Head-to-head · Game Console Emulators
ares vs Dolphin
ares leads on 0 checks, Dolphin on 0, and 3 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 3 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreares · 9.0/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresDolphin · 2 of 3
ares scores higher on our rubric for game console emulators: 9.0 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #2 and #7.
ares is the better fit for deep multi-system desktop emulation. Dolphin is the better fit for gameCube and Wii emulation.
- ares fits best
Deep multi-system desktop emulation
- Dolphin fits best
GameCube and Wii emulation
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Side by side
| Feature | ares 9.0/10 Visit ↗ | Dolphin 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.0 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #2 in Game Console Emulators | #7 in Game Console Emulators |
| Best for | Deep multi-system desktop emulation | GameCube and Wii emulation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Desktop | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Windows, macOS, Linux | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features ares 1/3 · Dolphin 2/3 | ||
| Netplay | Not checked yet | ✓ (best) |
| Graphics upscaling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported console systems | 34 | 3 |
| Desktop operating systems | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| License type | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | ares is a free, open-source emulator for Windows, macOS, and Linux, designed for people who want broad coverage across classic consoles, handhelds, computers, and arcade hardware. Its supported systems include NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game… Read the review → |
Dolphin is a free, open-source emulator for Nintendo GameCube and Wii games, with support for Sega, Namco, and Nintendo’s Triforce arcade platform. It runs on 64-bit Windows, macOS, Linux, and Android. Its audience includes players who… Read the review → |
Strengths and trade-offs
ares — where it wins
- Supports 34 consoles, handhelds, computers, and arcade systems
- Includes shaders, color correction, save states, rewind, and run-ahead
- Adds debugging tools and a built-in compatibility database
Where it doesn't
- No Android support
- BIOS files are required for some emulated systems
- Desktop-focused platform coverage excludes mobile devices
Dolphin — where it wins
- Supports GameCube, Wii, and Triforce arcade emulation
- HD rendering, shader options, and game-specific profiles
- Free, open-source, and available on desktop and Android
Where it doesn't
- Some advanced features require BIOS files
- Triforce arcade support has limited features
- Online netplay is available on desktop systems
- ares9.0/10 · Free plan
A capable desktop emulator for accuracy-focused users covering 34 classic systems.
Visit aresFull verdict → - Dolphin8.5/10 · Free plan
A free, open-source choice for GameCube and Wii emulation across desktop and Android.
Visit DolphinFull verdict →
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All game console emulators comparisons → · Full ranking →
Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026
Last updated · How we research and update