2024-01-20 09:06:18 +00:00
# Dolphin / Primehack - General Guide
2024-01-18 11:01:39 +00:00
2024-01-20 09:06:18 +00:00
< img src = "../../../wiki_images/logos/dolphin-logo.png" width = "150" > < img src = "../../../wiki_images/logos/primehack-logo.png" width = "150" >
2024-01-18 11:01:39 +00:00
2024-08-12 15:17:09 +00:00
Dolphin feature rich a GameCube and Wii Emulator.
Primehack is a fork of Dolphin intended just to give Metroid Prime Trilogy mouselook controls and other improvements.
2024-01-20 10:54:37 +00:00
2025-01-24 11:59:33 +00:00
---
2024-01-20 10:54:37 +00:00
### Dolphin Links:
[Dolphin - Webpage ](https://dolphin-emu.org/ )
[Dolphin - Wiki ](https://wiki.dolphin-emu.org/index.php?title=Main_Page )
[Dolphin - Game Compatibility ](https://dolphin-emu.org/compat/ )
[Dolphin - Performance Guide ](https://dolphin-emu.org/docs/guides/performance-guide/ )
[Dolphin - Github ](https://github.com/dolphin-emu/dolphin )
### Primehack Links
[Primehack - Wiki ](https://github.com/shiiion/dolphin/wiki/ )
[Primehack - FAQ ](https://github.com/shiiion/dolphin/wiki/Frequently-Asked-Questions )
[Primehack - Github ](https://github.com/shiiion/dolphin )
2025-01-24 11:59:33 +00:00
---
2024-01-20 10:54:37 +00:00
2025-01-06 13:40:34 +00:00
## Where to put the games?
2024-01-18 11:01:39 +00:00
2024-08-12 15:17:09 +00:00
**Gamecube:**
Should be put under the `retrodeck/roms/gc/` directory.
**Wii:**
Should be put under the `retrodeck/roms/wii/` directory.
2024-08-12 15:17:44 +00:00
## What file formats does Dolphin / Primehack support?
2024-08-12 15:17:09 +00:00
2025-01-06 13:40:34 +00:00
```
.ciso
.dff
.dol
.elf
.gcm
.gcz
.iso
.json
.m3u
.rvz
.tgc
.wad
.wbfs
.wia
.7z
.zip
```
2024-08-12 15:17:09 +00:00
**NOTE:**
2025-01-06 13:40:34 +00:00
`.wbfs` and `.wad` are the original format supported by the Wii console.
## Does Dolphin require BIOS or Firmware?
No
2024-01-20 09:06:18 +00:00
2025-01-19 13:25:21 +00:00
## Folder structure
2024-08-14 12:42:38 +00:00
### Dolphin
2025-01-07 12:26:54 +00:00
This shows what folder corresponds to each folder in the standard Dolphin structure
2024-08-14 12:42:38 +00:00
| Type | Folder | Flatpak Source | Emulator Folder | Comment |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
2025-01-19 08:56:46 +00:00
| ROMs Gamecube Folder |`retrodeck/roms/gc/` | |
| ROMs Wii Folder |`retrodeck/roms/wii/` | |
2024-08-14 12:43:59 +00:00
| GameCube Saves EU|`retrodeck/saves/gc/dolphin/EU/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/GC/EUR/` | `dolphin-emu/GC/EUR/` | |
| GameCube Saves US|`retrodeck/saves/gc/dolphin/US/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/GC/USA/` | `dolphin-emu/GC/USA/` | |
| GameCube Saves JP| `retrodeck/saves/gc/dolphin/JP/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/GC/JAP/` | `dolphin-emu/GC/JAP/` | |
| Wii Saves |`retrodeck/saves/wii/dolphin/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/Wii/` | `dolphin-emu/Wii/` | |
| States |`retrodeck/states/dolphin/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/StateSaves/` | `dolphin-emu/StateSaves/` | |
| Mods |`retrodeck/mods/Dolphin/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/Load/GraphicMods` | `dolphin-emu/Load/GraphicMods/` | |
| Texture Packs |`retrodeck/mods/Dolphin/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/Load/Textures/` | `dolphin-emu/Load/Textures/` | |
| Screenshots |`retrodeck/screenshots/` | `var/data/dolphin-emu/ScreenShots/` | `dolphin-emu/ScreenShots/` | |
2024-08-14 12:42:38 +00:00
### PrimeHack
2025-01-07 12:26:54 +00:00
This shows what folder corresponds to each folder in the standard PrimeHack structure
2024-08-14 12:42:38 +00:00
| Type | Folder | Flatpak Source | Emulator Folder | Comment |
| :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: | :---: |
2025-01-19 08:56:46 +00:00
| ROMs Gamecube Folder |`retrodeck/roms/gc/` | |
| ROMs Wii Folder |`retrodeck/roms/wii/` | |
2024-08-14 12:43:59 +00:00
| GameCube Saves EU|`retrodeck/saves/gc/primehack/EU/` | `var/data/primehack/GC/EUR/` | `primehack/GC/EUR/` | |
| GameCube Saves US|`retrodeck/saves/gc/primehack/US/` | `var/data/primehack/GC/USA/` | `primehack/GC/USA/` | |
| GameCube Saves JP| `retrodeck/saves/gc/primehack/JP/` | `var/data/primehack/GC/JAP/` | `primehack/GC/JAP/` | |
| Wii Saves |`retrodeck/saves/wii/primehack/` | `var/data/primehack/Wii/` | `primehack/Wii/` | |
| States |`retrodeck/states/primehack/` | `var/data/primehack/StateSaves/` | `primehack/StateSaves/` | |
| Mods |`retrodeck/mods/Primehack/` | `var/data/primehack/Load/GraphicMods` | `primehack/Load/GraphicMods/` | |
| Texture Packs |`retrodeck/mods/Primehack/` | `var/data/primehack/Load/Textures/` | `primehack/Load/Textures/` | |
| Screenshots |`retrodeck/screenshots/` | `var/data/primehack/ScreenShots/` | `primehack/ScreenShots/` | |
2024-08-14 12:42:38 +00:00
2024-05-20 06:11:42 +00:00
## Where do I change the language of Dolphin / Primehack?
1. In the `Configurator` open either `Dolphin` or `Primehack` .
2. Navigate to `Options` -> `Configuration` -> `Interface` .
3. Select preferred language in the drop-down menu.
4. Close the Emulator, Configurator and return to RetroDECK.
2025-01-19 13:25:21 +00:00
## Dolphin Controls
### Gamecube Controls
The controls here are described as an Xbox Layout style controller.
| Action | Button | Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| A | `A ` | |
| B | `B` | |
| X | `X` | |
| Y | `Y` | |
| Z | `R2 or L2` | |
| START | `START` | |
| Control Stick | `Left Stick` | |
| C Stick | `Right Stick` | |
| D-Pad Up | `D-Pad Up` | |
| D-Pad Down | `D-Pad Down` | |
| D-Pad Left | `D-Pad Left` | |
| D-Pad Right | `D-Pad Right` | |
### Wii - How do I use a Real Wii Remote with RetroDECK and Dolphin / Primehack?
To get a Wii Remote working on Dolphin / Primehack and Linux read more here in this in-depth guide:
[Wii Remote - Guide ](../../wiki_controllers/nintendo/wii-remote.md )
### Wii Controls for Controllers
The controls here are described as an Xbox Layout style controller.
There are hotkeys in the Radial Menus to change the Wii Mote from Upright / Sidways.
| Action | Button | Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| A | `A` or `Left Mouse Click` | |
| B | `B` | |
| 1 | `Y` | |
| 2 | `X` | |
| - | `Select` | |
| + | `Start` | |
| C | `R1` | |
| Z | `R2 or L2` | |
| Shake Wii Mote | `L1` | |
| Shake Nunchuck | `L1 + L2` | |
| D-Pad Up | `D-Pad Up` | |
| D-Pad Down | `D-Pad Down` | |
| D-Pad Left | `D-Pad Left` | |
| D-Pad Right | `D-Pad Right` | |
| Home | `R3` | |
### Wii Motion - Pointer Emulation
- Mouse movement is the general way to to get the pointer emulation.
- `Left Mouse Click` that correspons to a press of the `A` button (as that one is the one mostly used for Wii games that are based around pointing as the primary button).
- That also means if you run RetroDECK on a computer you could also use your mouse.
#### External Controllers - Joystick as Temporary Mouse
For all external controllers without a touchpad (this can also be used for those with touchpad if wanted).
By holding `SELECT` and moving the `Right Joystick` you can use it as a mouse for various systems that uses mouse input.
| Function | Button / Combination| Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| Joystick as Mouse | `SELECT + Right Stick` | Cursor Movement |
| Right Mouse Click | `SELECT + L3` | |
| Left Mouse Click | `SELECT + R3` | |
#### Steam Deck
| Function | Button / Combination | Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| Right Touchpad | | The entire touchpad acts a mouse |
| Right Touchpad Press | `Left Mouse Click` | |
The Steam Deck uses the `Right Touchpad` for mouse movement and `Wii Pointer` emulation, clicking on the Touchpad will produce a `Left Click` and send the press of the `A` button.
#### Dualshock 4 and DualSense
The touchpads acts as a mouse and can be used to navigate mouse based inputs and be used for Dolphin.
| Function | Button / Combination | Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| Full Touchpad | | The entire touchpad acts a mouse |
| Right Touchpad Click | `Left Mouse Click` | |
| Left Touchpad Click | `Right Mouse Click` | |
#### Steam Controller - Gordon
**You can use the general:**
Hold `SELECT` or `L4` and move the `Right Touchpad` while holding if you don't want to switch modes.
**Right Touchpad: Joystick Mode / Mouse Mode Switch**
By pressing `R4` you can switch the right touchpad between semi-permanent `Right Joystick Mode` or `Mouse Mode` .
| Function | Button / Combination | Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| Touchpad as Mouse / Joystick Switch | `R4` | The entire touchpad acts a mouse or the right joystick |
| Left Click - Mouse Mode | `R3` | `Left Click` | |
### Wii Motion - Tilt Emulation
Tilt emulation is made possible by holding the `L2` button and moving the `Right Joystick` .
| Action | Button | Comment |
| :--- | :---: | :---: |
| Tilt Up | `L2 + Right Joystick Up` | |
| Tilt Down | `L2 + Right Joystick Down` | |
| Tilt Left | `L2 + Right Joystick Left` | |
| Tilt Right | `L2 + Right Joystick Right` | |
## How-to add mods?
The `~/retrodeck/mods/dolphin/` / `~/retrodeck/mods/primehack/` that represents the `/load/GraphicMods` folder.
**Note:**
Some texture packs could made for a specific version or region of a game.
Make sure you have the right game and textures for it.
`GAME_ID` is different for every game.
### Enable Mods
1. Open up Dolphin or Primehack inside `RetroDECK Configurator` by pressing `Open Emulator` - `Dolphin` / `Primehack` .
2. Press `Options` -> `Graphic Settings` .
3. `Enable Graphics Mods` and set it to `On` .
### Add the mods
1. Extract any mod files from compressed `.zip` or any other format into folders.
2. Go into mods folders, they contain folders that are all named by `GAME_ID` .
3. Move the mods into the right folder:
**Dolphin:** `~/retrodeck/mods/dolphin/<GAME_ID>`
**Primehack:** `~/retrodeck/mods/primehack/<GAME_ID>`
If all is correct the mods should be loaded on next game launch.
## How-to add texture packs?
Primehack is based on Dolphin so the method is the same.
The `~/retrodeck/texture_packs/dolphin/` & `~/retrodeck/texture_packs/primehack/` represents the `/load/Textures` folder.
Some texture packs could made for a specific version or region of a game. Make sure you have the right game and textures for it.
`GAME_ID` is different for every game.
## Enable Custom Textures
1. Open up Dolphin or Primehack inside `RetroDECK Configurator` by pressing `Open Emulator` - `Dolphin` / `Primehack` .
2. Press `Options` -> `Graphic Settings`
3. `Load Custom Textures` & `Prefetch Custom Textures` and set them to `On` .
### Add the textures
1. Extract any texture pack files from compressed `.zip` or any other format into folders.
2. Go into texture pack folders, they contain folders that are all named by `GAME_ID` .
3. Move the textures into the right folder:
**Dolphin:** `~/retrodeck/texture_packs/dolphin/<GAME_ID>`
**Primehack:** `~/retrodeck/texture_packs/primehack/<GAME_ID>` < br >
If all is correct the textures should be loaded on next game launch.
