This is essentially a repeat of our Nintendo Wii emulator guide. If you are not familiar with video game console hardware, the Wii is essentially two Gamecubes duct-taped together. Obviously, that is a derivative joke for over a decade now, but it rings true in some ways.
The Wii borrowed heavily from GameCube’s hardware design and architecture. In terms of hardware, the Wii was indeed very similar to the GameCube, as both consoles used a PowerPC processor and ATI graphics. However, the Wii had twice the amount of RAM and twice the clock speed on the CPU and memory, which allowed for improved performance and more advanced graphics.
Despite being technically more powerful than the PlayStation 2 with better hardware and faster specs, it was not as commercially successful as its competitor. However, that does not diminish the quality of its library of games. In the year 2023, two of the best-reviewed games are Metroid Prime and Resident Evil 4, the two games that defined GameCube.
The GameCube had a wide variety of games available to it. From popular titles like Harvest Moon: A Wonderful Life to exclusive titles like Chibi-Robo!, there was something for everyone. The GameCube also had a number of popular franchises such as Mario and Zelda that were, as usual, exclusive to Nintendo consoles.
One of the most notable technological features of the GameCube was its support for up to four controllers, which allowed for multiplayer gaming experiences. Additionally, the GameCube had a modular design that allowed for various accessories to be attached, including a Game Boy Advance player that allowed users to play Game Boy Advance games on the console.
The Nintendo GameCube was a technologically advanced console for its time, offering high-quality graphics and sound, a unique controller design, and multiplayer support. Its legacy can still be seen in modern gaming consoles, and it remains a favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts.
Note that there are Gamecube games that are ported onto the Nintendo Switch. These games are Asterix and Obelix XXL, Final Fantasy Crystal Chronicles, Ikaruga, Mega Man Anniversary Collection, Mega Man Anniversary Collection, Mega Man X Collection, Mr. Driller Land, Pac Man Vs., Resident Evil, Resident Evil 4 (or better get the remake as it is just around the corner, or at the time of this article’s publication, is already released), Resident Evil 0, Sphinx and the Cursed Mummy, SpongeBob SquarePants: Battle for Bikini Bottom, Super Mario Sunshine, Star Wars: Jedi Knight II – Jedi Outcast, Ty the Tasmanian Tiger, and Ty the Tasmanian Tiger 2: Bush Rescue.
Without further ado, Step into nostalgia with the best Nintendo Gamecube emulators! Play your favorite classic games on your modern devices with ease. Discover our top picks and relive the excitement of the Gamecube era today
1. Dolphin
Dolphin is an impressive emulator that has garnered immense popularity among gaming enthusiasts, especially for its ability to emulate the GameCube and Wii consoles with utmost precision. The emulator has several features that were not present on the original consoles, making it a sought-after option for gamers who want to experience classic titles with modern benefits that were not contemplated or even possible at the time of the console’s release.
One of Dolphin’s unique capabilities is its ability to perform basic Game Boy Advance emulation using its built-in version of mGBA, which includes a stripped-down GUI for the sake of GameCube games that support connectivity features. Although early development was supported by a very active homebrew scene, proper emulation is still underway as of 2023, and improvements are still being made as Wii games continue to have issues.
However, one of the most notable features of Dolphin is its ability to support widescreen output, which enables gamers to enjoy their favorite games in a more immersive and cinematic format. The emulator can override the aspect ratio of the original game, but this may cause some issues. Therefore, it is recommended to use Swiss for a more reliable widescreen experience. In fact, Swiss even allows gamers to enjoy widescreen on a real GameCube console.
Another impressive feature of Dolphin is its support for netplay, which allows gamers to play their favorite multiplayer games with friends over the internet. This adds a new level of excitement and engagement to classic titles that were originally designed for local play.
Dolphin’s texture pack feature lets gamers dump game textures and replace them with custom ones, giving classic titles a fresh new look and feel. This is an excellent way to breathe new life into classic games and enhance the overall gaming experience.
Dolphin is a versatile and feature-packed emulator that is beloved by gamers and emulation enthusiasts alike. With its impressive capabilities and commitment to ongoing development, Dolphin continues to be a popular choice for gamers who want to relive classic titles with added benefits.
Pros
- In (very) active development
- Works on a lot of devices
Cons
- No Retro Achievements although it is part of Libretro
Download from the Official Website (All Platforms)
2. Nintendont
Nintendont is a popular Wii homebrew application that provides a convenient way to play GameCube games on your Wii or Wii U. This open-source software is designed to be easy to use and enables users to access their GameCube game library and enjoy their favorite titles on their Wii or Wii U console without requiring a physical GameCube disc.
With Nintendont, you can quickly and easily install the software on your Wii or Wii U and start playing your favorite GameCube games within minutes. This application is an excellent solution for those who want to revisit classic GameCube titles even without the physical discs.
One of the most significant advantages of using Nintendont is that it supports both retail and backup GameCube discs, making it possible to play your game collection even if you no longer have the physical media. Additionally, Nintendont can load various disc image formats, including 1:1 and shrunken .GCM/.ISO images, as well as uLoader CISO images.
Moreover, Nintendont offers additional features such as memory card emulation, which allows you to save your progress within the games. While the software can emulate memory cards, it is also possible to use real memory cards on the original Wii, where the memory card ports are present. Additionally, Nintendont supports other peripherals, such as the official Nintendo GameCube controller adapter.
On Wii U, it runs in vWii mode, which allows users to play GameCube games through the virtual Wii console.
Nintendont provides memory card emulation, which allows users to save their game progress. Real memory cards can also be used on the original Wii, but not on the Wii U, as the memory card ports are not present. Broadband Adapter Emulation Nintendont also emulates the GameCube Broadband Adapter, which allows users to play online multiplayer games. However, this feature is only available on the original Wii console.
Nintendont allows users to force progressive and 16:9 widescreen, which enhances the gameplay experience. It also supports Bluetooth controllers, such as the Classic Controller Pro, Wii U Pro Controller, and Wii U GamePad. The software also supports HID controllers via USB and the official Nintendo GameCube controller adapter, which allows users to use their original GameCube controllers on their Wii or Wii U consoles.
Support for the GBA Link Adapter and Nintendo GameCube Microphone, which allows users to play games that require these accessories is also available as well as disc switching, which allows users to switch between multi-disc games. It also provides partial support for Triforce, which is a GameCube-based arcade system developed jointly by Nintendo, Namco, and Sega.
Pros
- In (very) active development
- Emulates memory card
- Also plays retail discs
Cons
- Available for Wii and WiiU only
- Has lots of limitations and quirks
