Head-to-head · Game Console Emulators
RetroArch vs Dolphin
RetroArch 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 scoreRetroArch · 9.4/10
- Free planboth
RetroArch scores higher on our rubric for game console emulators: 9.4 against 8.5 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #7.
RetroArch is the better fit for broad, multi-platform emulation. Dolphin is the better fit for gameCube and Wii emulation.
- RetroArch fits best
Broad, multi-platform emulation
- Dolphin fits best
GameCube and Wii emulation
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Side by side
| Feature | RetroArch 9.4/10 Visit ↗ | Dolphin 8.5/10 Visit ↗ |
|---|---|---|
| At a glance | ||
| Editor score | 9.4 | 8.5 |
| Ranking | #1 in Game Console Emulators | #7 in Game Console Emulators |
| Best for | Broad, multi-platform emulation | GameCube and Wii emulation |
| Pricing model | Free | Free |
| Starting price | Free plan | Free plan |
| Free plan | ✓ | ✓ |
| Free trial | — | — |
| Deployment | Cloud, Desktop, Mobile | Desktop, Mobile |
| Platforms | Web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, Android | Windows, macOS, Linux, Android |
| Support | Community, Docs | Community, Docs |
| Built for | Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise | Solo |
| Features RetroArch 2/3 · Dolphin 2/3 | ||
| Netplay | ✓ | ✓ |
| Graphics upscaling | Not checked yet | Not checked yet |
| Open source | ✓ | ✓ |
| Specs | ||
| Supported console systems | Not checked yet | 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 | RetroArch is an open-source frontend for the libretro API, designed for people who want one interface for emulator, game-engine, and media-player cores. It runs on the web, Windows, macOS, Linux, iOS, and Android, with support spanning… 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
RetroArch — where it wins
- Unified interface for launching and configuring downloadable cores
- Collection scanning, playlists, controller mapping, and shader support
- Netplay, recording, streaming, rewind, run-ahead, and achievements
Where it doesn't
- Core and feature availability varies by platform and distribution
- BIOS requirements vary by core and content
- Does not distribute copyrighted BIOS files
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
- RetroArch9.4/10 · Free plan
A broad, free emulation frontend with one interface across six platforms.
Visit RetroArchFull 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