It finally happened. Iconic Nintendo GameCube games on Xbox are a real thing. These have officially landed on Microsoft's console through slick emulation.
And no, we're not talking about some bootleg system that only works while you cross your fingers hoping it doesn't crash your Xbox. It's here, community-approved, and exceeding expectations.
This new update is centered around Dolphin's UWP port, which is the most popular emulator for GameCube and Wii. Thanks to SternXD, a developer familiar with emulation fans for PS2 emulation via XBSX2, Dolphin is now running natively on Xbox Series X and S via RetroArch.
This also means full RetroAchievements support, allowing players to earn achievements in games that they never had before. RetroArch has long been a go-to emulation frontend, but the big deal here is how smoothly Dolphin now runs on Xbox hardware.
The game is playable on Xbox One, though it's not the smoothest experience, with some stutters here and there. For the best experience, it's recommended to stick with Series X|S.
Notably, this version includes:
- Full RetroAchievements integration, both softcore and hardcore modes
- Button remapping options tailored for Xbox controllers
- The ability to boot directly into the GameCube/Wii system menus
- DSU (motion input) support and nearly all major configuration features from the PC build.
How To Play GameCube Games On Xbox
The best part is that you don't have to mod your Xbox—activate Developer Mode, and you're all set. Once everything's ready, load up your legally acquired ISOs, adjust your controls, and dive back into those 2000s memories from the comfort of your couch.
GameCube emulation has been achievable on Xbox for some time with Developer Mode, but the UWP-based Dolphin version now offers a major leap in performance. And for those wondering—no, this isn't tied to the Android version of Dolphin.
This is a separate effort altogether, offering a clean, optimized port made for the Xbox platform. One thing worth repeating—you'll need to activate Developer Mode on your Xbox for this to work. It's not overly complicated, but it does require a bit of setup and a small registration fee.
Even so, for a lot of people, it's a minor trade-off to unlock a collection of games that once required the original consoles.