[Nintendo DS emulators|Nintendo DS]] (and, by extension, the DSi and the 3DS through their respective retro-compatibility features). [https://nintendo.fandom.com/wiki/Wii-to-DS_connectivity A few DS titles can do it], including but not limited to:
 +
* ''Mii Channel'' (a hidden feature that can be used in conjunction with a 3DS' Mii Maker application or some DS games)<ref>[[Wikipedia:Mii#Nintendo DS]]</ref>
 +
* ''Pokémon Battle Revolution''
 +
* ''Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time''
 +
* ''Nintendo Channel''
 +
 
 +
Unlike [[GameCube_emulators#GC.2FGBA_Cable|GameCube/GBA connectivity]], this feature is still not yet emulated. So far, neither [[Dolphin]] nor any [[Nintendo_DS_emulators#Connectivity|DS emulator]] supports this feature.
 +
 
 +
===Controllers===
 +
 
 +
====Wii Remote====
 +
The main selling point of the Wii is its motion control devices relying on gyroscopic sensors to detect motion to detect the screen and simulate pointers, an IR sensor, and a "Wii Sensor Bar" on the top or bottom of the TV screen. The "Wii Sensor Bar" is just 2 red LEDs, and you can even use two candles on each side of the screen to get the same effect. Optionally, a nunchuck with an analog pad can be plugged into the Wiimote, and it also has its own gyroscopic controls. Some other, yet less common add-ons may be plugged in too.
 +
 
 +
You can simulate these controls with one of these modes:
 +
* '''Bluetooth Passthrough''' (since 5.0-910). This directly exposes a Bluetooth adapter to the emulated software, bypassing all host stack limitations. With a good enough adapter, this mode guarantees identical connectivity and behavior to the Wii.
 +
* '''Real Wiimote:''' Controlled only with an actual, physical Wiimote connected to the PC with Bluetooth. You may need to hold 1+2 on the Wiimote before clicking "Pair" in Dolphin.
 +
* '''Emulated Wiimote:''' Controlled only with a keyboard or gamepad controls you set up in the configuration. Considering the motion controls were basic enough for the first Wiimote, there are just options to set the directions for "Tilt", "Swing", and "Shake". The IR sensor is mapped to the mouse by default, though the option to go toward the screen is empty by default but available for remapping. The Nunchuck has its own motion controls. Depending on the game, you can just set up a few of these (typically, a button dedicated to shaking) and leave the rest empty. With presets, you can have each game use its own configuration. There are settings for sideways and vertical Wiimote positions.
 +
* '''Hybrid Wiimote:''' Allows for using both emulated controls and real Wiimote controls. It can be useful to control the IR pointer with a mouse in case there's no sensor bar. This feature has been removed since 5.0-7038.<ref>{{cite web |url = https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2018/06/03/dolphin-progress-report-april-and-may-2018/#50-7038-remove-hybrid-wii-remote-by-josjuice |title = 5.0-7038 - Remove Hybrid Wii Remote by JosJuice}}</ref>
 +
 
 +
Up to 4 Wiimotes can be added. If they desynch and disconnect, they can be reconnected by pressing Alt+F5~8.
 +
 
 +
====Wii MotionPlus====
 +
The enhanced incarnation of the Wiimote with better motion detection. It was used to great effect for improved swordplay in ''Wii Sports Resort'' and ''The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword''. However, with this improvement comes additional complexity for setting up the gyroscopic controls.
 +
 
 +
[https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2019/04/26/mastering-motion/ As of May 2019], Dolphin now includes the option for an emulated MotionPlus controller, though some minor issues remain, and configuration is still being figured out.  A real Wii MotionPlus controller can also be used.
 +
 
 +
==Enhancements==
 +
<div style="overflow-x:auto;width:100%">
 +
{|class="wikitable" style="text-align:center;vertical-align:middle;width:100%"
 +
|- style="font-weight:bold;"
 +
! colspan=2 | Name
 +
! Dolphin
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=8 | Graphics
 +
| [[Resolution|Resizable Internal Resolution]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Wikipedia:24-bit_color#True_color_(24-bit)|True Color]] Rendering<br/><small>This is an enhancement that reduces banding by forcing the emulated hardware to the highest bitdepth possible. [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/2024/02/10/dolphin-progress-report-november-and-december-2023-january-2024/#50-20849-videocommon-apply-force-24-bit-color-to-efb-copies-by-flacs Read this] for more information. It is useful especially on non-CRT [[Displays|displays]], producing nicer looking gradients.</small>
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Widescreen_hacks#GameCube.2FWii|Widescreen and ultrawide hack]]<br/><small>To get full native widescreen, try [[Homebrew_and_hack_Roms|Swiss]].<br/>This can even run on a real GameCube/Wii if you wish.
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Texture packs]]
 +
| {{Y}}<ref group=N2>Dolphin lets you dump game textures and also replace game textures with new custom ones.{{Main|Texture packs#GameCube/Wii}}</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| Ray-tracing<br/><small>([https://devblogs.microsoft.com/directx/announcing-microsoft-directx-raytracing/ DXR], [https://www.khronos.org/blog/ray-tracing-in-vulkan VRT] and [https://developer.apple.com/documentation/metal/metal_sample_code_library/accelerating_ray_tracing_using_metal MRT])</small>
 +
| <small>Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>However you can try "[[Shaders_and_filters#Notable_ReShade_shaders|Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination]]" shader using ReShade.[https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9IlqfrJwKr4][https://reshade.me/forum/general-discussion/5442-release-misc-emulators-with-depth-buffer-access#35113]</small>
 +
|-
 +
| Pre-rendering AA<br/><small>(MSAA, SSAA)</small>
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| Super-resolution techniques<br/><small>([https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS.md DLSS], XeSS and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 2+]])</small>
 +
| <small>Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it's quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run Dolphin at 8k native with ease anyway.</small>
 +
|-
 +
| [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/rtx-remix/wiki RTX Remix]
 +
| colspan=2 | <small>Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.<br/>Besides, Dolphin already supports most of RTX Remix features such as access to assets, texture replacement and post-processing effects etc.[https://www.reddit.com/r/DolphinEmulator/comments/xn6p21/is_it_possible_to_use_rtx_remix_on_emulated/]<br/>On top of that you can use ReShade.</small>
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=5 | Performance
 +
| [[Overclocking|Overclock]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[30/60_FPS_cheat_codes#GameCube.2FWii|Internal Framerate Hack]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [https://blurbusters.com/frame-generation-essentials-interpolation-extrapolation-and-reprojection/ Frame generation technologies]<br/><small>([https://store.steampowered.com/app/993090/Lossless_Scaling/ LSFG], [https://github.com/NVIDIAGameWorks/Streamline/blob/main/docs/ProgrammingGuideDLSS_G.md DLSS-G], [https://www.techpowerup.com/316835/extrass-framework-paper-details-intels-take-on-frame-generation ExtraSS] and [https://community.amd.com/t5/gaming/amd-fluid-motion-frames-is-out-now-on-amd-radeon-rx-7000-series/ba-p/634372 AFMF])</small>
 +
| colspan=3 | <small>Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as [[Wikipedia:Motion_interpolation|motion interpolation]] is quite possible. [[Input_lag|Input latency]] will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use '''after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack"'''.<br/>While '''[https://youtu.be/5mbUTfCRIF0 AFMF]''' or '''LSFG''' can be used with Dolphin, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
 +
|-
 +
| Preload [[Wikipedia:Template:Disk_images|optical disc image]] to RAM<br/><small>For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement '''might''' offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive.<br/>Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.</small>
 +
| {{N}}[https://bugs.dolphin-emu.org/issues/11876 *]
 +
|-
 +
| Rendering latency reduction technologies<br/><small>([https://github.com/ishitatsuyuki/LatencyFleX LatencyFleX], [https://developer.nvidia.com/performance-rendering-tools/reflex Reflex] and [https://www.amd.com/en/products/software/adrenalin/radeon-software-anti-lag.html Anti-Lag'''+'''])
 +
| colspan=4 | <small>While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is '''likely''' doesn't offer enough benefit to justify the development effort.</small>
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=6 | Post-Processing
 +
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Anti-aliasing_algorithms|Post-rendering AA]]<br/><small>(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)</small>
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Wikipedia:Comparison_gallery_of_image_scaling_algorithms|Post-rendering scaling]]<br/><small>(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and [[Wikipedia:GPUOpen#FidelityFX_Super_Resolution|FSR 1]])</small>
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Shaders_and_filters|Filters]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
|[[Shaders_and_filters#AI-powered filters|AI-powered filter compatible]]<br/><small>([https://www.nvidia.com/en-us/geforce/news/gfecnt/nvidia-freestyle-ansel-enhancements-geforce-experience-article/ Freestyle])</small>
 +
| {{?}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Shader_Presets|Shader Chain]]
 +
| [https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/10362 WIP]<ref group=N2>Dolphin had a [https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-dolphinfx-post-processing-suite-for-the-opengl-backend?pid=497374#pid497374 DolphinFX] project for OpenGL backend but it's now obsolete.</ref>
 +
|-
 +
|[[High_dynamic_range#Inverse_tone_mapping|Inverse tone mapping compatible]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=5 | [https://tasvideos.org/Emulatorresources/Features TAS features]
 +
| [[Wikipedia:Macro_(computer_science)|Macros/Scripts]]/[https://tasvideos.org/LuaScripting Lua]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| Rewind
 +
| {{N}}
 +
|-
 +
| Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| Savestates
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [https://tasvideos.org/Movies Movie recording/playback]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=2 | Controls
 +
| [[Controllers#Mouse_Injectors_for_Emulators|Mouse Injector Compatible]]
 +
| {{Y}}[https://github.com/garungorp/MouseInjectorDolphinDuck *]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Input_lag|Input lag-mitigating technique]]
 +
| {{N}}
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=9 | Quality of life
 +
| [[Save_disk_space_for_ISOs#GameCube_.2F_Wii|Streamable compression format]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| Built-in [[Mods,_hacks_and_fan-translations#Built-in_graphics_mod_editor.2Fmanager_for_emulators|Graphics mod editor/manager]]
 +
| {{~}}<ref group=N2>There is a pull request for adding [https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pull/12280 graphics mod editor/manager] to Dolphin. In the meantime you can use [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Graphics_Mods Graphics Mods]; an exciting new feature introduced in 5.0-16763 that allows users to modify games through a method of defining targets and then applying actions to those targets.  Currently, Dolphin supports three actions: Skip, Move, and Scale. These are modifications to the target groups. In addition to this, Dolphin has some built-in Graphics Mods that apply to certain target groups. These include "Native Bloom" - scaling the "Bloom" target group down to the correct resolution, "No Bloom" - skipping any texture labeled in the "Bloom" target group, and "No HUD" - skipping any textures under the target group of "HUD". You can define these or your own Target Groups in any game through using Dolphin's Texture Dumping tool or EFB dumping tools.</ref>
 +
|-
 +
| Built-in [[Cheats_and_patches|Cheat Manager]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| Built-in [http://forum.arcadecontrols.com/index.php/topic,106405 Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes]<br/><small>For using this on Windows OS you need [http://geedorah.com/eiusdemmodi/forum/viewtopic.php?pid=1009#p1009 CRT Emudriver].<br/>Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".</small>
 +
| colspan=2 | <small>Exclusive to [https://docs.libretro.com/guides/crtswitchres/ libretro core] at the moment.<br/>Also there is a [https://github.com/psakhis/Groovy_MiSTer project] for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.</small>
 +
|-
 +
| Per-Game Profiles
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| Command Line Options
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| On-Screen Display<br/><small>Showcases messages, controller input state which is useful for speedrunners, performance data, active settings, and various notifications.</small>
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|-
 +
| [[Wikipedia:Variable_refresh_rate|Variable Refresh Rate compatible]]
 +
| {{N}}[https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-question-about-gsync-vrr *]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Frontends#Graphical_User_Interfaces_.28GUIs.29|Big Picture Mode]]
 +
| [https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-possible-to-add-a-big-picture-menu-screen-like-pcsx2-has WIP]
 +
|-
 +
| rowspan=4 | Misc
 +
| [https://retroachievements.org/gameList.php?c=19 RetroAchievements]
 +
| [https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin/pulls?q=is%3Apr+is%3Aopen%2Bclosed+retroachievements+ WIP]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Virtual_reality#VR_game_room_simulations|EmuVR support]]
 +
| colspan=2 |  Exclusive to [https://www.emuvr.net/wiki/Installation_Guide#Downloads libretro cores] at the moment.
 +
|-
 +
| Free Look<br/><small>Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.</small>
 +
| {{Y}}[https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Free_Look *]
 +
|-
 +
| [[Wikipedia:Category:Debugging|Debug Features]]
 +
| {{Y}}
 +
|}
 +
</div>
 +
<references group=N2/>
 +
 
 +
==Arcade variations==
 +
===''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars''===
 +
Capcom's ''Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars'' is the only arcade game that runs on Wii-based hardware, which supports JVS inputs, has no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware, and runs a specifically developed version of the Wii's OS (named IOS) which has no system menu and boots right into the game after powered on.
 +
 
 +
The game, related hardware, and operating system are yet left unemulated.
 +
 
 +
Twitter user @dev_console claims to be [https://nitter.net/dev_console/status/1564739781740957696 working] on dumping this board NAND and keys, which could result in this hardware being emulated.
 +
 
 +
==Emulation issues==
 +
For more information about Nintendo Wii hardware and reverse engineering;
 +
* MVG: [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4BlpONgj74A How a pair of Tweezers defeated security on the Nintendo Wii], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F0EZQsFulJs Homebrew Wars : Original Xbox vs Nintendo Wii], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VytQlGRq3jo Online with the Nintendo Wii in 2019], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FHFuFuUFHag The Nintendo Wii Shop is going offline forever. How to play WiiWare games in 2019], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hgMWtdayQxQ Why did Nintendo Release the Wii MINI ? A look back], [https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rleF4f1dBVo Hacking the Nintendo Wii Mini]
 +
* Dolphin: [https://dolphin-emu.org/blog/ Blog], [https://discord.gg/ZGbGN2mC Discord]
 +
* [https://wiibrew.org/wiki/Main_Page WiiBrew]
 +
* [https://www.copetti.org/writings/consoles/wii/ Rodrigo Copetti's Wii practical analysis]
  
 
==Resources==
 
==Resources==
* [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Main_Page Dolphin Wiki] - For checking if your games work and any fixes/tweaks/settings you should know before hand.
+
* [https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Main_Page Dolphin Wiki] - The most comprehensive wiki for the Dolphin emulator and games. Good for any fixes/tweaks/settings you should know beforehand.
 +
 
 +
==References==
 +
<references/>
 +
 +
{{Nintendo}}
  
 
[[Category:Consoles]]
 
[[Category:Consoles]]
 +
[[Category:Home consoles]]
 +
[[Category:Seventh-generation video game consoles]]
 
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
 
[[Category:Nintendo consoles]]
 +
[[Category:Wii emulators|*]]
 +
[[Category:PowerPC-based]]

Latest revision as of 18:15, 18 March 2024

Nintendo Wii
Wii-Console.png
Developer Nintendo
Type Home video game console
Generation Seventh generation
Release date 2006
Discontinued 2013
Predecessor GameCube
Successor Wii U
Emulated
For other emulators that run on Wii hardware, see Emulators on Wii.

The Wii is a seventh-generation home video game console by Nintendo released on November 19, 2006, and priced at $249.99. It has an IBM PowerPC CPU at 729 MHz with 88 MBs of RAM and an ATI Hollywood GPU. The Wii was a huge success with 101.63 million units sold, beating the likes of the Xbox 360 and PS3 by being cheaper and attracting a large number of casual gamers and non-gamers. Because of the Wii's and the GameCube's similarity, Wii emulation happened very quickly through GameCube emulation.

Contents

Emulators[edit]

Name Platform(s) Latest version Enhancements Hardware features
and peripherals
Compatibility FLOSS Active Recommended
PC / x86
Dolphin         Dev[N 1]
Beta[N 1]
libretro core[N 2]
Dev (Ishiiruka-Dolphin) (いし海豚)
97%
Mobile / ARM
Dolphin   Dev
libretro core[N 2]
97%
DolphiniOS   Release Beta ? ? ?
Dolphin MMJR   git ? ? ?
Ishiiruka (いし海豚)   git ? ? ?
Consoles
Dolphin     1.1.5[N 3]
libretro core[N 2]
97%
Hagi   Patch-based ? Only for selected titles

Native[edit]

Name Platform(s) Latest version Enhancements Hardware features
and peripherals
Compatibility FLOSS Active Recommended
Consoles
Virtual Wii   v5.5.6 * 99%
518 out of 522 reported titles
  1. 1.0 1.1 The stable versions are years out-of-date and missing countless features and bug fixes. Beta or development versions are a better choice for almost all users; the stable versions should only be used if you have a specific need for them.
  2. 2.0 2.1 2.2 Dolphin libretro core is currently at Alpha release and has bugs that are not present on standalone Dolphin. Similar to PPSSPP, Citra and melonDS libretro cores, the standalone version of Dolphin is highly recommended over the libretro core as the libretro core version is outdated and can be slow and unstable.
  3. Use these builds until this PR merge.

Comparisons[edit]

Emulators
Dolphin
The only option for Wii emulation. This is probably due to the project going open-source, allowing more developers to pursue it early in the console's lifespan. It's updated on a near-daily basis and is very compatible, barring some noticeable issues with GameCube games. In addition, it is recommended to sync a Wii remote to play games, mainly because it can be difficult mapping the motion controls to a controller.
Ishiiruka-Dolphin
A fork of Dolphin optimized towards performance at the cost of accuracy and stability in the process.
Hagi
An official GameCube/Wii emulator developed by Nintendo European Research & Development (NERD). Hagi has been used primarily for re-releases on the Switch, such as Super Mario Sunshine, Super Mario Galaxy, Pikmin, and Pikmin 2.
Native
vWii (Virtual Wii)
vWii is the part of the Wii U's system for Wii mode[1]. Similar to PlayStation 5 backwards compatibility for PlayStation 4 (Pro) or Xbox Series X|S backwards compatibility for Xbox One.

Hardware features and peripherals[edit]

See this page for peripheral support by titles.
Name Dolphin Virtual Wii
Wii system software Wii System Menu * *
Virtual Console * *
Connectivity Wi-Fi & WFC
WiiConnect24 ?
DS connectivity *
Controllers Nunchuck
Classic Controller
Nintendo GameCube Controller ~*
Wii MotionPlus ~
Inputs Motion Controls (Gyro)
Built-in Speaker * ?
IR Sensor
5.1 channel surround as Dolby Pro Logic II *
Wii Optical Disc
Peripherals
Wii Speak * ?
Wii Balance Board ~[N2 1] *
PDP Headbanger Chat Headset ~[N2 1] ?
Portal Skylanders Portal of Power * ?
Disney Infinity Base *
Tablet uDraw GameTablet * ?
Drawsome Tablet * ?
Wireless Skateboard Controller ~[N2 1] ?
Ubisoft Your Shape Camera ~[N2 1] ?
  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 No support for emulating these peripherals (e.g. Your Shape Camera) but if you have the peripheral device you could use USB Passthrough. Also there is a pull request for adding Wireless Skateboard Controller emulation to Dolphin.

Wii System Menu[edit]

 
Wii System Menu and Wii Opera browser emulation using Dolphin emulator.png

Dolphin is capable of running the system menu. To get the system menu, one needs to use BootMii to dump the NAND of the Wii and import it. Refer to the NAND usage guide on the Dolphin wiki for more details.

As of 5.0-4588, it is possible to automatically get the System Menu, along with all other system software, by performing an online update (in the Tools menu).

Wii Optical Disc[edit]

The Wii Optical Disc (RVL-006) is the physical game medium for the Wii, created by Panasonic. Nintendo extended its proprietary technology to use a full size 12 cm, 4.7/8.54 GB DVD-based disc, retaining the benefits of the GameCube Game Disc, and adding the standard capacity of a double-layer DVD-ROM. Wii Discs always include a partition with files to update the Wii system software, which are installed before starting the game if needed. This ensures that systems that cannot connect to the Internet are still updated. For the same reasons as the GameCube, the Wii cannot play DVD-Videos or CDs. However, earlier Wiis can play DVD-Video using homebrew such as WiiMC.[2]

  • Dolphin has support for Wii Optical Disc dumps/images. But unfortunately most regular optical drives for PCs are unable to read Gamecube & Wii discs, so you need to rip your discs. However you can use some out-of-print models of DVD drives which may read GC and Wii discs but even then you'll need a compatible software tool to dump it. See Ripping_games page for more information. Other than that, there is no support for DVD-Video if you plan to use Dolphin with WiiMC homebrew software for DVD-Video.
  • Virtual Wii has support for Wii Optical Disc (demonstration). It cannot play DVD-Videos though, but we don't know if it's possible to play DVD-Videos using Virtual Wii and homebrew software (similar to earlier Wii models as mentioned above). According to some user reports it's possible with using external optical drive[3].
  • See this dedicated page for more information about home media playback support for emulation softwares.
  • See Ripping_games.

Connectivity[edit]

DS connectivity[edit]

An unadvertised feature of the Wii is being able to connect to the Nintendo DS (and, by extension, the DSi and the 3DS through their respective retro-compatibility features). A few DS titles can do it, including but not limited to:

  • Mii Channel (a hidden feature that can be used in conjunction with a 3DS' Mii Maker application or some DS games)[1]
  • Pokémon Battle Revolution
  • Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles: Echoes of Time
  • Nintendo Channel

Unlike GameCube/GBA connectivity, this feature is still not yet emulated. So far, neither Dolphin nor any DS emulator supports this feature.

Controllers[edit]

Wii Remote[edit]

The main selling point of the Wii is its motion control devices relying on gyroscopic sensors to detect motion to detect the screen and simulate pointers, an IR sensor, and a "Wii Sensor Bar" on the top or bottom of the TV screen. The "Wii Sensor Bar" is just 2 red LEDs, and you can even use two candles on each side of the screen to get the same effect. Optionally, a nunchuck with an analog pad can be plugged into the Wiimote, and it also has its own gyroscopic controls. Some other, yet less common add-ons may be plugged in too.

You can simulate these controls with one of these modes:

  • Bluetooth Passthrough (since 5.0-910). This directly exposes a Bluetooth adapter to the emulated software, bypassing all host stack limitations. With a good enough adapter, this mode guarantees identical connectivity and behavior to the Wii.
  • Real Wiimote: Controlled only with an actual, physical Wiimote connected to the PC with Bluetooth. You may need to hold 1+2 on the Wiimote before clicking "Pair" in Dolphin.
  • Emulated Wiimote: Controlled only with a keyboard or gamepad controls you set up in the configuration. Considering the motion controls were basic enough for the first Wiimote, there are just options to set the directions for "Tilt", "Swing", and "Shake". The IR sensor is mapped to the mouse by default, though the option to go toward the screen is empty by default but available for remapping. The Nunchuck has its own motion controls. Depending on the game, you can just set up a few of these (typically, a button dedicated to shaking) and leave the rest empty. With presets, you can have each game use its own configuration. There are settings for sideways and vertical Wiimote positions.
  • Hybrid Wiimote: Allows for using both emulated controls and real Wiimote controls. It can be useful to control the IR pointer with a mouse in case there's no sensor bar. This feature has been removed since 5.0-7038.[2]

Up to 4 Wiimotes can be added. If they desynch and disconnect, they can be reconnected by pressing Alt+F5~8.

Wii MotionPlus[edit]

The enhanced incarnation of the Wiimote with better motion detection. It was used to great effect for improved swordplay in Wii Sports Resort and The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword. However, with this improvement comes additional complexity for setting up the gyroscopic controls.

As of May 2019, Dolphin now includes the option for an emulated MotionPlus controller, though some minor issues remain, and configuration is still being figured out. A real Wii MotionPlus controller can also be used.

Enhancements[edit]

Name Dolphin
Graphics Resizable Internal Resolution
True Color Rendering
This is an enhancement that reduces banding by forcing the emulated hardware to the highest bitdepth possible. Read this for more information. It is useful especially on non-CRT displays, producing nicer looking gradients.
Widescreen and ultrawide hack
To get full native widescreen, try Swiss.
This can even run on a real GameCube/Wii if you wish.
Texture packs [N2 1]
Ray-tracing
(DXR, VRT and MRT)
Implementing ray-tracing in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.
However you can try "Screen-Space Ray Traced Global Illumination" shader using ReShade.[4][5]
Pre-rendering AA
(MSAA, SSAA)
Super-resolution techniques
(DLSS, XeSS and FSR 2+)
Requires access to the depth buffer and temporal data like motion-vectors so it's quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.
Besides any GPU that can use DLSS can run Dolphin at 8k native with ease anyway.
RTX Remix Implementing RTX Remix technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future.
Besides, Dolphin already supports most of RTX Remix features such as access to assets, texture replacement and post-processing effects etc.[6]
On top of that you can use ReShade.
Performance Overclock
Internal Framerate Hack
Frame generation technologies
(LSFG, DLSS-G, ExtraSS and AFMF)
Implementing frame generation technology in an emulator is unfortunately quite challenging and unlikely to be feasible in the near future, however post-processing techniques such as motion interpolation is quite possible. Input latency will be a crucial factor, but its impact likely varies depending on the specific technique employed, it's recommended to use after applying the "Internal Framerate Hack".
While AFMF or LSFG can be used with Dolphin, please be aware that some visual glitches and artifacts may occur at this time.
Preload optical disc image to RAM
For users with sluggish multi-platter HDDs or plagued by horrible seek times, this enhancement might offer smoother experience, potentially reduced power consumption; it also shines when disc images reside on a network drive.
Although keep in mind that preloading image would take some time, and it will require additional amount of RAM capacity.
*
Rendering latency reduction technologies
(LatencyFleX, Reflex and Anti-Lag+)
While most emulators offer frame pacing or framebuffer latency control options, implementing rendering latency reduction technologies isn't currently feasible. This is likely doesn't offer enough benefit to justify the development effort.
Post-Processing Post-rendering AA
(FXAA, TXAA and MLAA/SMAA)
Post-rendering scaling
(Sharp bilinear, Lanczos and FSR 1)
Filters
AI-powered filter compatible
(Freestyle)
?
Shader Chain WIP[N2 2]
Inverse tone mapping compatible
TAS features Macros/Scripts/Lua
Rewind
Fast-Forward/Turbo Speed
Savestates
Movie recording/playback
Controls Mouse Injector Compatible *
Input lag-mitigating technique
Quality of life Streamable compression format
Built-in Graphics mod editor/manager ~[N2 3]
Built-in Cheat Manager
Built-in Custom resolution/CRTSwitchRes
For using this on Windows OS you need CRT Emudriver.
Another option is using EDID editor tool such as "Custom Resolution Utility".
Exclusive to libretro core at the moment.
Also there is a project for achieving software emulators like libretro cores and GroovyMAME send the raw RGB data over a network to a core running on MiSTer, it basically turns the MiSTer into a GPU for the emulator allowing for easy setup and use with CRT TVs/Arcade monitors.
Per-Game Profiles
Command Line Options
On-Screen Display
Showcases messages, controller input state which is useful for speedrunners, performance data, active settings, and various notifications.
Variable Refresh Rate compatible *
Big Picture Mode WIP
Misc RetroAchievements WIP
EmuVR support Exclusive to libretro cores at the moment.
Free Look
Free Look is a enhancement feature that allows manipulation of the in-game camera.
*
Debug Features
  1. Dolphin lets you dump game textures and also replace game textures with new custom ones.
    Main article: Texture packs#GameCube/Wii
  2. Dolphin had a DolphinFX project for OpenGL backend but it's now obsolete.
  3. There is a pull request for adding graphics mod editor/manager to Dolphin. In the meantime you can use Graphics Mods; an exciting new feature introduced in 5.0-16763 that allows users to modify games through a method of defining targets and then applying actions to those targets. Currently, Dolphin supports three actions: Skip, Move, and Scale. These are modifications to the target groups. In addition to this, Dolphin has some built-in Graphics Mods that apply to certain target groups. These include "Native Bloom" - scaling the "Bloom" target group down to the correct resolution, "No Bloom" - skipping any texture labeled in the "Bloom" target group, and "No HUD" - skipping any textures under the target group of "HUD". You can define these or your own Target Groups in any game through using Dolphin's Texture Dumping tool or EFB dumping tools.

Arcade variations[edit]

Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars[edit]

Capcom's Tatsunoko vs. Capcom: Ultimate All-Stars is the only arcade game that runs on Wii-based hardware, which supports JVS inputs, has no Wi-Fi or Bluetooth hardware, and runs a specifically developed version of the Wii's OS (named IOS) which has no system menu and boots right into the game after powered on.

The game, related hardware, and operating system are yet left unemulated.

Twitter user @dev_console claims to be working on dumping this board NAND and keys, which could result in this hardware being emulated.

Emulation issues[edit]

For more information about Nintendo Wii hardware and reverse engineering;

Resources[edit]

  • Dolphin Wiki - The most comprehensive wiki for the Dolphin emulator and games. Good for any fixes/tweaks/settings you should know beforehand.

References[edit]