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Dolphin is a GameCube and Wii emulator.

Website: https://dolphin-emu.org/

GitHub: https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin

Compatibility List: https://dolphin-emu.org/compat/

Dolphin Table of Contents

  1. Getting Started with Dolphin

  2. Dolphin Tips and Tricks

  3. Dolphin Cheats, Modding, and Texture Packs

  4. How to Navigate Dolphin Settings

  5. Dolphin Unique Controller Configurations

  6. Custom Game Settings

Getting Started with Dolphin

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Dolphin is a fairly straight-forward emulator to set up. Place your Wii ROMs in Emulation/roms/wii and your GameCube ROMs in either Emulation/roms/gc or Emulation/roms/gamecube. No additional setup is required. Read the Configuration section to learn more about Dolphin and its folder locations.

To launch your ROMs in game mode, use Steam ROM Manager and use one of the following parsers to play your GameCube or Wii ROMs:

  • EmulationStation-DE
  • Nintendo GameCube - Dolphin or Nintendo Wii - Dolphin
  • Emulators

Dolphin Configuration

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  • Type of Emulator: Flatpak
  • Config Location: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu
  • GameCube Profiles: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/config/dolphin-emu/Profiles/GCPad
  • Wii Profiles: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/config/dolphin-emu/Profiles/Wiimote
  • ROM Location (GameCube): Emulation/roms/gc or Emulation/roms/gamecube
    • No BIOS are required to play GameCube ROMs
  • ROM Location (Wii): Emulation/roms/wii
    • No BIOS are required to play Wii ROMs
  • Saves (Wii):
    • Symlink: Emulation/saves/dolphin/Wii
    • Target: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/Wii
  • Saves (GameCube):
    • Symlink: Emulation/saves/dolphin/GC
    • Target: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/GC
  • Save States (Wii):
    • Symlink: Emulation/saves/dolphin/StateSaves
    • Target: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/StateSaves
  • Save States (GameCube):
    • Symlink: Emulation/saves/dolphin/StateSaves
    • Target: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/StateSaves
  • GameCube BIOS (Optional): See How to Set Up GameCube BIOS (Optional)
  • Wii Menu (Optional): See How to Set Up the Wii Menu (Optional)

Note: ~/.var is an invisible folder by default. In Dolphin (file manager), click the hamburger menu in the top right, click Show Hidden Files to see these folders.

Works With

  • Steam ROM Manager
  • EmulationStation-DE

Dolphin Folder Locations

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These file locations apply regardless of where you chose to install EmuDeck (to your internal SSD, to your SD Card, or elsewhere). Some emulator configuration files will be located on the internal SSD as listed below.

$HOME refers to your home folder. If you are on a Steam Deck, this folder will be named /home/deck (you will likely not see deck in the file path when navigating using the file manager).

Paths beginning with Emulation/.. correspond to your EmuDeck install location. If you installed on an SD Card, your path may be /run/media/mmcblk0p1/Emulation/roms/... If you installed on your internal SSD, your path may be /home/deck/Emulation/roms/..

Note: Folders with a . (.var, .local, .config, etc.) at the beginning are hidden by default. In Dolphin (file manager), click the hamburger menu in the top right, click Show Hidden Files to see these folders.

$HOME/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu

org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/
├── cache
├── config
    ├── dolphin-emu
    │   ├── Debugger.ini
    │   ├── Dolphin.ini
    │   ├── DSUClient.ini
    │   ├── FreeLookController.ini
    │   ├── FreeLook.ini
    │   ├── GameSettings
    │   ├── GBA.ini
    │   ├── GCKeyNew.ini
    │   ├── GCPadNew.ini
    │   ├── GFX.ini
    │   ├── GraphicMods
    │   ├── Hotkeys.ini
    │   ├── Logger.ini
    │   ├── Profiles
    │   │   ├── GCPad
    │   │   │   ├── GC_base.ini
    │   │   │   └── GC_reverse_camera.ini
    │   │   └── Wiimote
    │   │       ├── Wii_base_nunchuck.ini
    │   │       ├── Wii_base_nunchuck_with_touchpad.ini
    │   │       ├── Wii_classic_controller.ini
    │   │       ├── Wii_no_attachment.ini
    │   │       ├── Wii_no_attachment_with_touchpad.ini
    │   │       └── Wii_NoController.ini
    │   ├── Qt.ini
    │   └── WiimoteNew.ini
    ├── kdeglobals
    └── user-dirs.dirs
└── data
    └── dolphin-emu
        ├── Dump
        │   ├── Audio
        │   ├── DSP
        │   ├── Frames
        │   ├── Objects
        │   ├── SSL
        │   └── Textures
        ├── GameSettings
        ├── GC
        │   ├── EUR
        │   ├── JAP
        │   └── USA
        ├── Load
        │   ├── DynamicInputTextures
        │   ├── GraphicMods
        │   ├── Riivolution
        │   ├── Textures
        │   └── WiiSDSync
        ├── Logs
        │   └── Mail
        ├── Maps
        ├── ResourcePacks
        ├── ScreenShots
        ├── Shaders
        │   └── Anaglyph
        ├── StateSaves
        ├── Styles
        ├── Themes
        └── Wii
            ├── import
            ├── meta
            ├── shared1
            ├── shared2
            ├── sys
            ├── ticket
            ├── title
            ├── tmp
            └── wfs

How to Update Dolphin

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How to Update Dolphin

  • Through the Update your Emulators & Tools section on the Manage Emulators page in the EmuDeck application
  • Run Update Emulators & Tools in EmuDeck

How to Launch Dolphin in Desktop Mode

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How to Launch Dolphin in Desktop Mode

  • Launch Dolphin Emulator (Blue Dolphin Icon) from the Applications Launcher (Steam Deck icon in the bottom left of the taskbar)
    • Icon:
  • Launch the script from Emulation/tools/launchers, dolphin-emu.sh
  • Launch the emulator from Steam after adding it via the Emulators parser in Steam ROM Manager

Dolphin File Formats

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  • .ciso
  • .dol
  • .elf
  • .gcm
  • .gcz
  • .iso
  • .nkit
  • .iso
  • .rvz
  • .wad
  • .wia
  • .wbfs

Dolphin Hotkeys

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Important Note: Dolphin does not have a way of opening the menu if you are launching the game directly. It is recommended that you change any settings in the Dolphin UI itself before launching a game.

Hotkey Dolphin
Toggle Full Screen Not supported by emulator
Quick Menu Not supported by emulator
Save State Select + R1
Load State Select + L1
Next Save State Slot Start + R1
Previous Save State Slot Start + L1
Fast Forward (Hold) Start + R2
Increase Emulation Speed Select + R2
Decrease Emulation Speed Select + L2
Pause/Play Select + A
Reset Emulation Select + L3
Stop Emulation Select + Start
Shake Wiimote L1
Shake Nunchuk L2
Tilt Wiimote L2 + Move Left Stick
Hide Wii Pointer L3
Sideways Toggle Select + R3
Next Game Profile Select Select + Left Stick Up
Attach/Detach Nunchuk Select + Left Stick Down
Previous Wii Profile Select Select + Left Stick Left
Next Wii Profile Select Select + Left Stick Right
Previous Game Profile Select Select + Left Stick Down
Increase Internal Resolution Start + DPAD Up
Decrease Internal Resolution Start + DPAD Down
Toggle Aspect Ratio Start + DPAD Right

List of Wii Profiles Included with EmuDeck

  • Wiimote with Nunchuk
  • Wiimote with Nunchuk and Touchpad Support
  • Wiimote with No Attachment
  • Wiimote with No Attachment and Touchpad Support
  • Wii Classic Controller

Note:

How to Set Up GameCube BIOS

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GameCube BIOS are not required to play GameCube games. Adding GameCube BIOS allows you to see the GameCube launch screen when you play GameCube games.

Depending on which region your games are in, select the appropriate BIOS and place in the matching folder below:

Casing matters

  • Japan BIOS Location: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/GC/JAP/IPL.bin
  • US BIOS Location: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/GC/USA/IPL.bin
  • EU BIOS Location: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/GC/EUR/IPL.bin

After placing your BIOS in the correct place:

  1. Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Open the Configuration settings
  3. Click the GameCube tab
  4. Uncheck Skip Main Menu

How to Set Up the Wii Menu

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How to Set Up the Wii Menu

The Wii Menu is not required to play Wii Games.

To Download

  1. Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Click Tools at the top
  3. Click Perform System Update, select a region of your choice

To Use

  1. Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Click Tools, click Load Wii System Menu...

How to Add the Wii Menu to Steam

  1. Download attached .sh file to a folder of your choice
  2. Right click dolphin-wii-menu.sh, click Properties, click Permissions, check Is Executable
  3. Right click dolphin-wii-menu.sh, click Add to Steam

If you are using EmulationStation-DE, you may place dolphin-wii-menu.sh in Emulation/roms/desktop instead.

For further reading, see https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Wii_Menu.

Dolphin Tips and Tricks

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How to Verify ROMs

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If you have a ROM that is not launching, you can verify your ROM directly in Dolphin. Verifying your ROM confirms whether you have a good dump or a bad dump. If you have a bad dump, your issue may be that your ROM either transferred incorrectly or that you have a bad dump.

If your ROM transferred incorrectly, see How to Transfer Files to a Steam Deck for a few methods.

If you have a bad dump, re-dump your GameCube or Wii ROM, following Dolphin's guide. For the dumping guide, see https://dolphin-emu.org/docs/guides/ripping-games/.

If you have a good dump, your issue lies elsewhere. Make sure Dolphin is up to date. If neither of these resolve your issue, make sure to either check Google or retrieve a log so you can share it with the Dolphin team.

How to Verify ROMs

  1. In Desktop Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click a game
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the Verify tab at the top
  5. Click Verify Integrity at the bottom
  6. In the text box in the middle of the screen, you will see a message stating if your ROM is a good or a bad dump

How to Configure Gyro

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Gyro for Dolphin requires SteamDeckGyroDSU. SteamDeckGyroDSU can be installed via EmuDeck, or it can be installed manually.

Visit SteamDeckGyroDSU to learn how to install and utilize SteamDeckGyroDSU.

IMPORTANT

Gyro for Dolphin is not mapped out of the box. You will need to open the Dolphin emulator and configure gyro controls after installing SteamDeckGyroDSU.

After installing SteamDeckGyroDSU, you may either choose to create your own profile in Dolphin or you may choose to download a community created profile from the Community Creations page.

Select one of the two options below.

Option 1: Downloading a Community Creations profile

Visit the Community Creations page. You may want to start with the How to Download Dolphin Profiles section.

Option 2: Creating your own profile

If you are choosing to create your own profile:

  1. Install and configure SteamDeckGyroDSU
  2. Add the Dolphin emulator to Steam
    • You may add the Dolphin emulator to Steam by using the Emulators parser in Steam ROM Manager
  3. In Game Mode, enable gyro for the Dolphin emulator
  4. In Game Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
  5. Open the Controllers menu
  6. Select Configure to the right of Wii Remote 1
    • Make sure Wii Remote 1 is set to Emulated Wii Remote
  7. Make sure SDL/0/Virtual Steam Gamepad 1 is set in the top left
  8. Select the Motion Input tab
  9. Hover over any of the buttons under the Accelerometer or Gyroscope sections and press STEAM + L2
  10. Make sure DSUClient/0/steamdeckgyro is selected in the drop-down menu at the top
  11. Scroll down to the bottom of the list until you see Accel and Gyro direction inputs
  12. Select the matching input to the button you clicked in Step 7
  13. Press Clear in the bottom right
  14. Press Select in the top right
    • Dolphin Gyro Example 1
  15. Press OK in the bottom right
  16. Repeat for each button under the Accelerometer and Gyroscope sections
  17. (Optional) To use the Steam Deck gyro as a pointer (moving the Steam Deck itself), check Enable under the Pointer section on the left on the Motion Input tab
    • Consider clicking Recenter and tinkering with the settings here to calibrate the pointer
  18. After you are finished, give your profile a name in the top right and save it as a new profile
  19. Refer to the Dolphin Hotkeys to learn how to switch profiles mid-game

Note: If you are having issues with the gyro pointer/cursor not appearing or behaving erratically, you may also want to consider disabling Auto-hide under the Point section on the Motion simulation tab.

For more information, read Dolphin's wiki page on gyro: https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Motion_evdev.

How to Configure Gyro With External Controllers

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Desktop Mode

  1. Switch to Desktop Mode
  2. Exit out of Steam
    • You may exit out of Steam a couple of different ways:
      • Right click the Steam icon in your taskbar and click Exit Steam
      • Open Steam, click the Steam button in the top left, click Exit
      • Open a terminal (Konsole) and enter killall -9 steam
      • Do note that clicking the the X button in the top right of the Steam window will not exit out of Steam
    • Your controls will switch to Lizard Mode. Use L2 to right click, R2 to left click, and the Right Trackpad to move the mouse
    • You may also connect an external keyboard and mouse
  3. Click the bluetooth icon in the bottom right of your taskbar and connect your controller
  4. Open Dolphin
  5. Open the Controllers menu
  6. Select Configure to the right of Wii Remote 1
    • Make sure Wii Remote 1 is set to Emulated Wii Remote
  7. On the Profile drop-down, select Wii_base_nunchuck_with_touchpad if you are using a Nunchuk or Wii_no_attachment_with_touchpad if you are not using a Nunchuk
  8. Under Device, select SDL/0/yourexternalcontrollername
    • Some external controllers may show up as Wireless Controller
    • For example: SDL/0/Nintendo Switch Controller or SDL/0/Dualsense Wireless Controller
  9. Select the Motion Input tab
  10. Hover over any of the buttons under the Accelerometer or Gyroscope sections and press L2
  11. Select SDL/0/yourexternalcontrollername in the drop-down menu at the top
    • For example: SDL/0/Nintendo Switch Controller
    • For some controllers, it may be under SDL/0/Wireless Controller Motion Sensors
  12. Scroll down to the bottom of the list until you see Accel and Gyro direction inputs
  13. Select the matching input to the button you clicked in Step 10
    • How to Configure Gyro With External Controllers
  14. Press Clear in the bottom right
  15. Press Select in the top right
  16. Press OK in the bottom right
  17. Repeat for each button under the Accelerometer and Gyroscope sections
  18. (Optional) To use the controller gyro as a pointer (moving the controller itself), check Enable under the Pointer section on the left on the Motion Input tab
    • Make sure to click Recenter and tinker with the settings here to calibrate the pointer
    • You may also want to consider disabling Auto-hide under the Point section on the Motion simulation tab
  19. After you are finished, give your profile a name in the top right and save it as a new profile
  20. To select this profile, open the controller menu, select the profile name in the drop-down menu and click Load

Note: Different games have different preferences for Nunchuk and Motionplus support. Under the General and Options tab, you may uncheck Attach MotionPlus or select the appropriate extension in the drop-down menu. Be sure to create and save a new profile for each circumstance to quickly load the different profiles as needed.

Game Mode

  1. In Game Mode, connect your controller
  2. Select your Wii game
  3. On the Play screen, select the Controller icon to the right of the screen
  4. Select your controller tab at the top
  5. Click the Gear icon to the right, and click Disable Steam Input
    • You may need to restart first for this setting to properly apply
  6. Your controller's gyro will now work for this selected game, repeat as needed for your other games

Post-Configuration

To restore the default Steam Deck controls:

  1. Open Dolphin
  2. Open the Controllers menu
  3. Select Configure to the right of Wii Remote 1
    • Make sure Wii Remote 1 is set to Emulated Wii Remote
  4. Select SDL/0/Virtual Steam Gamepad 1 under Devices
  5. Select Wii_base_nunchuck under Profile and click Load
  6. Click Close and exit out of Dolphin

(Optional) To restore Steam Input:

  1. Select your Wii game
  2. On the Play screen, select the Controller icon to the right of the screen
  3. Select your controller tab at the top
  4. Click the Gear icon to the right, and click Enable Steam Input
    • You may need to restart first for this setting to properly apply
  5. The controls will be reverted to Steam Input and the Steam Deck controls will be restored

How to Optimize Performance (Power Tools)

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Visit Power Tools to learn how to optimize performance using Power Tools.

How to Optimize Storage (Compression Tool)

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To optimize storage, you can use the EmuDeck Compressor within EmuDeck.

The EmuDeck Compressor will compress your GameCube and Wii ROMs from ISO to RVZ.

After running the EmuDeck Compression Tool, re-run Steam ROM Manager to update your ROM shortcuts to the newly compressed ROM.

Visual Reference:

How to Manage Multiple Discs

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M3U files can be used to manage multiple discs for Dolphin. With the Change Discs Automatically option toggled (turned on by default with EmuDeck), Dolphin will automatically switch discs in combination with an M3U file.

Learn how to create an M3U File

How to Configure Multiplayer

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EmuDeck configures multiplayer out of the box. You do not need to configure the controls. However, to properly set up multiplayer, you will need to enable the additional ports.

Tutorial

  1. Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Open the Controller settings
  3. For each controller you are using, including Player 1:
    • GameCube: To the right of each Port # under GameCube Controllers, enable Standard Controller
    • Wii: To the right of each Port # under Wii Remotes, enable Emulated Wii Remote
  4. (Optional) You may need to re-arrange the controller order in Game Mode for your controllers to function as expected. See How to Re-Arrange the Controller Order to learn how

Keep in Mind

  • The Steam Deck profile is automatically set to Port 1
    • For example, if you are using a Steam Deck and two external controllers, you will need to have a total of three ports enabled. However, the first port is enabled by default so you will need to enable two additional ports
  • If you are using an external controller as Port 1, you do not need to re-configure any settings in Dolphin. However, you may need to re-arrange the controller order in Game Mode. See How to Re-Arrange the Controller Order to learn how
  • If you are facing difficulty with matching controllers to their expected ports in Game Mode, you may need to re-arrange the controller order. See How to Re-Arrange the Controller Order to learn how
  • If you are playing Wii games with GameCube controller support, and would like to use the GameCube controllers, you may need to disable the Wii profiles. See How to Configure Wii Games To Use A GameCube Controller to learn how

How to Configure Multiplayer Controls

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IMPORTANT: Multiplayer controllers are fully configured by EmuDeck. If you simply would like to set up multiplayer, see How to Configure Multiplayer. You do not need this section if you are satisfied with the default control layout. This section covers how to reconfigure the controls for Players 2-4 if you would rather use a custom configuration.

How to Create Multiplayer Profiles

  1. In Game Mode, connect your controller(s)
  2. In Game Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
    • You may need to add the Dolphin emulator to Steam first using the Emulators parser in Steam ROM Manager
  3. Click Options at the top, click Controller Settings
  4. Select a system:
    1. For GameCube: Click Configure to the right of Port 1/2/3/4 Standard Controller
    2. For Wii: Click Configure to the right of Wii Remote 1/2/3/4 Emulated Wii Remote
  5. On this screen, configure your controllers however you like
  6. Saving settings:
    • If you would like to save these settings globally, make sure the profile dropdown is blank, and press the Save button in the top right
      • Do note that when you update EmuDeck, any global changes will be reset to EmuDeck defaults
    • If you would like to save these settings for a specific game, in the top right under Profile, enter the profile name you would like to use, and click Save to the right

How to Use Your Newly Created Controller Profile

If you chose to save your settings globally and you have enabled your multiplayer ports as described in How to Configure Multiplayer, multiplayer should now work with your custom controls.

If you would rather save these settings for a specific game:

Here's How

How to Apply Multiplayer Profiles On A Per Game Basis

  1. In Desktop Mode, Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click the game you would like to use this controller profile for, and click Properties
  3. On the Game Config tab, press the Editor sub-tab

  4. Under User Config, enter a controller profile using the following template:

    • For SelectedProfileName, only type the name of the profile, not the file path to the profile

    • Replace the 2 at the end of WiiMoteProfile2 with the number you would like to apply the profile to. If all the profiles are using the same controller layout, you may simply copy and paste, and only replace the 2 with a 3 and so on.

      Wii:

      [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = SelectedProfileName
WiimoteProfile2 = SelectedProfileName
WiimoteProfile3 = SelectedProfileName
WiimoteProfile4 = SelectedProfileName

      GameCube:

      [Controls] 
PadProfile1 = SelectedProfileName
PadProfile2 = SelectedProfileName
PadProfile3 = SelectedProfileName
PadProfile4 = SelectedProfileName

  5. Exit out, and your game should now be using the selected profile(s)

For additional information, see Dolphin's "GameINI (Controller Settings)" Wiki Page.

How to Roll Back Dolphin to an Older Version

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If you do not have access to a mouse and keyboard for the below section, use L2 to right click and R2 to left click. Alternatively, remote into your Steam Deck using one of the methods found in the FAQ, How do I remotely control my Steam Deck?.

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Konsole
  2. To see a list of prior versions of the emulator, type:
    • flatpak remote-info --log flathub org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu
  3. If Konsole prompts you to select system or user, enter 2 to select user
  4. Konsole will list a list of previous versions for the flatpak. The important line for each version is the Commit: line. The Commit: line will have a long accompanying alphanumeric string (the “commit” code). Copy the string for the version you want to downgrade to.
    • Using Citra as an example:
      • How to Roll Back Flatpaks: 1
  5. To downgrade to the version you want:
    • flatpak update --commit=put_commit_code_here org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu
    • Replace put_commit_code_here with the actual code you located in Step 2.
      • Using Citra as an example:
        • How to Roll Back Flatpaks: 2

If the above steps did not work and you are getting an error message along the lines of Flatpak not installed, your Flatpak is likely installed at the system level instead. Select one of the below solutions:

Solution 1: Open the EmuDeck application, click the Manage Emulators page, select the emulator in question, and click Reinstall / Update.

Solution 2: Add sudo in front of the commands written in Step 2 and Step 5. In Step 2, write sudo flatpak remote-info --log flathub org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu and in Step 5, write sudo flatpak update --commit=put_commit_code_here org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu.

How to Configure Language Settings

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UI

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. At the top, click Options, click Configuration
  3. Click the Interface tab
  4. Under User Interface, select your preferred language in the drop-down menu

In-Game

Gamecube
  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Right click the game you would like to set the language for
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the Game Config tab
  5. Click the Editor tab

  6. In the box, type the following:

    [Core]
GameCubeLanguage = 0

  7. Replace the 0 with the language you would like to use:

    • 0 = English/Japanese
    • 1 = German
    • 2 = French
    • 3 = Spanish
    • 4 = Italian
    • 5 = Dutch
Wii
  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Right click the game you would like to set the language for
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the Game Config tab
  5. Click the Editor tab

  6. In the box, type the following:

    [Wii]
Language = 1

  7. Replace the 0 with the language you would like to use:

    • 0 = Japanese
    • 1 = English
    • 2 = German
    • 3 = French
    • 4 = Spanish
    • 5 = Italian
    • 6 = Dutch
    • 7 = Simplified Chinese
    • 8 = Traditional Chinese
    • 9 = Korean

How to Enable HDR

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With the latest Dolphin update, HDR can now be used on Steam Deck OLEDs. Here's how to enable it.

Warning

This section uses instructions copied from this link: https://github.com/ValveSoftware/gamescope/issues/1239. The instructions have been converted to a bash script for ease of use (Step 1 in the instructions below). This section is experimental and installing the Gamescope Flatpak may come with unexpected behavior. This section covers how to install a much older version of Gamescope to match the version used on the Steam Deck. If you accidentally install the latest version, you may notice crashing in other applications. There is a chance that even with the older version installed through the instructions below, you may encounter unexpected crashes or glitches. If you run into any of these issues, uninstall the Gamescope Flatpak through the Discover application in Desktop Mode. Alternatively, run flatpak remove org.freedesktop.Platform.VulkanLayer.gamescope -y in Konsole or a terminal of your choice.

  1. Download attached .sh file
  2. Place in /home/deck/Downloads or a folder of your choice
  3. Right click flatpak-gamescope-install.sh, click Properties, click Permissions, check Is Executable
  4. Right click flatpak-gamescope-install.sh, click Run in Konsole
  5. Wait for it to finish installing
  6. In Desktop Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
  7. Click the Graphics button
  8. Click the Enhancements tab
  9. Check HDR Post-Processing
  10. Click the Post-Processing Effect drop-down menu and select PerceptualHDR or AutoHDR depending on your preference
  11. HDR will now be enabled

How to Switch Dolphin to the Development Branch

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RetroAchievements was recently added to Dolphin but can only be used in the development branch until it has been tested thoroughly for public release.

If you are interested in using the development branch to test RetroAchievements or any other Dolphin feature before it is officially released, you may do so by following the steps in this section.

Warning

Do keep in mind these builds are experimental and may have bugs. If you are using the development build and request support, make sure to
include that you are using the development build. If you are using the development build and would like to use netplay, the other individual must be on the identical development build version. It is highly recommended you use the stable builds instead if you would like to use netplay.

How to Switch Dolphin to the Development Branch

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Konsole or a terminal of your choice
  2. Type each bullet point line one at a time and press enter after each line (if the first two commands do nothing or give you an error, you may skip these):
    • flatpak remote-delete flathub-beta --system
    • flatpak remote-delete flathub-beta --user
    • flatpak remote-add --if-not-exists flathub-beta https://flathub.org/beta-repo/flathub-beta.flatpakrepo --user
    • flatpak install flathub-beta org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu --user -y
  3. The development version of Dolphin has now been installed. To switch to the development branch as the primary version of Dolphin, type the following and press enter:
    • flatpak make-current org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu beta --user

To switch back to the "Stable" build ("Releases" on the Dolphin website), type the following and press enter:

flatpak make-current org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu stable --user

If you had Dolphin installed at the system level, you will need to type the following instead:

sudo flatpak make-current org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu stable

Controls

If the controls are not working, first add Dolphin to Steam. To add Dolphin to Steam, either right click Dolphin (L2) in the "Applications Launcher" in Desktop Mode, click Add to Steam or add Dolphin to Steam using the "Emulators" parser in Steam ROM Manager.

In Game Mode, open Dolphin, at the top, click Options, click Controller Settings. To the right of Port 1: Standard Controller under GameCube Controllers, click Configure and change the Device in the top left to SDL/0/Steam Deck Controller. Close out of this window (click the STEAM button and click the X button on the controller).

Click Configure to the right of Emulatd Wii Remote under Wii Remotes. Change the Device in the top left to SDL/0/Steam Deck Controller. Close out of this window (click the STEAM button and click the X button on the controller).

At the top, click Options, Hotkey Settings. Change the Device in the top left to SDL/0/Steam Deck Controller. Close out of this window (click the STEAM button and click the X button on the controller).

Exit Dolphin and the controls will work again in game.

Dolphin Cheats, Modding, and Texture Packs

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How to Use Cheats

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  1. Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click a game
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click Gecko Codes
  5. Click Download Codes in the bottom right
  6. Select cheat(s)

You may also add cheats to either the AR Codes or Gecko Codes tab.

How To Install Custom Textures

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Here's how to install custom textures for Dolphin:

  1. In Desktop Mode, open the Dolphin emulator, right click the game you would like to install custom textures for, click Properties, click the Info tab, note down the GameID
  2. In the Dolphin emulator, click Graphics in the top right (or Options > Graphic Settings), click Advanced, make sure Load Custom Textures and Prefetch Custom Textures are checked
  3. Open the /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/Load/Textures folder
    • ~/.var is an invisible folder by default. In Dolphin (file manager), click the hamburger menu in the top right, click Show Hidden Files to see these folders
    • If the Load and Textures folder do not exist, create them
  4. In the Textures folder from Step 2, create a folder matching the first 3 characters of the GameID from Step 1
    • Example: Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness
    • Original Game ID: GXXP01 (PAL Region)
    • Folder Name: GXX
  5. Put your texture files directly into this folder
  6. Your texture pack should now be installed
    • If the game crashes with custom textures, it is likely too demanding for the Steam Deck. You can turn off Prefetch Custom Textures as a workaround, but performance will still take a hit

For a visual, watch the following GIF:

How to Use Riivolution Patches

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Note: You will need the base game of the respective Riivolution patch to apply the patch. For example, the Riivolution patch Newer Super Mario Bros. Wii requires a copy of the New Super Mario Bros. Wii ROM in Emulation/roms/wii.

Riivolution Patch - Content

If your Riivolution patch includes additional content, follow the below steps. If not, skip to the next section.

  1. Place your Riivolution content folder in /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/Load
    • ~/.var is an invisible folder by default. In Dolphin (file manager), click the hamburger menu in the top right, click Show Hidden Files to see these folders

This may not apply to all Riivolution patches, read any attached instructions or the associated website for further help.

Riivolution Patch - XML File

  1. Place your Riivolution patch file in /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/Load/Riivolution/
    • ~/.var is a hidden folder by default. In Dolphin (file manager), click the hamburger menu in the top right, click Show Hidden Files to see these folders
    • A Riivolution patch file is generally a .xml file
  2. Open the Dolphin Emulator
  3. Right click the base game and select Start with Riivolution patches...
  4. Click Open Riivolution XML... and select a Riivolution patch
  5. Click Save as Preset...
  6. Name the preset with a .json file extension
    • The file name of the JSON file is up to you. However, it is recommended you match the JSON file as closely as possible to the Riivolution patch name so Steam ROM Manager and EmulationStation-DE can scrape the appropriate game art or game info
  7. Save your preset file with a .json file extension to Emulation/roms/wii
    • If the bottom left box to append .json does not exist, you can instead type the full name and add .json manually at the end of the full name. For example, Newer Super Mario Bros. Wii, type Newer Super Mario Bros. Wii.json into the box
  8. Your Riivolution patch will now be playable as a stand-alone game
    • Parse it through Steam ROM Manager or play it through EmulationStation-DE

Keep in Mind

  • Some Riivolution patches may require additional steps. Read any attached instructions or the associated website for further help.
  • If a Riivolution patch includes extra content, the root directory generally means: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/Load/. Place any additional content from the patch here. This does not apply to all Riivolution patches, read any attached instructions or the associated website for further help.
  • Linux is case sensitive. If a patch includes extra content and Dolphin is not identifying it, you may want to read the included XML files and folders to look for any casing mismatches. This does not apply to all Riivolution patches, read any attached instructions or the associated website for further help.

How to Install UniversalDynamicInput

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UniversalDynamicInput is a custom button package for Dolphin emulator.
It uses dynamic input textures to create custom buttons in real time.
Unlike traditional button packs, you can change the control settings at any time,
the in-game buttons are automatically updated to match the controller and setting you're using.
Another advantage is that there are no problems with other texture packs.

Source: https://github.com/Venomalia/UniversalDynamicInput

To Install:

Note: If you are using any per-game controller profiles, these will conflict with UniversalDynamicInput. Disable the per-game controller profile. Once you have installed UniversalDynamicInput and launched the respective game at least once, you may re-enable the per-game profile.

  1. Download the latest DynamicInputTextures.7z on this page: https://github.com/Venomalia/UniversalDynamicInput/releases to a folder of your choice
  2. Right click DynamicInputTextures.7z, click Extract, Extract archive here, detect subfolder
  3. Move the newly extracted DynamicInputTextures folder to /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/data/dolphin-emu/Load
    • ~/.var is a hidden folder by default. In Dolphin (file manager), click the hamburger menu in the top right, click Show Hidden Files to see these folders
  4. UniversalDynamicInput is now installed

How to Navigate Dolphin Settings

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How to Create Dolphin Controller Profiles

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Tutorial

  1. Switch to Desktop Mode. Hold Start for 3 seconds to switch to Gamepad configurations
  2. Open the Dolphin emulator, click Options at the top, click Controller Settings.
  3. Select a system:
    1. For GameCube: Click Configure to the right of Port 1 Standard Controller
    2. For Wii: Click Configure to the right of Wii Remote 1 Emulated Wii Remote
  4. On this screen, configure your controllers however you like.
  5. After you have finished configuring your controls, in the top right under Profile, enter the profile name you would like to use.
  6. Click Save to the right.
    2. EXAMPLE is the name of the profile being used as an example
  7. Close out of the Controller Settings menu

How to Use Your Newly Created Controller Profile

This section went over how to create a Dolphin controller profile. With this newly created profile, you may either set it for a specific game, see How to Set Dolphin Controller Profiles On a Per-Game Basis or use hotkeys to select your newly created profile on the fly.

To learn more about how to use the pre-configured hotkeys, read below.

Hotkeys

While in game, you can use the following hotkeys to cycle through profiles:

  • Wii: Select + tilt the Left Joystick Left or Right
  • GameCube: Select + tilt the Left Joystick Up or Down

Warning: Creating too many controller configurations may make it difficult to cycle through and pick the one you would like to use.

How to Share Your Dolphin Controller Profile

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How to Share Your Dolphin Controller Profile

How to Set Dolphin Controller Profiles On a Per-Game Basis

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How to Select or Create a Profile

Skip to How to Apply Profiles on a Per Game Basis if you already have a profile in mind.

Select a controller profile (use one of the following methods):

  • Create a controller profile in the Dolphin GUI
  • Use one of EmuDeck's included layouts
    • Wii
      • Wii_NoController
      • Wii_base_nunchuck
      • Wii_base_nunchuck_with_touchpad
      • Wii_classic_controller
      • Wii_no_attachment
      • Wii_no_attachment_with_touchpad
    • GameCube
      • GC_base
      • GC_reverse_camera
  • Download a controller profile with an .ini extension type
    • View community layouts
    • Place your controller profile in either the GameCube or the Wii Profile folder
      • GameCube Profiles: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/config/dolphin-emu/Profiles/GCPad
      • Wii Profiles: /home/deck/.var/app/org.DolphinEmu.dolphin-emu/config/dolphin-emu/Profiles/Wiimote

How to Apply Profiles on a Per Game Basis

  1. Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click the game you would like to use this controller profile for, and click Properties
  3. On the Game Config tab, press the Editor sub-tab

  4. Under User Config, enter a controller profile using the following template:

    • For SelectedProfileName, only type the name of the profile, not the file path to the profile

      Wii:

      [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = SelectedProfileName

      GameCube:

      [Controls] 
PadProfile1 = SelectedProfileName

      Example (using EXAMPLE profile):

  5. Exit out, and your game should now be using the selected profile

If you are using one of EmuDeck's included profiles, here are a few examples:

Examples of Per Game Wii Profiles

If you would like a game to use the Wii Classic Controller:

[Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_classic_controller

If you would like a game to use a Wiimote with no attachment:

[Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_no_attachment

If you would like to use a Wiimote with a Nunchuck while using the right trackpad as a pointer:

[Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_base_nunchuck_with_touchpad

Examples of Per Game GameCube Profiles

[Controls] 
PadProfile1 = GC_base

For additional information, see Dolphin's "GameINI (Controller Settings)" Wiki Page.

How to Set Game Settings On a Per-Game Basis

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  1. In Desktop Mode, Open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click a game
  3. Click Properties
  4. Click the Editor tab
  5. Under User Config, add your configurations, use: https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=GameINI for a full list
    1. You also need to include the headers. For example, any settings under the [Core] section need to include [Core] preceding the respective setting(s)

Example, to use OpenGL for only Super Paper Mario:

Example Use Cases for Custom Game Settings

  • Setting Aspect Ratio on a per game basis
  • Setting OpenGL on a per game basis
  • Setting Widescreen Hacks on a per game basis

Dolphin Unique Controller Configurations

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How to Select Wii Profiles On The Fly

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While in game, press Select and move the Left Joystick left or right. You will see the name of the currently selected profile in the top left. Move the Left Joystick while holding Select until you identify a profile you would like to use.

If you would like to detach the Nunchuk, either press Select + move the Left Joystick down or use the profile select (Select + move the Left Joystick left or right) hotkey until you see Wii_no_attachment in the top left.

If you would like to rotate the Wiimote sideways, press Select and R3.

Do note that when you exit the game, this will reset to the default profile. To permanently set a profile for the game in question, see How to Set Dolphin Controller Profiles On a Per-Game Basis.

To permanently set the detached Nunchuk profile for the game in question, see How to Remove the Unsupported Extension Controller.

To permanently set the Wiimote sideways for the game in question, see How to Configure Wii Games to Use the Sideways Wiimote Configuration.

How to Configure Wii Games To Use A GameCube Controller

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How to Configure Wii Games To Use A GameCube Controller: Single Player

  1. Right click a Wii game
  2. Click Properties
  3. Click the Game Config tab
  4. Click the Editor tab

  5. In the box under the User Config section, type the following:

    [Controls]
PadType0 = 6
PadProfile1 = GC_base
WiimoteSource0 = 0

  6. Click OK and your Wii game should now be using a GameCube controller profile

How to Configure Wii Games To Use A GameCube Controller: Multiplayer

  1. Right click a Wii game
  2. Click Properties
  3. Click the Game Config tab
  4. Click the Editor tab

  5. In the box under the User Config section, type the following:

    [Controls]
PadType0 = 6
PadType1 = 6
PadType2 = 6
PadType3 = 6
PadProfile1 = GC_base
WiimoteSource0 = 0
WiimoteSource1 = 0
WiimoteSource2 = 0
WiimoteSource3 = 0

  6. Click OK and your Wii game should now be using a GameCube controller profile

For additional information, see Dolphin's "GameINI (Controller Settings)" Wiki Page.

How to Disable the GameCube Controller in Wii Games

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How to Disable the GameCube Controller on the Fly

  1. In Desktop Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Open the Controller settings
  3. At the top, under GameCube Controllers, set Port 1 to None
    • If Ports 2-4 are also enabled, set these to None as well

Note: You will need to disable and enable the GameCube controller when you swap back and forth between GameCube and Wii games. However, you may apply this profile specifically to the game in question so you do not need to disable the GameCube controller globally. Read the next section How to Disable the GameCube Controller on a Per Game Basis to learn how.

How to Disable the GameCube Controller on a Per Game Basis

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Right click the game in question
  3. Click Properties
  4. Under the Game Config tab, click the Editor tab
  5. In the box under the User Config section, type the following:
    [Controls] 
PadType0 = 0
PadType1 = 0
PadType2 = 0
PadType3 = 0

How to Configure Wii Games to Use the Trackpad as a Pointer

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How to Configure Steam Input

Note: You do not need to do this section if you are using EmulationStation-DE. You may skip to How to Apply the Dolphin Trackpad Profile on the Fly.

  1. In Game Mode, open a Wii game
  2. Press the STEAM button
  3. Open Controller settings
  4. Change the Current Layout to Gamepad with Mouse Trackpad

How to Apply the Trackpad as a Pointer Profile on the Fly

  1. While in game, press Select and tilt the Left Joystick right until you see Wii_base_nunchuck_with_touchpad or Wii_no_attachment_with_touchpad
    • The attachment refers to the Nunchuk. Depending on the game, select the appropriate profile

Note: You will need to do this each time you open the game. However, you may apply this profile specifically to this game so it automatically loads the profile when the game is launched. Read the next section How to Apply the Wii Profile on a Per Game Basis to learn how.

How to Apply the Trackpad as a Pointer Profile on a Per Game Basis

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Right click the game
  3. Click Properties
  4. Under the Game Config tab, click the Editor tab

  5. In the box under the User Config section:

    • If you would like to use the Wiimote with Nunchuk and Touchpad Support profile, copy the below template:

      [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_base_nunchuck_with_touchpad

    • If you would like to use the Wiimote with No Attachment and Touchpad Support profile, copy the below template:

      [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_no_attachment_with_touchpad

Photos

Wiimote with Nunchuk and Touchpad Support profile

How to Configure Wii Games to Use the Trackpad as a Pointer 1

Wiimote with No Attachment and Touchpad Support profile

How to Configure Wii Games to Use the Trackpad as a Pointer 2

How to Configure Wii Games to Use the Classic Controller

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How to Apply the Classic Profile on the Fly

  1. While in game, press Select and tilt the Left Joystick right until you see wii_classic_controller

Note: You will need to do this each time you open the game. However, you may apply this profile specifically to this game so it automatically loads the profile when the game is launched. Read the next section How to Apply the Classic Profile on a Per Game Basis to learn how.

How to Apply the Classic Profile on a Per Game Basis

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Right click the game
  3. Click Properties
  4. Under the Game Config tab, click the Editor tab
  5. In the box under the User Config section, type the following:
    [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_classic_controller

How to Configure Wii Games to Use the Sideways Wiimote Configuration

How to Apply the Sideways Wiimote Configuration on the Fly

  1. While in game, press Select + R3. This hotkey will enable the "Sideways Wiimote" configuration.

You may also need to detach the nunchuk. While in game, press Select + Left Stick Down to attach/detach the nunchuk.

Note: You will need to do this each time you open the game. However, you may apply this profile specifically to this game so it automatically loads the profile when the game is launched. Read the next section How to Apply the Sideways Wiimote Configuration on a Per Game Basis to learn how.

How to Apply the Sideways Wiimote Configuration on a Per Game Basis

  1. Download the configuration from the "Community Creations" page, Sideways Wiimote With No Attachment
  2. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  3. Right click the game
  4. Click Properties
  5. Under the Game Config tab, click the Editor tab
  6. In the box under the User Config section, type the following:
    [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = sideways_wiimote_with_no_attachment

How to Remove the Unsupported Extension Controller

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If you open a Wii game and get an error message with something similar to: " Please remove the unsupported extension controller" or "The external extension controller connected to the Wii remote is not compatible with this title.", generally this error is referring to the Nunchuk.

How to Remove the Unsupported Extension Controller

Here's how to resolve the error and remove the Nunchuk:

How to Remove the Unsupported Extension Controller on the Fly

  1. While in game, press Select and tilt the Left Joystick right until you see Wii_no_attachment

Note: You will need to do this each time you open the game. However, you may apply this profile specifically to this game so it automatically loads the profile when the game is launched. Read the next section How to Remove the Unsupported Extension Controller on a Per Game Basis to learn how.

How to Remove the Unsupported Extension Controller on a Per Game Basis

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Right click the game
  3. Click Properties
  4. Under the Game Config tab, click the Editor tab
  5. In the box under the User Config section, type the following:
    [Controls] 
WiimoteProfile1 = Wii_no_attachment

How to Configure Real Wiimotes

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DO NOT PAIR THE WIIMOTE TO THE STEAM DECK's BLUETOOTH

How to Configure Real Wiimotes

  1. In Desktop Mode, open Dolphin
  2. Open the controller settings
  3. Under Wii Remotes, select Real Wii Remote under the drop-down list next to Wii Remote 1 and check Continuous Scanning at the bottom of the screen
  4. Return to Game Mode
  5. Open a Wii game, and press 1 and 2 on the Wiimote at the same time

Danger

Do not pair the Wiimote to the Steam Deck's bluetooth

For Further Reading: https://dolphin-emu.org/docs/guides/configuring-controllers/

How to Use a Mayflash DolphinBar in Game Mode

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Preface: To use the Mayflash DolphinBar, you need to blacklist it from Steam to properly allow it to work with Dolphin in Game Mode.

Note: This section is specifically for the Mayflash Dolphinbar. For Real Wiimotes, read: How to Configure Real Wiimotes.

How to Use a Mayflash DolphinBar in Game Mode

  1. Back up /home/deck/.local/share/Steam/config/config.vdf
  2. Exit out of Steam
    • If Steam is not closed, any edits you make to config.vdf will be reverted
  3. Right click config.vdf, click Open with Kate or a text editor of your choice

  4. Add the following to the end of the file, on a new line before the final } and save

     "controller_blacklist"        "57e/0306,57e/0306,57e/0306,57e/0306"

  5. Make sure Wii Emulator Mode is toggled on the Mayflash DolphinBar by clicking the MODE button (LED 4)

Custom Game Settings

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Before proceeding with this section, see How to Set Game Settings On a Per-Game Basis for instructions on how to apply the below settings.

Pokemon Colosseum: Black Floors

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  1. In Desktop Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click Pokémon Colosseum, click Properties
  3. Click Editor
  4. Copy and paste the below lines into the INI editor
    [Video_Settings]
wideScreenHack = False

If you would still like to play Pokémon Colosseum in 16:19, you may want to use of the AR codes from Dolphin's wiki. See https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Pok%C3%A9mon_Colosseum for a list of AR codes.

Source: https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Pok%C3%A9mon_Colosseum

Pokemon XD: Gale of Darkness: Aspect Ratio Keeps Changing

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  1. In Desktop Mode, open the Dolphin emulator
  2. Right click Pokémon XD: Gale of Darkness, click Properties
  3. Click Editor
  4. Copy and paste the below lines into the INI editor
    [Video_Settings]
wideScreenHack = False
AspectRatio = 2

Source: https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Pok%C3%A9mon_XD:_Gale_of_Darkness