This guide provides comprehensive instructions for setting up and using Dolphin UWP, the GameCube and Wii emulator, on an Xbox Series S/X in Developer Mode. It covers initial setup, file transfers, Netplay, optional resources (saves, cheats, textures), troubleshooting, and advanced topics.
Important Notices (Read Before Proceeding):
- Read the Guides: Before asking for help, thoroughly read the
#dev-mode-guide channel (presumably in a Discord server) and the USB tutorial in #app-guides if using USB storage. If you're still stuck, ask for help in #support.
- Dolphin PC is Recommended: Think of the PC version of Dolphin as an extended settings menu for Dolphin UWP. While not strictly required, Dolphin PC is extremely useful (and sometimes necessary) for many features and configurations. This guide assumes basic familiarity with Dolphin PC. A powerful PC is not required for this.
This method uses a USB drive for storing games and Dolphin's user data.
- Open Dolphin Settings: On your Xbox, launch Dolphin UWP. Press the Select/View button on your controller to open the Dolphin settings menu.
- Add Game Path: Select "Add Path".
- Choose Game Location: Navigate to where your games are stored on your USB drive. The guide suggests the following structure:
E:\Games\Nintendo - GameCubeE:\Games\Nintendo - Wii
The User Folder is where Dolphin stores important files like:
- Texture Packs
- Controller Configurations
- AR/Gecko Codes (Cheats)
- Box Art
-
Create Dolphin Folder: On your USB drive, create a folder at the root level (e.g., E:\) named Dolphin.
-
Open Dolphin Settings: Launch Dolphin UWP and press Select/View to open the settings.
-
Set User Folder Path: Go to "Paths & Folders" > "Add Path" and select the Dolphin folder you just created.
-
Automatic Folder Creation: The first time you launch a game, Dolphin will automatically create its necessary subfolders (like Load, Config, GC, Wii) inside the User Folder you specified.
WARNING: Using internal storage is strongly discouraged due to its limitations (30GB) and the risk of undeletable files if the app is uninstalled incorrectly (requiring a factory reset). However, if you don't have a Windows PC to format a USB drive, this is your only option.
-
Connect via FTP: Use Durango FTP (see #app-guides for instructions) to connect to your Xbox from your PC.
-
Create Game Folder: Navigate to: LocalFolder\[FULLNAME]\LocalCache. Replace [FULLNAME] with the actual full name of the Dolphin UWP application folder (see "How to find the FULLNAME of Dolphin" below). Inside LocalCache, create a new folder to store your games.
-
Add Games: Copy your game files into the folder you just created.
-
Set Game Path in Dolphin: Launch Dolphin UWP, press Select/View, select "Add Path", and choose the folder where you placed your games.
-
Create Dolphin Folder: Using Durango FTP, navigate to LocalFolder\[FULLNAME]\LocalCache. Create a new folder named Dolphin.
-
Set User Folder Path: Launch Dolphin UWP, press Select/View, go to "Paths & Folders" > "Add Path", and choose the Dolphin folder you just created.
-
Automatic Folder Creation: Dolphin will automatically create its subfolders inside this Dolphin folder.
- On Xbox: Press the Start button on the Dolphin UWP application icon in your Xbox dashboard.
- Manage Game: Choose "Manage games and add-ons".
- File Info: Select "File Info".
- Full Name: The full name of the application folder will be displayed at the top. Use this name when navigating via FTP or a file explorer.
LOCALFOLDER: Lists all UWP application folders that allow file interaction (e.g., RetroArch, Minecraft).D:\:
- Retail Mode: This is your USB drive.
- Dev Mode: This is where applications are installed (e.g., RetroArch cores).
E:\: This is your USB drive in Dev Mode.
See the DurangoFTP Guide in #app-guides for detailed file transfer instructions.
This is highly recommended for easier configuration.
- Add Game Paths on PC: On your PC, add paths to your games in Dolphin PC.
- Dolphin Wiki: Right-click each game in Dolphin PC and view its page on the Dolphin Wiki for game-specific information and settings.
- Properties (PC): Right-click a game and click "Properties" to apply changes like Gecko/AR codes.
- Open User Folder (PC): Go to File > Open User Folder in Dolphin PC.
- Copy Files: Copy any files or folders you want (e.g.,
Config, GameSettings, GC, Wii) from the Dolphin PC User Folder to the Dolphin UWP User Folder on your Xbox (either on your USB drive or via FTP to the internal storage).
Android and iOS don't natively support writing to NTFS-formatted drives (required for Xbox USB emulation).
- Use FTP: Use Durango FTP on your Xbox and an FTP client app on your mobile device.
- MiXplorer (Recommended): The guide recommends MiXplorer for Android (free, supports FTP).
Netplay allows online multiplayer for GameCube and Wii games with local multiplayer modes.
- GameCube Netplay: Generally stable.
- Wii Netplay: More experimental and temperamental.
- Same Game: All players must have the same game on their game list.
- Low Bandwidth: Bandwidth requirements are low, but latency (ping) is crucial. Ethernet is recommended over Wi-Fi.
- Identical Game Copies: Each player needs their own copy of the game, with matching region and revision. Identical dumps are strongly recommended. Most compressed formats work with standard ISOs (except NKit).
- Same Dolphin Version: All players must use the same Dolphin version. Newer versions are better.
- Open Netplay Menu: In Dolphin UWP on your Xbox, go to the "Net-play" menu.
- Host or Join: Choose "Host" or "Join".
-
Host Options:
- Direct Connection: Requires port forwarding on your router.
- Traversal Server (Recommended): Avoids port forwarding and uses a code for joining.
- Port: Select a specific port (if using Direct Connection).
- Name: Set a name to identify yourself.
-
Best Host: The player with the best internet connection and (for 3+ players) the most central geographic location makes the best host.
-
NAT: Players with strict NAT may need to manually port forward, even when joining.
-
Port Forwarding: Instructions vary by router. You'll need admin access to your router.
-
Host Menu: After selecting a game and hosting method, you'll enter the host Netplay menu.
- Traversal Code: If using the Traversal Server, you'll get a code to share with other players.
- IP and Port: If using Direct Connection, you'll need to share your public IP address and port.
Notes:
- Multiple Routers: Can cause complications. You might need to manually find your public IP.
- Mixed Connection Types: You can host on the Traversal Server but allow trusted users (e.g., on your LAN) to connect directly using your IP and port.
- Traversal Server Latency: The Traversal Server does not add latency; it's only for connecting.
- Host Responsibilities: The host configures the input buffer, enables/disables features, and assigns controllers.
- Set Name: Enter the name you want to use.
- Enter Code or IP:
- Traversal Code: Enter the code provided by the host.
- IP Address and Port: Enter the host's IP address and port (for Direct Connection).
- Wait: Wait for the host to start the game.
- Strict NAT: The Traversal Server may not work. The host must port forward, and clients must use Direct Connection.
- Version Incompatibilities: Older Dolphin builds might not warn about incompatible versions. Newer builds have an error message.
Port Forwarding: Consult a guide specific to your router model.
The host can adjust these settings before starting the game:
- Buffer: The amount of latency added to inputs. Increase if you experience slowdown or stuttering, even in low-impact scenes. A general formula: 1 pad buffer per 15ms of latency per client.
- Strict Settings Sync: More aggressively synchronizes settings (e.g., Internal Resolution). Use if you have a desync with an unknown cause.
- Saves on Netplay: GameCube and Wii saves now work on Netplay, the host's local saves will be used.
- Mismatched ISOs: The most common cause. Ensure all players have identical game dumps.
- Slow Internet: Low bandwidth or high latency can cause desyncs.
- Mismatched SD Card: If a game requires an SD card, all players must have identical SD card files.
- Version Check: To see the Dolphin UWP version compared to the PC version, check the settings tab in Dolphin UWP or the GitHub releases page.
- Xbox Emulation Hub Discord: The best place for pre-configured resources is the
#resources channel in the Xbox Emulation Hub Discord server.
- Dolphin Wiki: For games without listed resources, check the game's page on the Dolphin Wiki.
¶ Importing Wii and GameCube Saves
Written by jpolo1224 and JJRoyale
Wii:
- Import on PC: In Dolphin PC, go to Tools > Import Wii Save and choose your Wii save file.
- Copy Wii Folder: Copy the
Wii folder from the Dolphin PC User Folder to the Dolphin UWP User Folder on your Xbox. Ensure no conflicting saves exist.
GameCube:
- Import on PC: In Dolphin PC, click "Import GCI" for Memory Card A or B (depending on where you want the save). Select your GCI file.
- Copy GC Folder: Move the
GC folder from the Dolphin PC User Folder to the Dolphin UWP User Folder.
GameCube without Dolphin PC:
- Slot A: Copy the save file to
Dolphin/GC/Slot A.
- Slot B: Copy the save file to
Dolphin/GC/Slot B.
Written by jpolo1224
The easiest way is through Dolphin PC:
- Properties (PC): Right-click the game in Dolphin PC and click "Properties".
- Gecko Codes Tab: Go to the "Gecko codes" tab.
- Download (PC): Click "Download from the internet" to find cheats. Choose the ones you want. Note: The servers for automatic downloading may be down. Check the Dolphin Wiki or Google for codes.
- Manual Entry: You can manually add Gecko codes (and must manually add AR codes).
- Open User Folder (PC): Go to File > Open User Folder.
- Copy GameSettings: Either:
- Move the entire
GameSettings folder from the Dolphin PC User Folder to your Xbox Dolphin UWP User Folder.
- Move individual game settings files (named with the Game ID) from the PC
GameSettings folder to the Xbox GameSettings folder.
- Enable Cheats: Ensure cheats are enabled in Dolphin UWP's settings before starting the game.
Configuring controls directly on Xbox is currently limited to premade configurations. For custom controls, use Dolphin PC:
- Connect Controller (PC): Connect your Xbox controller via USB or Bluetooth.
- Select Controller (PC): In Dolphin PC, select "WGInput/0/Xbox One Game Controller" as your input device.
- Configure Controls (PC): Set up your controls.
- Save Profile (PC): Save your controller profile.
- Locate Profile (PC): Find your saved profile in the Dolphin PC User Folder:
- Wiimote:
Config/Profiles/Wiimote
- GameCube:
Config/Profiles/GCPad
- Copy Profile (Xbox): Copy the profile file to the same location within the Dolphin UWP User Folder on your Xbox.
Simplified Steps:
- Create/download a profile in Dolphin PC using your Xbox controller.
- Transfer the profile to
Config/Profiles/Wiimote or Config/Profiles/GCPad in the Dolphin UWP User Folder.
- In Dolphin UWP, select the profile for the desired controller port and choose the correct device.
-
Download: Download a texture pack.
-
Place in Folder: Place the texture pack folder in Dolphin/Load/Textures.
-
Enable:
- Global: Go to Main Menu > Advanced and enable:
- Load Custom Textures
- Prefetch Custom Textures (disable if you have issues)
- Per-Game: Create a
GameID.ini file in your GameSettings folder (replace GameID with the actual Game ID). Add these lines to the INI:
[Video_Settings]
HiresTextures = True
CacheHiresTextures = True
-
Verify Game ID: Make sure the main texture pack folder name matches the Game ID (or the first 3 characters of the ID).
Written by Fffathur
- Change Theme: Go to Settings > Interface > Themes and select a theme.
- Create Theme: Create a new folder in
/Themes/ (within your User Folder) and include these required files:
carousel_background_all.png (Default carousel view)menu_background.png (Settings background)list_ui.png (UI overlay for list view)carousel_ui.png (UI overlay for carousel view)
- Optional Files:
carousel_background_wii.png (Wii tab)carousel_background_gamecube.png (GameCube tab)carousel_background_other.png (Other tab)carousel_background_list.png (List screen)carousel_background_netplay.png (Netplay screen)
Note: A known glitch might replace the background with box art. Close and relaunch Dolphin to fix.
- Main Menu: Press Start/Menu on your controller to access the Settings menu for most settings.
- Dolphin PC/dolphin.ini: For settings not available in the main menu, use Dolphin PC and copy the User Folder, or manually edit the
dolphin.ini file.
- Use ADV File Explorer or Durango FTP on your Xbox.
- See the
#app-guides channel for instructions.
- Legally Dump Games: You must dump games from a hacked Wii, Wii U, or GameCube console.
Written by GoldenSky#4649
Recommended Method (Automated):
Manual Method:
- Format USB: Connect your USB drive to your PC and format it as NTFS.
- Security Tab: Right-click the drive, click "Properties", and go to the "Security" tab.
- Permissions:
- Go to Advanced > Add > Select Principal > Advanced > Find Now.
- Select "ALL APPLICATION PACKAGES".
- Click OK.
- Tick the "Full Control" box.
- Click OK.
- Tick the "Replace all child object permission entries" box.
- Click OK.
- Ignore Error: Ignore any error about "System Volume Information".
- Re-do USB Fix: Repeat the USB fix steps above.
- If Still Not Working:
- Create Dolphin Folder: Create a folder named
Dolphin on your USB drive.
- Reset User Folder: Open Dolphin, go to Settings, reset the User folder, press Select, and quit.
- Set User Folder: Open Dolphin, go to Settings, set the User folder to the
Dolphin folder you created, press Select, and quit.
- Set Game Path: Open Dolphin, go to Settings, set the Game Path to your game directory on the USB, press Select, and quit.
- Run Dolphin: Launch Dolphin; it should now work correctly.
- File Format: Ensure games are not zipped or in
nkit.iso format. Use RVZ, WBFS, or ISO.
- USB Fix: Make sure you've correctly performed the USB fix (T1).
- ROM Integrity: Verify that your ROM is working correctly.
- Load Cover Art: Scroll left or right until all your game cover art is loaded. This should eliminate the lag.
- Language: Change your console language to English.
- Update Controller: Update your controller's firmware.
- Insider Preview: Quit the Xbox Insider Preview program.
The normal Homebrew Channel doesn't boot by default.
- Download WAD: Download this WAD file: https://github.com/FIX94/hbc/releases
- Place in Games Folder: Place the downloaded WAD file in your games folder.
- Launch WAD: In Dolphin, select and launch the WAD file.
- Transfer Apps: Transfer your PC-generated
WiiSD.raw file to the Load folder in your Dolphin User Folder. Some apps requiring custom iOS patches may not work.
If you have a BootMii NAND backup: Follow instructions elsewhere (not provided in this guide).
If you don't have a BootMii NAND backup:
- Dolphin PC: Download the newest version of Dolphin on your PC (making it portable is recommended: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-how-to-make-dolphin-portable).
- Online System Update: Go to Tools > Perform Online System Update > select your region.
- Load Wii Menu: Go to Tools > Load Wii System Menu 4.3[Region].
- If it loads directly to the menu, proceed to step 4.
- If you need to set up the Wii language, follow the on-screen prompts until you reach the menu.
- Exit Dolphin (PC): Close Dolphin PC.
- Locate User Folder (PC): Find the User Folder:
- Portable: In the same folder as Dolphin.exe.
- Non-Portable: In your Documents > Dolphin Emulator folder.
- Transfer Wii Folder: Copy the
Wii folder from the Dolphin PC User Folder to the Dolphin UWP User Folder on your Xbox (either on your USB drive or via FTP).
- Configure Home Button:
- Manually (INI): Add this line to your
dolphin.ini file:
Buttons/Home = \Trigger R`&`Bumper R`&`Trigger L`&`Bumper L``
- Dolphin PC: Configure the Home button in Dolphin PC and transfer the configuration.
- Launch Game: Start a game on your Xbox.
- Press Home Button: Press the configured Home button combination (LB + LT + RB + RT if you used the example above).
- Select Wii Menu: Choose the Wii Menu option.
¶ How to Set Up GameCube's BIOS, Menu, and Animation (Optional)
-
Dump BIOS: Dump your GameCube BIOS and rename it to IPL.bin.
-
Place BIOS: Place the IPL.bin file in your User Folder > GC > [Your Region] (e.g., USA).
-
Edit dolphin.ini: Add these lines to your dolphin.ini file:
[Core]
SkipIPL = false
-
Access Menu: Hold the A button when starting a GameCube game to access the GameCube menu.
- Open Settings: In Dolphin UWP, open the settings menu.
- GameCube Tab: Go to the "GameCube" tab.
- Slot A: Set "Slot A" to "Memory Card".
- SP1: Set "SP1" to "Broadband Adapter (HLE)".
¶ How to Dump NAND from Your Wii
- Access BootMii: Launch BootMii through the Homebrew Channel.
- Navigate: Use a GameCube controller or the Power/Reset buttons (see https://bootmii.org/faq/).
- Backup NAND: Select "Options" (the gear icon) > "Backup NAND" (the green arrow from chip to SD card).
- Wait: Wait for the backup to complete.
- Retrieve NAND: Remove the SD card, insert it into your PC, and you should find a
nand.bin file.
Tutorial: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EWgMWz77gJM&t=65s
¶ How to Import Wii's NAND into the Windows Version of Dolphin
- Import: In Dolphin PC, go to Tools > Import BootMii NAND Backup. Select your
nand.bin file.
- Decrypt: Dolphin will decrypt and unpack the NAND. Device credentials and system files will be extracted automatically.
- Extract Certificates: Go to Tools > Manage NAND > Extract Certificates from NAND.
¶ How to Get the Wii's NAND Working on Dolphin UWP
Credit to juntelart#9146 for help
-
Copy Files (PC): On your PC, go to Documents > Dolphin Emulator > Wii and copy everything from that folder.
-
Paste Files (Xbox): On your Xbox, use Durango FTP to navigate to your Dolphin UWP User Folder > Wii. Paste the copied files, replacing existing files if prompted.
-
Edit dolphin.ini Using the Dev Portal on your PC, navigate to LocalAppData > Dolphin > Localstate > Config and download the dolphin.ini file.
-
Add Lines (INI): Open dolphin.ini with a text editor and Add these lines to the dolphin.ini file, replacing AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF with your Wii's MAC address:
If you only want to play online, you can choose to only transfer clientca.pem clientcakey.pem and rootca.pem into the localstate/wii folder. This didn’t work for me personally.
[General]
WirelessMac = AA:BB:CC:DD:EE:FF
-
Save and Reupload: Save your modified dolphin.ini to your PC, then using the Dev Portal, upload and replace the dolphin.ini back into the LocalState > Config folder on your Xbox.
- Patch Games: Patch your game ISOs using a Wiimmfi patcher: https://wiimmfi.de/patcher/
- Wii NAND: You must have a NAND from a real Wii.
¶ How to Connect to a DSU and Have Motion Controls (WIP)
- Dolphin PC: Open Dolphin PC, go to Options > Configuration > Wii.
- Convert to Folder: Click "Convert File to Folder" in the SD card settings.
- Locate Files: Go to Documents > Dolphin Emulator > Load. You'll find the relevant files.
- WiiSDSync: Go to the
WiiSDSync folder.
- Create Apps Folder: Create an
apps folder inside WiiSDSync.
- Transfer App Files: Place your downloaded app files (e.g., Project+ folder,
apps folder, private folder, Boot.elf) into the WiiSDSync folder.
- Convert to File: In Dolphin PC, go to Options > Configuration > Wii. Click "Convert Folder to File". This might take a while, and Dolphin might appear to freeze. Wait for it to finish.
- Transfer WiiSD.raw: Copy the generated
WiiSD.raw file to your Dolphin UWP Load folder on your Xbox.
-
Prerequisites:
- A
WiiSD.raw file with the mods installed, transferred to your Load folder.
- A Homebrew WAD file placed in your games folder.
- A dumped copy of Super Smash Bros. Brawl.
-
Launch Homebrew WAD: In Dolphin UWP, launch the Homebrew WAD file.
-
Select Mod: You should see your Smash mod in the list.
-
In-Game Settings: Press L3 + R3 to open In-Game Settings.
-
Change Disc: Select "Change Disc", locate your copy of Smash Bros. Brawl, and select it.
-
Load Mod: Select the mod and load it within the Homebrew environment.
Note: This guide does not apply to G15.
You need a default controller configuration before using this. Example configuration.
-
Create Controller Config: Create a controller configuration (see "Control Mapping" section).
-
Place Configs:
- Wii:
yourDolphinPath\Config\Profiles\Wiimote
- GameCube:
yourDolphinPath\config\Profiles\GCPad\
-
Rename: Give the file a recognizable name.
-
Multiple Controllers: For multiple controllers, copy and paste the file multiple times, renaming each one (e.g., MyConfig1.ini, MyConfig2.ini).
-
Create GameINI: Create a .ini file and rename it to the Game ID of the game you want to configure.
-
Add Settings (Wii Example): For a Wii game, add and modify these lines (replace Name of config with your actual config file names):
[Controls]
WiimoteSource0 = 1
WiimoteSource1 = 1
WiimoteSource2 = 1
WiimoteSource3 = 1
WiimoteProfile1 = Name of config1
WiimoteProfile2 = Name of config2
WiimoteProfile3 = Name of config3
WiimoteProfile4 = Name of config4
[Core]
WiimoteContinuousScanning = True
More information on settings
Written by JJRoyale#5840
- Create Folder: Create a folder on your USB drive for the Riivolution mod files.
- Extract Mod: Extract the mod contents to the folder you created. Repeat for each mod.
- Dolphin PC: Open Dolphin PC.
- Start with Riivolution: Right-click the game to be patched, select "Start with Riivolution Patches" > "Open Riivolution XML".
- Select XML: Select the XML file (usually in a folder named
riivolution within the mod folder).
- Save Preset: Click "Save as Preset", navigate to your Wii games location, and name the preset.
- Modify XML: Open the generated XML file and change the file path to match the path on your Xbox:
- Dev Mode:
E:\
- Retail Mode:
D:\ (when/if it returns)
- Launch in Dolphin UWP: In Dolphin UWP, you should see your mod listed.
Written by jpolo1224, edited by JJRoyale
- Dumped ROM: Start with a dumped ROM of the game you want to mod.
- Download Patch: Download the patch file for the mod (e.g., an
.ips or .xdelta file).
- Patching Tool:
- .ips Patches: Use Flips Manager.
- .xdelta Patches: Use xdelta and xdeltagui.
- Apply Patch: Use the chosen tool to apply the patch file to your ROM, creating a new, patched ROM. Back up your original ROM.
¶ How to Use Smash Brawl Mods for Netplay without Homebrew (PMEX and similar)
Written by jpolo1224. Redone by Jeen
Prerequisites:
- Brawl ISO (or WBFS).
- Dolphin 1.16 installed.
Setting Up Default ISO:
- Locate dolphin.ini: Navigate to your Xbox Dolphin User Folder >
config > dolphin.ini.
- Add DefaultISO: Under
[Core], add this line: DefaultISO= followed by the full path to your Brawl ISO on your Xbox.
- Simplified Method:
- Add your game path on PC Dolphin.
- Set Brawl as the default ISO on PC Dolphin.
- Boot the game on PC Dolphin.
- Close the game.
- Go to
config, paths in the PC Dolphin User Folder, and copy the DefaultISO path.
- Paste this path into your Xbox
dolphin.ini file.
- Or find it in your PC dolphin.ini.
Downloading PMEX Remix:
-
Visit Website: Visit the PMEX Remix website: https://drive.google.com/drive/folders/1u6aENdnSyDio-CmpNRLg8NXxc8xoYfQh to download the necessary files.
-
Download Launchers: Download the offline and netplay launchers (.elf files). These are for solo/local play and online multiplayer, respectively. You'll find these in separate folders within the Google Drive.
-
Place Launchers: Place the downloaded .elf files into your games folder on your Xbox (the same folder where you have your Brawl ISO/WBFS). This could be on your USB drive (recommended) or internal storage (not recommended).
-
Obtain SD Card: From the PMEX Remix Dolphin download (likely a .zip or .7z file), find the Wii folder. Inside, there should be a folder named sd. Rename this folder to WiiSD.
-
Replace WiiSD.raw: Replace the existing WiiSD.raw file in your Dolphin UWP Load folder (on your Xbox) with the renamed WiiSD folder you just prepared. This contains the mod's data.
Launching PMEX Remix:
-
Launch Launcher: In Dolphin UWP on your Xbox, launch the .elf file corresponding to the mode you want:
- PMEX Offline Launcher: For full game access from the title screen (single-player, local multiplayer).
- NETPLAY Launcher: For online multiplayer.
-
Enjoy: The modded Super Smash Bros. Brawl should now load.
Troubleshooting:
If you encounter problems during gameplay, this Discord link provides files to address most common issues: https://discord.com/channels/1007582798598647889/1092316328821522432/1136120776383287337. Download these files and place them in your GameSettings folder within your Dolphin UWP User Folder. This folder should contain .ini files corresponding to the Game IDs of your games. The troubleshooting files will likely also be .ini files.