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SPECIFICTION
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Dolphin

dolphin-emu.org

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Spec score 8.1 #19 of 54 in Multi-System Emulators

What it is

Dolphin is free, open-source software that emulates Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles so users can play games for those systems on a PC. It also runs on Android, Linux, macOS, and Windows, and requires a 64-bit operating system. Listed enhancements include full HD (1080p), PC controller compatibility, turbo speed, and networked multiplayer. The FAQ describes compatibility as high across most GameCube and Wii titles, while warning that some games can have defects, errors, or crashes. Dolphin uses the GPLv2+ license; distributing it requires releasing source code and providing attribution. Downloads include Windows x64 and ARM64, macOS for ARM and Intel, Android, and Linux Flatpak packages. Stable releases are made every few months, while development versions appear several times a day and are less tested. The FAQ recommends at least 2 GB of RAM and notes the importance of GPU support for DirectX 11.1 and OpenGL 4.4. Community resources include Discord, forums, a wiki, and GitHub; bug reports go to the issue tracker. Dolphin states that it is not affiliated with Nintendo.

Spec sheet

Purpose
Dolphin emulates Nintendo GameCube and Wii consoles so users can play games for those systems on a PC.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Privacy
The project provides a privacy policy on its official site.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Founded
2003Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Affiliation
The FAQ states that Dolphin is not affiliated with Nintendo.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Community and support
The official site links users to community Discord, forums, a wiki, and GitHub, and directs bug reports to its issue tracker.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Compatibility
The FAQ describes Dolphin as having high compatibility across the majority of GameCube and Wii titles, while noting that some games have issues.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Downloads
The download page lists builds for Windows x64 and ARM64, macOS for ARM and Intel, Android, and Linux Flatpak packages.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Enhancements
The project lists full HD (1080p), PC controller compatibility, turbo speed, and networked multiplayer as enhancements.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
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.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Limitations
The FAQ says Dolphin does not support 32-bit operating systems and that some games can have defects, errors, or crashes.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Open source
Dolphin is licensed under GPLv2+; distributing it requires releasing the source code and giving attribution.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
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.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
Release cadence
Stable releases are created every few months, while development versions are published several times each day and are less tested.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org
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.Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org

Plans and prices

Dolphin Emulator Free No paid plans or pricing listed on the official pages opened Read 28 Sep 2026 · dolphin-emu.org

Every Dolphin plan and price →

Strong points and limits

Strong points

  • Free and open-source under GPLv2+
  • Runs on Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android
  • Lists 1080p, turbo speed, and networked multiplayer
  • Provides stable and frequent development releases

Limits

  • Does not support 32-bit operating systems
  • Some games can have defects, errors, or crashes
  • Development versions are less tested
  • FAQ recommends at least 2 GB of RAM

Who it suits

Dolphin may suit users who want to play GameCube or Wii games on a 64-bit PC or Android device. It also offers networked multiplayer and controller support for PC.

Verdict

Dolphin offers GameCube and Wii emulation across desktop platforms and Android, with listed visual and multiplayer enhancements. Check the 64-bit requirement and the possibility of game-specific issues before choosing it.

Where Specifiction places it

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