Head-to-head · Game Console Emulators
Mesen vs Dolphin
Mesen leads on 0 checks, Dolphin on 0, and 4 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 4 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.
Our verdict
- Highest scoreMesen · 8.9/10
- Free planboth
- Most featuresMesen · 3 of 3
Mesen scores higher on our rubric for game console emulators: 8.9 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #3 and #7.
Mesen is the better fit for multi-system emulation with multiplayer. Dolphin is the better fit for gameCube and Wii emulation.
- Mesen fits best
Multi-system emulation with multiplayer
- Dolphin fits best
GameCube and Wii emulation
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Side by side
| Feature | Mesen 8.9/10 Visit ↗ | Dolphin 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 8.9 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #3 in Game Console Emulators | #7 in Game Console Emulators |
| Best for | Multi-system emulation with multiplayer | 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 | Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business | Solo |
| Features Mesen 3/3 · Dolphin 2/3 | ||
| Netplay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics upscaling | ✓ (best) | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported console systems | NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PC Engine, SMS, Game Gear, WonderSwan, WonderSwan Color | 3 |
| Desktop operating systems | Cross-platform | Not checked yet |
| License type | Open-source | Not checked yet |
| Our review | ||
| Pros |
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| Cons |
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| Our verdict | Mesen is a free, open-source desktop emulator for players, emulator enthusiasts, developers, and ROM-hacking researchers. It supports ten systems: NES, SNES, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, PC Engine, SMS, Game Gear,… 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
Mesen — where it wins
- Supports ten listed systems across Windows, macOS, and Linux
- Network multiplayer includes hosting, servers, and spectator mode
- Adds recording, HD packs, Lua scripting, debugging, and profiling
Where it doesn't
- Desktop-focused, with no listed mobile platform support
- Its scope is limited to the ten supported systems
- Advanced tools may exceed the needs of casual players
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
- Mesen8.9/10 · Free plan
A capable desktop emulator for ten classic systems, with multiplayer and deep tools.
Visit MesenFull 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