iCube vs. Dolphin
Both are built on the Dolphin emulation core, but they target very different hardware. Here's the honest comparison.
| Feature | iCube | Dolphin (desktop) |
|---|---|---|
| Platforms | iOS, iPadOS, tvOS (Apple TV) | Windows, macOS, Linux (unofficial Android builds also exist) |
| Install method | Sideload via SideStore (iOS/iPadOS) or Sideloadly (tvOS) | Direct download / package manager install, no sideloading needed |
| Execution mode | ARM64-optimized CPU interpreter, JIT-less by default (JIT can be enabled via a debugger tool like StikDebug for extra speed) | JIT recompiler by default — generally faster than any interpreter |
| Graphics backend | 1,000+ native Metal shaders, tuned for Apple GPUs | Vulkan, Direct3D 11/12, OpenGL, and Metal (macOS) backends |
| Controller support | MFi, PlayStation, Xbox, and Switch Pro controllers via Apple’s Game Controller framework; touch controls; touchscreen Wii IR pointer; DSU (Cemuhook) motion input | Broad controller support including official GameCube USB adapters, DSU pass-through, and extensive remapping |
| Netplay | Not documented | Built-in netplay for online/LAN multiplayer |
| Save states & memory cards | Save states plus virtual memory card emulation | Save states plus virtual and raw memory card support |
| Configuration depth | Streamlined settings tuned for mobile/tvOS use | Extensive per-game graphics, audio, and core configuration |
| Price | Free, open source | Free, open source |
| Foundation | Built on a Dolphin fork | The original Dolphin project |
Where Dolphin stands out
Desktop Dolphin is the reference implementation and, on a modern PC, the more complete emulator: a full JIT recompiler, more graphics backends, built-in netplay, and deep per-game configuration. If you have a Windows, macOS, or Linux machine and just want the best-supported GameCube/Wii experience, desktop Dolphin is the stronger choice.
Where iCube stands out
iCube exists for the platforms Dolphin doesn't officially reach: iPhone, iPad, and Apple TV. Its ARM64-optimized interpreter and 1,000+ native Metal shaders are built specifically to get GameCube and Wii games running well on Apple silicon without requiring a jailbreak, and its touch controls and touchscreen Wii IR pointer are tailored to a phone or tablet screen. If your platform is iOS, iPadOS, or tvOS, iCube is the only option of the two.