Dolphin - Emulating Wii and Gamecube Games

According to posts I see in the Dolphin forums the game appears to be broken at the moment. So it's not just you.
I also made a thread about it yesterday on Dolphin forums (Title: SH gets progressively worse) so if you mean that, it still doesn't rule out that it's just me :P

So now i need to check the CRC or rip my own copy somehow and try again.

Thanks for the suggestion.
 
Got damn .. the DX 12 render is a god send. Along with the added memory, I'm seeing *huge* boosts in performance on my not-so-gaming laptop, same as the PCSX2 thread's, this is just a godsend for me to see how well optimized these emulators are getting.

My laptop:

Core i5 5200u. 2.7Ghz in High Performance mode (intel turbo 2.0)
12 GB DDR3 Ram (dual channel according to CPU-Z)
Intel HD 5500 GPU with 6.2GB as approximate VRAM as per DXDiag (shared w/ system memory).

Using latest dolphin dev build as per their website.

Keeping things like AA and Filtering to low since I'm gaming via HDMI on a 768p native TV anyway, so not really thinking about 1080p or 4k.

Able to run Xenoblade Chronicles at 2X internal resolution(stable at 2.5x too) at rock solid 30 FPS, just for shits unlocked the frame limiter and it seems to hover around 45~50 (almost 200% perf in PCSX2 terms) even in that.

Holy shit, this is great.
 
That doesn't actually show how optimised Dolphin has become with DX12, it shows how shitty OpenGL support is on Intel drivers and how poor DX11 itself is. :P
 
Got damn .. the DX 12 render is a god send. Along with the added memory, I'm seeing *huge* boosts in performance on my not-so-gaming laptop, same as the PCSX2 thread's, this is just a godsend for me to see how well optimized these emulators are getting.

My laptop:

Core i5 5200u. 2.7Ghz in High Performance mode (intel turbo 2.0)
12 GB DDR3 Ram (dual channel according to CPU-Z)
Intel HD 5500 GPU with 6.2GB as approximate VRAM as per DXDiag (shared w/ system memory).

Using latest dolphin dev build as per their website.

Keeping things like AA and Filtering to low since I'm gaming via HDMI on a 768p native TV anyway, so not really thinking about 1080p or 4k.

Able to run Xenoblade Chronicles at 2X internal resolution(stable at 2.5x too) at rock solid 30 FPS, just for shits unlocked the frame limiter and it seems to hover around 45~50 (almost 200% perf in PCSX2 terms) even in that.

Holy shit, this is great.

Pcsx2 has a DX12 plugin??
 
Hey GAF, what's the best build out right now that prioritizes speed? I remember a year ago I used some modded version from a guy (whos name started with an I?) that worked pretty well on my Surface Pro 2.

Is there a newer version of that, or something else?

edit: I see DX12 is in? Is that in any latest nightly? Maybe I'll try that too.
 
Hey GAF, what's the best build out right now that prioritizes speed? I remember a year ago I used some modded version from a guy (whos name started with an I?) that worked pretty well on my Surface Pro 2.

Is there a newer version of that, or something else?

edit: I see DX12 is in? Is that in any latest nightly? Maybe I'll try that too.

You mean Ishikura builds? Not sure if there are new ones available.
The newest official nightly builds have DX12 implemented.
 
You mean Ishikura builds? Not sure if there are new ones available.
The newest official nightly builds have DX12 implemented.
Yes, that was the guy! I could get smash brawl running fullspeed on that emu, when I couldn't on other nightlies at the time.

I'll try a recent nightly first, hopefully it runs well :) Thanks.
 
Hey GAF, what's the best build out right now that prioritizes speed? I remember a year ago I used some modded version from a guy (whos name started with an I?) that worked pretty well on my Surface Pro 2.

Is there a newer version of that, or something else?

edit: I see DX12 is in? Is that in any latest nightly? Maybe I'll try that too.

Newest Ishiiruka Build is from 03-06-15, available here:
https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-ishiiruka-dolphin-custom-version

Edit: Beaten like a non refreshing fool.
 
I will put here a texture mod I did for Rayman 3 (GC) because I used as base the textures of PC version so I'm not allowed to put it in Dolphin forums. There are lots of edited textures but... whatever.

Why this mod? After installing Windows 10 I found Rayman 3 for PC is a judder festival. 72 frames per second are not smooth in 60 hz TV and limiting to 60 fps makes the game goes to 36 fps here and there no matter what the vsync config is. I like to have every game perfectly configured so I want to fix this one too.

I thought would be a good idea to port every PC texture to Gamecube version because for Gamecube lots of textures were reduced in half resolution. In the process, I've created few of them or edited PC textures including game fonts. I fixed alpha glitches too. I hope someone can enjoy this new revamp. Anyway, I tried to be as faithful as possible to the original and limiting the maximum size of textures to not break the feeling of playing the original, a great but old game.

The file contains a complete folder with Dolphin so it's pre-configured to run the best way but you can copy the texture folder whenever you want. Obviously you need your Rayman 3 game iso.

Screenshots (open in different tabs for better comparisson):

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NOTE: The package include two files (Rayman3.exe and Rayman3.ahk) based in AutoHotkey. With the correct configuration, using Rayman3.exe will launch the game directly in fullscreen and will load a X-padder profile that allows to quit the game holding 360 pad back button for 3 seconds. You need to have X-Padder in your PC and modify Rayman3.ahk file to match your paths.

X-Padder profile -> http://www.filedropper.com/backquit

Dolphin + Texture mod -> http://www.filedropper.com/dolphin-x64-584-ishiiruka-rayman3_2
 
I haven't touched Dolphin in probably a year and I'm impressed with the progress it's made.

Still hoping they find a fix for the Xenoblade Chronicles audio popping, though - that was unfortunately jarring enough for me to drop it on emu (but after playing it in Dolphin w/ HD stuff I can't go back to it on Wii, either haha).
 
I will put here a texture mod I did for Rayman 3 (GC) because I used as base the textures of PC version so I'm not allowed to put it in Dolphin forums. There are lots of edited textures but... whatever.

Why this mod? After installing Windows 10 I found Rayman 3 for PC is a judder festival. 72 frames per second are not smooth in 60 hz TV and limiting to 60 fps makes the game goes to 36 fps here and there no matter what the vsync config is. I like to have every game perfectly configured so I want to fix this one too.

I thought would be a good idea to port every PC texture to Gamecube version because for Gamecube lots of textures were reduced in half resolution. In the process, I've created few of them or edited PC textures including game fonts. I fixed alpha glitches too. I hope someone can enjoy this new revamp. Anyway, I tried to be as faithful as possible to the original and limiting the maximum size of textures to not break the feeling of playing the original, a great but old game.

The file contains a complete folder with Dolphin so it's pre-configured to run the best way but you can copy the texture folder whenever you want. Obviously you need your Rayman 3 game iso.

Screenshots (open in different tabs for better comparisson):




NOTE: The package include two files (Rayman3.exe and Rayman3.ahk) based in AutoHotkey. With the correct configuration, using Rayman3.exe will launch the game directly in fullscreen and will load a X-padder profile that allows to quit the game holding 360 pad back button for 3 seconds. You need to have X-Padder in your PC and modify Rayman3.ahk file to match your paths.

X-Padder profile -> http://www.filedropper.com/backquit

Dolphin + Texture mod -> http://www.filedropper.com/dolphin-x64-584-ishiiruka-rayman3_2

That's a massive upgrade. Great work dude.
 
I will put here a texture mod I did for Rayman 3 (GC) because I used as base the textures of PC version so I'm not allowed to put it in Dolphin forums. There are lots of edited textures but... whatever.

Why this mod? After installing Windows 10 I found Rayman 3 for PC is a judder festival. 72 frames per second are not smooth in 60 hz TV and limiting to 60 fps makes the game goes to 36 fps here and there no matter what the vsync config is. I like to have every game perfectly configured so I want to fix this one too.

I thought would be a good idea to port every PC texture to Gamecube version because for Gamecube lots of textures were reduced in half resolution. In the process, I've created few of them or edited PC textures including game fonts. I fixed alpha glitches too. I hope someone can enjoy this new revamp. Anyway, I tried to be as faithful as possible to the original and limiting the maximum size of textures to not break the feeling of playing the original, a great but old game.

The file contains a complete folder with Dolphin so it's pre-configured to run the best way but you can copy the texture folder whenever you want. Obviously you need your Rayman 3 game iso.

Screenshots (open in different tabs for better comparisson):




NOTE: The package include two files (Rayman3.exe and Rayman3.ahk) based in AutoHotkey. With the correct configuration, using Rayman3.exe will launch the game directly in fullscreen and will load a X-padder profile that allows to quit the game holding 360 pad back button for 3 seconds. You need to have X-Padder in your PC and modify Rayman3.ahk file to match your paths.

X-Padder profile -> http://www.filedropper.com/backquit

Dolphin + Texture mod -> http://www.filedropper.com/dolphin-x64-584-ishiiruka-rayman3_2

Wow awesome job! Thanks!
 
Why is it that frame times for 60fps games in Dolphin jump around constantly? The frame counter says 60fps locked and yet in MSI Afterburner the frame time readings are between 14 and 18ms. The same goes for games locked to 30fps with those hovering around 31 to 34ms. I've tried multiple games and settings, including borderless windowed mode, fullscreen, turning g-sync off, turning dolphin's v-sync on, but nothing seems to help this. I feel like every game I run isn't quite as smooth as it should be and it's bothering me because I know my computer is capable of running a lot of games well (i5-4690K, 970).

Here's a screenshot of the Afterburner frame rate and frame time graphs from a round of Smash:
dolphinframetimejitter_by_realghostvids-d9vijno.jpg
 
Why is it that frame times for 60fps games in Dolphin jump around constantly? The frame counter says 60fps locked and yet in MSI Afterburner the frame time readings are between 14 and 18ms. The same goes for games locked to 30fps with those hovering around 31 to 34ms. I've tried multiple games and settings, including borderless windowed mode, fullscreen, turning g-sync off, turning dolphin's v-sync on, but nothing seems to help this. I feel like every game I run isn't quite as smooth as it should be and it's bothering me because I know my computer is capable of running a lot of games well (i5-4690K, 970).

Here's a screenshot of the Afterburner frame rate and frame time graphs from a round of Smash:
dolphinframetimejitter_by_realghostvids-d9vijno.jpg

Just an idea, but have you tried treating it like any other PC game, and use Rivatuner to cap the framerate at 60fps? That might prevent those spikes to 16+ms and as a result alleve those dips as well.
 
Just an idea, but have you tried treating it like any other PC game, and use Rivatuner to cap the framerate at 60fps? That might prevent those spikes to 16+ms and as a result alleve those dips as well.

That seems to have helped, thanks. What's weird is that the in-game OSD says 60fps 16.6ms but the external graph still jitters around a bit. Games definitely look smoother with Afterburner's frame cap on though, so I guess it's working properly.
 
That seems to have helped, thanks. What's weird is that the in-game OSD says 60fps 16.6ms but the external graph still jitters around a bit. Games definitely look smoother with Afterburner's frame cap on though, so I guess it's working properly.
Framepacing will always be weird with Dolphin because Gamecube/Wii games run at NTSC's 59.94 FPS, while most computer monitors refresh at 60.00Hz.
For the smoothest Dolphin experience possible, use Exclusive Fullscreen + Dolphin VSync + Rivatuner's 60FPS lock.
 
Framepacing will always be weird with Dolphin because Gamecube/Wii games run at NTSC's 59.94 FPS, while most computer monitors refresh at 60.00Hz.
For the smoothest Dolphin experience possible, use Exclusive Fullscreen + Dolphin VSync + Rivatuner's 60FPS lock.

I'm pretty sure Dolphin actually runs at 60 hz under the hood. There was a pull request to implement 59.94 hz, but I don't think it went anywhere since it'd mainly cause sound issues for most people like bnes does.

Actually, I just checked, and the 59.94 pull request has been purged. So it doesn't look like they'll be implementing it any time soon. G-Sync/Freesync needs to become standard so we can get rid of terrible arbitrary refresh rate issues.
 
I'm pretty sure Dolphin actually runs at 60 hz under the hood. There was a pull request to implement 59.94 hz, but I don't think it went anywhere since it'd mainly cause sound issues for most people like bnes does.

Actually, I just checked, and the 59.94 pull request has been purged. So it doesn't look like they'll be implementing it any time soon. G-Sync/Freesync needs to become standard so we can get rid of terrible arbitrary refresh rate issues.
I thought the 59.94Hz got merged a couple months back? I dunno.
Edit: PR #2686 made it so that frame timings are now grabbed directly from games, which I believe means 59.94Hz for NTSC games.
 
I guess it's a question that would have to be asked of one of the devs to get a solid answer to. The VI counter for the program only seems to output whole numbers, so it's not possible to tell from that. I usually play with v-sync off and g-sync on.
 
The commit to hard code NTSC frame rate at 59.94 Hz wasn't merged but later on Dolphin's behaviour was changed to derive field timing from VI registers instead. As far as I know the most accurate way to use Dolphin is to probably play with VSync off and use a GSync or FreeSync monitor.
Imo it's probably more accurate to play with a proper 59.94Hz monitor or TV, using VSync and RivaTuner.
I really do want GSync/FreeSync in the future.

I have no idea how Rivatuner enforces frametiming, but if Dolphin implemented Rivatuner-like frametiming that'd be magical.
 
Imo it's probably more accurate to play with a proper 59.94Hz monitor or TV, using VSync and RivaTuner.
I really do want GSync/FreeSync in the future.

I have no idea how Rivatuner enforces frametiming, but if Dolphin implemented Rivatuner-like frametiming that'd be magical.

I guess it's a question that would have to be asked of one of the devs to get a solid answer to. The VI counter for the program only seems to output whole numbers, so it's not possible to tell from that. I usually play with v-sync off and g-sync on.

The commit to hard code NTSC frame rate at 59.94 Hz wasn't merged but later on Dolphin's behaviour was changed to derive field timing from VI registers instead. As far as I know the most accurate way to use Dolphin is to probably play with VSync off and use a GSync or FreeSync monitor.

If you go into the advanced resolution settings for your monitor, you should be able to set the refresh rate to a very specific degree (like 59.94). If you can't, Custom Resolution Utility should be able to do it.

Alongside that, I believe GeDoSaTo has framelimiting implemented that can be set to that same specificity.

Perhaps try them in conjunction?
 
Alongside that, I believe GeDoSaTo has framelimiting implemented that can be set to that same specificity.

Perhaps try them in conjunction?

I might be misremembering but isn't GeDoSaTo reliant on D3D9? Would it even work with new Dolphin builds?
 
Man, this emulator is great .. able to run Xenoblade Chronicles at 2.5x Native on my Laptop with embedded GPU at full speed. Keeping MSAA off because that seems to cause a big hit on performance, but i'm already far above the native rez for my laptop so that's a-ok.

Also, does anistropic filtering actually do anything in the dx12 renderer ? I've tried it at off, 8x and 16x and not only does it *not* have any impact on performance at all ... I can't actually notice any difference at all either.

XB: C running on a core i5 laptop w/ Intel HD5500 (2.5x native, 8x anistropic filtering, MSAA disabled).



 
Is Metroid Prime running well on any version of Dolphin yet?
It's still a trade-off between heavy stuttering from shader caching if you use the official dev builds, or visual pop-in if you use asynchronous shader caching in Ishiiruka. I personally prefer Ishiiruka for Metroid Prime as the stuttering is harder for me to ignore than the pop-in that comes with asynchronous shader caching. In either case, performance will smooth out or pop-in will lessen the more you play the game as the shader cache is built. Just don't change Dolphin versions or update your GPU drivers during your playthrough, or Dolphin will need to rebuild the shader cache from scratch.

In terms of average FPS, the Gamecube version runs very well now. None of the more demanding settings are required anymore. The Trilogy version is more demanding, requiring EFB Copies to Texture Only to be off for the visors to work, and Virtual XFB or Real XFB to be on to avoid the black bar bug (Real XFB can only render native res so use Virtual XFB). Check the Dolphin wiki pages for each game for more info. I can't speak for DX12 as I'm still on Windows 7.
 
Playing Metroid Prime (trilogy version) and holy shit I can never go back to motion controls after playing mouse and keyboard!
 
Playing Metroid Prime (trilogy version) and holy shit I can never go back to motion controls after playing mouse and keyboard!

Unless some intrepid modder puts Vive controller support in there in which case sign me up for motion controls again.
 
Playing Metroid Prime (trilogy version) and holy shit I can never go back to motion controls after playing mouse and keyboard!

wait .. what ?

can you post your configs or a guide on how to do that please ?

(also is that applicable for all wii games or something tailored for M: T specifically ?)
 
What are some good games to play in 3D? I have the Nvidia 3DVision 2 glasses kit coming in a couple days. I plan to try Luigi's Mansion and DKCR, but if anyone has suggestions or recommendations I'll try them if I own the game.
 
Luigi's Mansion like you mentioned it great, Xenoblade Chronicles has some stunning sights for 3D effects (the 3DS port was lacklustre in that regard). I actually have no idea of this'll work, but I personally have wanted to try the 3D mode in Project Zero/Fatal Frame 4 and 2. The idea of the camera in 3D. 😍
 
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