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What File Formats Does Dolphin Emulator Use?

Dolphin supports seven GameCube and Wii dump formats. See when to use uncompressed GCM/ISO, Dolphin’s recommended RVZ compression, and the specific role of NFS.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
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Dolphin supports seven formats for GameCube and Wii game dumps: GCM/ISO, GCZ, CISO, WBFS, WIA, NFS, and RVZ. For an uncompressed dump, use GCM/ISO; if you want Dolphin’s recommended space-saving compression, choose RVZ. NFS is a specific case for Wii games purchased from the Wii U eShop.

Which game dump formats does Dolphin support?

Dolphin’s official FAQ lists these formats for playing game dumps:

Format What Dolphin says When it may fit
GCM/ISO Uncompressed. The FAQ gives approximate sizes of 1.4 GB for GameCube games and 4.7 GB for Wii games. When you want an uncompressed dump.
GCZ Supported; Dolphin can compress games to this format. A compressed format Dolphin recognizes. The FAQ does not compare its trade-offs with other formats.
CISO Supported and described as lossy compression. Smaller files, with some unused disc information removed.
WBFS Supported and described as lossy compression. Smaller files, with some unused disc information removed.
WIA Supported; Dolphin can compress games to this format. Another compressed format Dolphin can create.
NFS Supported for Wii games purchased from the Wii U eShop. This specific eShop case, rather than a general-purpose recommendation.
RVZ Supported; Dolphin can compress games to this format and recommends it for saving space. When you want to compress a dump for storage.

Can Dolphin play ISO files?

Yes. Dolphin lists GCM/ISO as a supported game dump format. “ISO” is the common filename extension; Dolphin refers to the uncompressed format as GCM/ISO. The FAQ’s approximate sizes—1.4 GB for a GameCube game and 4.7 GB for a Wii game—are general estimates, not exact sizes for every title.

Should you use ISO, WBFS, or RVZ?

Choose GCM/ISO for an uncompressed dump

GCM/ISO is the uncompressed option in Dolphin’s FAQ. It is a straightforward choice if you want to keep the dump uncompressed and have space for it.

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Choose RVZ to save space

Dolphin recommends RVZ when compressing dumps to save space. The FAQ does not give a full comparison of compression ratios, speed, or compatibility among all formats, so it does not establish RVZ as a universal best choice for every use.

Understand the WBFS and CISO trade-off

Dolphin describes both WBFS and CISO as lossy compression formats: they remove some unused information stored on discs to make files smaller. That is the specific trade-off the FAQ identifies; it does not provide a broader quality or performance ranking.

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  • Compatible with Windows XP, Vista, Windows 7,Windows 8, 10, 11 and Mac OS under the PC mode.
  • The driver is required if you need the vibration feedback on the PC mode.

Are saves and NAND files game formats?

No. The seven formats above are game dump formats, not an exhaustive list of every file Dolphin reads or stores. Dolphin’s guides index treats user data and system data separately. The user directory holds items such as saves, settings, and screenshots; its location can vary by Dolphin version, operating system, and configuration.

Wii NAND is separate console system data, not another disc-dump format. Dolphin’s NAND guide explains that it contains save data, downloaded channels, and the Wii Menu, and that some games may need files available only in a full NAND dump. Dolphin also documents virtual SD cards separately in its guides.

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How do you obtain game files?

Dolphin’s FAQ advises buying games and dumping them rather than downloading commercial game files. It points to using a Wii and an application such as CleanRip to make a dump. This is the project’s guidance, not a complete statement of the law in every location or circumstance.

Quick Recap

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MAYFLASH Gamecube Controller Adapter for Wii U, PC Windows and Switch/Switch 2, 4 Ports
MAYFLASH Gamecube Controller Adapter for Wii U, PC Windows and Switch/Switch 2, 4 Ports
Switch to “Wii U” or “PC” mode by using the switch located on the side.; The driver is required if you need the vibration feedback on the PC mode.
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MAYFLASH W010 Wireless Sensor Dolphinbar for PC USB Wii Remote Adapter Used on PC Windows
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MAYFLASH W010 Wireless Sensor Dolphinbar for PC USB Wii Remote Adapter Used on PC Windows
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