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Dolphin

GameCube & Wii netplay via rollback netcode

Installation

Download Dolphin

Download the latest Dolphin development build from dolphin-emu.org. Avoid the stable release — it's outdated. On Windows, grab the zip; on macOS/Linux grab the appropriate package.

Extract and launch

Extract the zip to a permanent folder (e.g. C:\Emulators\Dolphin). Run Dolphin.exe. On first launch, set your game directory so Dolphin can scan for your ROMs.

Configure graphics

Go to Graphics → Backend and select Vulkan (recommended) or Direct3D 12. Enable V-Sync only if you have no tearing issues — it adds input lag. For netplay, keep internal resolution at 1× to reduce CPU overhead.

Set "Framelimit" to 60 fps (or 50 for PAL) in the main Dolphin settings under Config → General.

Netplay Setup

Open Netplay

In Dolphin, go to Tools → Start Netplay. The Netplay dialog will open.

Enable traversal server

In the Netplay dialog, make sure "Traversal" is selected (not Direct Connection) under Connection Type. This allows NAT traversal so most users won't need to port forward.

If traversal fails (host and guest are on the same ISP or behind strict NAT), fall back to Direct Connection and port forward TCP 2626.

Host a session

Click "Host" → select your game → share the generated room code with your opponent. Set a password if you want a private lobby.

Join a session

Click "Connect" → paste the room code or IP:Port provided by the host. If the host used traversal, just paste the 8-char code.

Configure input delay vs. buffer

In the Netplay window, set "Input Delay" (also called buffer) based on your ping. A good starting point: buffer = ceil(ping_ms / 16). For 60 ms ping: buffer = 4.

For Super Smash Bros. Melee use Slippi instead — it has rollback netcode which is far superior to Dolphin's delay-based netplay.

Slippi (Melee only)

Why Slippi

Slippi is a fork of Dolphin built specifically for Super Smash Bros. Melee with rollback netcode. It offers significantly better online play than standard Dolphin's delay-based approach.

Download and install

Go to slippi.gg and download the Slippi Launcher. It manages the Slippi Dolphin build and your ISO automatically.

Connect your Slippi account

Create a free account at slippi.gg, then connect it in the Slippi Launcher. This unlocks ranked matchmaking and replays.

Direct vs. unranked

Use "Direct" for private matches with friends (enter opponent's connect code, e.g. ABCD#123). Use "Unranked" or "Ranked" for matchmaking against random opponents.

Troubleshooting

Desync errors

Both players must use the exact same ROM (identical MD5 hash) and the same Dolphin version. Mismatched save states, cheat codes, or graphics hacks can cause desyncs.

High latency / lag spikes

Use a wired Ethernet connection. Close bandwidth-heavy applications. Try changing the traversal server region in Config → Netplay.

Wi-Fi introduces jitter that significantly worsens delay-based netplay. Always use Ethernet for competitive play.

Cannot connect (traversal failing)

Port forward TCP/UDP 2626 on your router to your PC's local IP. Alternatively, use a VPN like ZeroTier or Radmin VPN with Direct Connection.

Ready to play?

Find active sessions on NetplayFinder.

Browse Sessions