Best GameCube Emulator: 5 Best Choices for 2024

If you’re looking for the best gamecube emulator, you likely already know that retro gaming has seen a massive resurgence in recent years, with many gamers looking to relive nostalgic gaming memories of their favorite consoles from the past. One that holds a special place in many peoples hearts is the Nintendo GameCube console.

Originally released back in 2001, the Nintendo GameCube had so many fantastic games and sold over 30 million units while on store shelves. For gamers looking to jump back into this nostalgic gaming era, GameCube emulators have become nearly essential.

At the forefront of GameCube emulation is the Dolphin Emulator. It is a highly popular emulator available on multiple platforms including Android, Windows, and Mac, and it is entirely free to use. You can even play using an original controller. Be sure to check out our guide on the best GameCube controller adapter.

The Dolphin emulator works with both GameCube and Nintendo Wii titles. It has become the go to choice for retro gamers who want a somewhat “authentic” and solid gaming experience. Using Dolphin, players can relive classic games like Mario Kart Double Dash, Super Smash Bros Melee, and so many more.

Other notable GameCube emulators such as RetroArch currently offer Dolphin support in their emulator cores. RetroArch, a frontend for emulators is a viable alternative for gamers who prefer a more unified interface to access and manage multiple emulation options at once, including GameCube. Let’s dive into our list of the 5 best GameCube emulators available.

Best GameCube Emulators

Dolphin Emulator

The Dolphin GameCube Emulator is the most popular, is hands down the best GameCube emulator, and supports both Nintendo GameCube games and Wii games. Unlike other GameCube emulators, Dolphin works on Windows, Mac, Linux, and Android platforms. It is definitely the best GameCube emulator for Android available by a long shot.

Being open source, Dolphin has a strong community of developers that continue to improve it. It’s known for its high compatibility, solid user interface, and great performance. Dolphin also supports a wide variety of popular games like Super Mario Sunshine, Animal Crossing, and The Legend of Zelda: The Wind Waker, and Metroid Prime.

• Platforms: Windows, Mac, Linux, Android
• License: Free, open-source
• Notable Features: Great compatibility with games, easily customizable settings, can play both GameCube and Wii games, and has ability for Dolphin emulator cheats

Follow our guide to learn how to setup the Dolphin emulator.

Whinecube

Whinecube is another Gamecube emulator for Windows OS. While its compatibility and performance may not be on par with Dolphin, Whinecube can do decent emulation for a selection of Gamecube titles. This emulator is not currently being actively developed, but it can still run some GC games without too many issues.

• Platform: Windows
• License: Free
• Notable Features: There is more limited support for games, works with older versions of Windows

SuperGCube

SuperGCube is a GameCube emulator that’s available for Windows. This emulator provides pretty solid performance, has accurate emulation, and also has high compatibility for GameCube ROMs. Unfortunately this emulator also is not actively being developed anymore and can sometimes have issues with certain ROMs or hardware setups.

• Platform: Windows
• License: Free, open-source
• Notable Features: Primarily focuses on performance and accuracy

ClassicBoy

ClassicBoy is a mobile app emulator that supports can emulate multiple consoles like GameCube, PlayStation 1, Nintendo 64, and many others. ClassicBoy is available for Android devices and has some additional notable features like local multiplayer, on screen controls, and the ability for save states.

• Platform: Android
• License: Free (with in-app purchases)
• Notable Features: Multiple console emulation, support for local multiplayer, and customizable controls

Dolwin

The Dolwin emulator is a GameCube emulator for Windows only which focuses on accurate emulation of the Gamecube’s Power PC derivative processor. It’s not really actively being updated these days and has limited game support compared to other emulators on this list, however we wanted to include in case you’re interested in checking it out.

• Platform: Windows
• License: Free, open source
• Notable Features: Accurate emulation of the Power PC processor, limited game support

Playing Gamecube Games on Android and iOS

Dolphin Emulator for Mobile Devices

The Dolphin Emulator works on both Android and iOS.

On Android, Dolphin has been improved through recent updates that have improved its performance and game compatibility. The UI is pretty intuitive and straightforward to navigate, and is easy for gamers to access and play their favorite GameCube ROMs. Dolphin’s Android version supports a variety of input methods, including touch controls and Bluetooth controllers, letting players customize their experience.

For iOS users, there’s DolphinIOS which is an unofficial port of the Dolphin Emulator specifically made for iPhones and iPads. DolphinIOS isn’t available for download through the App Store, but more technically inclined users can install it using sideloading. DolphinIOS brings the same high-quality emulation found in the Android version to the Apple ecosystem which includes support for MFI controllers as well.

Alternative Gaming Platforms

Gamecube Emulation With Raspberry Pi

Raspberry Pi is a popular tiny little single-board computer that can be used to emulate various gaming consoles including the Nintendo GameCube. This little device allows retro gamers to run their favorite GameCube games on a Raspberry Pi device connected to the TV.

One popular emulator for Raspberry Pi is RetroArch, which supports several consoles, including Nintendo, Sega, and PlayStation. To set up a GameCube emulator on Raspberry Pi, users need the following:

• Raspberry Pi 4 Model B (recommended for better performance)
• A compatible operating system (for example, Raspberry Pi OS)
• RetroArch or similar emulator with the RetroArch GameCube Dolphin core
• Correct BIOS files for the emulator
• GameCube game ROMs to play
• A USB controller (preferably similar to GameCube controller)

Gamecube Emulation on Consoles

GameCube games can also be emulated on other gaming consoles like the Wii, PlayStation 2, Xbox, and many more. Considering how cheap you can find these old consoles for nowadays, this can be an extremely budget friendly setup for a retro gaming powerhouse.

Emulation aside, the Nintendo Wii features native GameCube support which allows it to run GameCube games directly from the disc drive and also supports GameCube memory cards and controllers.

For other consoles, like PlayStation and Xbox, emulation can be achieved through the use of custom firmware and emulator frontend applications like RetroArch. To successfully emulate GameCube games on these consoles, users must:

• Get a jailbroken or modded console
• Install a suitable emulation app like RetroArch
• Download and setup the GameCube core compatible with the emulator
• Ensure the correct BIOS files and GameCube ROMs files are in place
• Get setup with the right hardware like USB controllers

It’s worth noting that modding or jailbreaking a console may void its warranty and could potentially lead to legal issues. Therefore, it’s crucial to consider the potential risks associated with console emulation and make sure that any ROMs you use you get legally.

GameCube Emulation FAQ

Which GameCube emulator is best?

The Dolphin Emulator is the most popular and widely recommended GameCube emulator, known for its high compatibility across titles for both the GameCube and Wii platforms. It’s free and open source and works on Android, Windows, and Mac.

How to run GameCube games on PC?

To run GameCube games on the PC you need to first download and install a compatible GameCube emulator like the Dolphin Emulator. After that, you’d need to download the ISO GameCube ROMs game file, and load it into the emulator. You’d also need to configure the emulator’s settings, such as the controls, screen resolution, and graphics settings to optimize your setup.

Can you use original controllers?

Yes, original GameCube controllers can be used with emulators as long as you have the right adapter. Special USB adapters allow you to connect the original controller to your computer and use it to play with an emulator. An example of an adapter that many use is this one from Amazon:

Gamecube Controller Adapter for PC

$16.99

Is there a GameCube emulator for Chromebook?

While no specific GameCube emulator is designed exclusively for Chromebooks, some solutions do exist. Users can dual boot their Chromebook device or run a parallel Linux OS and then install the Linux version of the Dolphin Emulator to play GameCube games.

Are there any Android GameCube emulators?

Yes, the Dolphin Emulator is available for Android devices running Android 5.0 and above, allowing you to enjoy GameCube games on your smartphone! Do keep in mind though that performance may vary depending on the device’s hardware and compatibility. It’s recommended to check whether your Android phone or tablet meets the necessary requirements before running GameCube games it.

How much do emulators cost?

Most GameCube emulators, such as the Dolphin Emulator, are completely free to download and use. Some other emulators may have a cost associated with them though. If you use any of the emulators listed on this page though, you won’t have to pay anything as they are all free to use.

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