[PC/Dolphin] New Super Mario Bros. Wii - Online Multiplayer Netplay Setup Guide
Posted: Sat Aug 22, 2026 4:40 am
[PC/Dolphin] New Super Mario Bros. Wii - Online Multiplayer Netplay Setup Guide
This guide explains how to play New Super Mario Bros. Wii online using Dolphin Emulator's Netplay feature.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii supports simultaneous local multiplayer for up to four players. Dolphin Netplay can synchronize that local multiplayer between players on separate computers over the internet.
Unlike our GameCube Netplay tutorials, this setup uses Emulated Wii Remotes.
==================================================
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
==================================================
ΓÇó Dolphin Emulator for desktop
ΓÇó Your own legally dumped copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii
ΓÇó A controller or configured keyboard
ΓÇó A stable internet connection
ΓÇó One to three additional players
ΓÇó The same Dolphin version for everyone
ΓÇó Matching copies of New Super Mario Bros. Wii
==================================================
IMPORTANT GAME FILE NOTICE
==================================================
Dolphin Emulator does not include commercial Wii games.
SGAWeb does not host, distribute, or provide download links to copyrighted Wii game images, ISOs, WBFS files, ROMs, or other copyrighted game files.
Each player should supply their own legally obtained and dumped copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
This tutorial covers only Dolphin Emulator and Netplay configuration.
==================================================
STEP 1 - DOWNLOAD DOLPHIN EMULATOR
==================================================
Download Dolphin from the official website:
Dolphin Emulator - Official Website
Install or extract Dolphin according to the instructions for your operating system.
Everyone participating in the Netplay session should use the same Dolphin version.
Wii Netplay has improved considerably over time, so using a current Dolphin release is recommended.
==================================================
STEP 2 - ADD NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII
==================================================
Add your legally dumped copy of:
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
to Dolphin's game library.
Launch the game normally before attempting Netplay.
Verify that:
ΓÇó The game starts correctly.
ΓÇó Gameplay runs properly.
ΓÇó Your controller works.
ΓÇó You can reach the game's local multiplayer gameplay.
Dolphin currently rates New Super Mario Bros. Wii as Perfect for general emulation compatibility.
Netplay itself can still introduce additional complications, particularly because this is a Wii Remote game.
==================================================
STEP 3 - MAKE SURE EVERYONE'S GAME MATCHES
==================================================
Netplay requires every participating Dolphin instance to remain synchronized.
Players should therefore use:
ΓÇó The same Dolphin version
ΓÇó The same game region
ΓÇó The same game revision
ΓÇó Preferably identical game dumps
Do not mix different regional or modified releases unless everyone is deliberately using exactly the same compatible configuration.
Dolphin's Netplay window provides checksum functionality that can help verify matching game files.
==================================================
STEP 4 - CONFIGURE AN EMULATED WII REMOTE
==================================================
New Super Mario Bros. Wii normally uses the Wii Remote held sideways.
Open:
Controllers
Under:
Wii Remotes
configure:
Wii Remote 1 -> Emulated Wii Remote
Select Configure.
Map your physical controller or keyboard to the emulated Wii Remote controls.
Enable:
Sideways Wii Remote
This tells Dolphin to treat your configured controls as a Wii Remote held horizontally, which is the standard control orientation used by New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Configure and test the important controls, including:
ΓÇó D-Pad
ΓÇó 1
ΓÇó 2
ΓÇó +
ΓÇó -
ΓÇó HOME
ΓÇó Shake / motion input where required
Save the controller profile if desired.
==================================================
STEP 5 - IMPORTANT: USE EMULATED WII REMOTES
==================================================
For this Netplay setup, use Dolphin's:
Emulated Wii Remote
option.
Do not build this particular SGAWeb Netplay setup around independently connected real Wii Remotes.
Wii Remote synchronization over Netplay is considerably more complicated than GameCube controller Netplay, and Dolphin's Netplay implementation is designed to synchronize Emulated Wii Remote input.
A normal PC gamepad can be mapped to an Emulated Wii Remote.
==================================================
STEP 6 - OPEN DOLPHIN NETPLAY
==================================================
From Dolphin's main menu select:
Tools -> Start NetPlay
Dolphin provides several ways to establish a session, including:
ΓÇó Traversal Server
ΓÇó Direct Connection
ΓÇó Netplay Server Browser
For a private session between friends, try the Traversal Server first.
==================================================
STEP 7 - HOST THE SESSION
==================================================
One player will act as the host.
From the Netplay interface:
1. Choose Host.
2. Select New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
3. Use the Traversal Server connection method.
4. Create the Netplay room.
Dolphin will provide the host with a traversal code.
Send that code privately to the other players.
==================================================
STEP 8 - JOIN THE SESSION
==================================================
The other players should open:
Tools -> Start NetPlay
Choose the Traversal Server connection option.
Enter the host's traversal code.
Once connected, everyone should appear in the Netplay room.
Do NOT independently launch New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
The host will start the synchronized game for everyone.
==================================================
STEP 9 - ASSIGN THE WII REMOTES
==================================================
Before starting the game, verify the player/controller assignments in the Netplay window.
For four separate players, the intended arrangement is:
Player 1 -> Wii Remote 1
Player 2 -> Wii Remote 2
Player 3 -> Wii Remote 3
Player 4 -> Wii Remote 4
For a two-player session, only the first two assignments are necessary.
For three players, use the first three.
Modern Dolphin versions can handle Wii Remote port assignments through the Netplay interface.
Each participant should already have their local Emulated Wii Remote controller profile configured.
==================================================
STEP 10 - CONFIGURE THE NETPLAY BUFFER
==================================================
Dolphin uses a Netplay buffer to compensate for internet latency.
If the buffer is too low, gameplay may stutter or pause while Dolphin waits for another player's input.
If the buffer is unnecessarily high, controls may feel delayed.
Start with a modest buffer and adjust it according to the latency between players.
A stable wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended whenever possible.
==================================================
STEP 11 - START NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII
==================================================
Once everyone is connected and the Wii Remote assignments are correct, the host should start the game from the Netplay window.
Allow Dolphin to synchronize and boot the game.
Do not change emulator settings independently after the session begins.
==================================================
STEP 12 - START MULTIPLAYER
==================================================
New Super Mario Bros. Wii supports simultaneous cooperative multiplayer for up to four players.
Once the appropriate Wii Remotes are connected, additional players can join the game.
Depending on the number of players, the group can play as characters such as Mario, Luigi, and the Toads.
The players can then progress through stages together using the game's normal local multiplayer functionality.
Dolphin Netplay synchronizes those local player inputs across the internet.
==================================================
ABOUT NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII NETPLAY
==================================================
New Super Mario Bros. Wii was designed around local multiplayer rather than conventional internet multiplayer.
Dolphin Netplay does not connect to a Nintendo multiplayer server for this game.
Instead, Dolphin synchronizes the game's local multiplayer functionality between participating computers.
In effect, players in different locations can play as though their controllers were connected to the same Wii.
==================================================
IMPORTANT: WII NETPLAY CAN BE TEMPERAMENTAL
==================================================
Dolphin's GameCube Netplay functionality is generally easier to configure.
Wii Netplay, particularly games involving Wii Remote functionality, can require additional troubleshooting.
If the game hangs during startup, controllers fail to connect, or players desynchronize, carefully recheck:
ΓÇó Dolphin versions
ΓÇó Game files
ΓÇó Wii Remote assignments
ΓÇó Emulated Wii Remote profiles
ΓÇó Netplay settings
ΓÇó Save synchronization
Do not assume a problem with New Super Mario Bros. Wii itself until these settings have been checked.
==================================================
NETWORK RECOMMENDATIONS
==================================================
For the best experience:
ΓÇó Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi when possible.
ΓÇó Avoid downloads or uploads while playing.
ΓÇó Use matching Dolphin versions.
ΓÇó Use matching game dumps.
ΓÇó Keep emulator configurations consistent.
ΓÇó Use Emulated Wii Remotes.
ΓÇó Adjust the Netplay buffer according to latency.
ΓÇó Test each controller before entering Netplay.
The more players participating, the more important connection stability becomes.
==================================================
TROUBLESHOOTING
==================================================
Another player cannot connect
Try Dolphin's Traversal Server first.
Make sure Dolphin is permitted through the operating system's firewall.
Traversal Server does not work
Certain network/NAT configurations can interfere with traversal connections.
The host can investigate Dolphin's Direct Connection option and router port forwarding if necessary.
Player 2, 3, or 4 cannot join
Check the controller assignments inside the Netplay room.
Make sure each remote slot is assigned to the correct Netplay participant.
My controller does not work
Open:
Controllers -> Wii Remotes
Make sure the controller is configured as:
Emulated Wii Remote
Then verify the controller mappings.
For New Super Mario Bros. Wii, also enable:
Sideways Wii Remote
The character will not respond correctly
Check the D-Pad, 1, 2, and motion/shake mappings in the Emulated Wii Remote configuration.
A normal gamepad does not automatically behave like a Wii Remote until its controls have been mapped appropriately.
The game stutters
Increase the Netplay buffer gradually.
Also make sure participants are not heavily using their internet connections for downloads, uploads, cloud backups, or streaming.
Players see different things happening
This is a desync.
Verify:
ΓÇó Dolphin versions match.
ΓÇó Game regions and revisions match.
ΓÇó Game dumps match.
ΓÇó Controller assignments are correct.
ΓÇó Save synchronization is configured appropriately.
ΓÇó Emulator settings are synchronized.
Dolphin's checksum and desync troubleshooting tools can help identify mismatched configurations.
==================================================
SAVE DATA AND SYNCHRONIZATION
==================================================
Wii games can be more sensitive to system and save-state differences during Netplay.
Dolphin provides synchronization options for Netplay sessions.
If the game repeatedly desynchronizes or fails to boot correctly, check the host's Netplay synchronization settings and Dolphin's current official Netplay documentation.
==================================================
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
==================================================
Dolphin Emulator - Official Website
Dolphin - Official Netplay Guide
Dolphin - Controller Configuration Guide
==================================================
CREDIT / SOURCE
==================================================
Dolphin Emulator is developed and maintained by the Dolphin Emulator project and its contributors.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii was developed and published by Nintendo.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii and its associated content belong to Nintendo and their respective rights holders.
SGAWeb does not claim ownership of Dolphin Emulator, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, or their associated files.
SGAWeb does not host or distribute copyrighted Wii game images, ISOs, WBFS files, ROMs, or other copyrighted game files.
This SGAWeb tutorial is provided as a community reference explaining how to use Dolphin Emulator's Netplay functionality with New Super Mario Bros. Wii's local multiplayer.
Because Dolphin continues to receive updates and Wii Netplay remains more complicated than GameCube Netplay, follow Dolphin's current official documentation if its instructions differ from this tutorial.
This guide explains how to play New Super Mario Bros. Wii online using Dolphin Emulator's Netplay feature.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii supports simultaneous local multiplayer for up to four players. Dolphin Netplay can synchronize that local multiplayer between players on separate computers over the internet.
Unlike our GameCube Netplay tutorials, this setup uses Emulated Wii Remotes.
==================================================
WHAT YOU WILL NEED
==================================================
ΓÇó Dolphin Emulator for desktop
ΓÇó Your own legally dumped copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii
ΓÇó A controller or configured keyboard
ΓÇó A stable internet connection
ΓÇó One to three additional players
ΓÇó The same Dolphin version for everyone
ΓÇó Matching copies of New Super Mario Bros. Wii
==================================================
IMPORTANT GAME FILE NOTICE
==================================================
Dolphin Emulator does not include commercial Wii games.
SGAWeb does not host, distribute, or provide download links to copyrighted Wii game images, ISOs, WBFS files, ROMs, or other copyrighted game files.
Each player should supply their own legally obtained and dumped copy of New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
This tutorial covers only Dolphin Emulator and Netplay configuration.
==================================================
STEP 1 - DOWNLOAD DOLPHIN EMULATOR
==================================================
Download Dolphin from the official website:
Dolphin Emulator - Official Website
Install or extract Dolphin according to the instructions for your operating system.
Everyone participating in the Netplay session should use the same Dolphin version.
Wii Netplay has improved considerably over time, so using a current Dolphin release is recommended.
==================================================
STEP 2 - ADD NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII
==================================================
Add your legally dumped copy of:
New Super Mario Bros. Wii
to Dolphin's game library.
Launch the game normally before attempting Netplay.
Verify that:
ΓÇó The game starts correctly.
ΓÇó Gameplay runs properly.
ΓÇó Your controller works.
ΓÇó You can reach the game's local multiplayer gameplay.
Dolphin currently rates New Super Mario Bros. Wii as Perfect for general emulation compatibility.
Netplay itself can still introduce additional complications, particularly because this is a Wii Remote game.
==================================================
STEP 3 - MAKE SURE EVERYONE'S GAME MATCHES
==================================================
Netplay requires every participating Dolphin instance to remain synchronized.
Players should therefore use:
ΓÇó The same Dolphin version
ΓÇó The same game region
ΓÇó The same game revision
ΓÇó Preferably identical game dumps
Do not mix different regional or modified releases unless everyone is deliberately using exactly the same compatible configuration.
Dolphin's Netplay window provides checksum functionality that can help verify matching game files.
==================================================
STEP 4 - CONFIGURE AN EMULATED WII REMOTE
==================================================
New Super Mario Bros. Wii normally uses the Wii Remote held sideways.
Open:
Controllers
Under:
Wii Remotes
configure:
Wii Remote 1 -> Emulated Wii Remote
Select Configure.
Map your physical controller or keyboard to the emulated Wii Remote controls.
Enable:
Sideways Wii Remote
This tells Dolphin to treat your configured controls as a Wii Remote held horizontally, which is the standard control orientation used by New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
Configure and test the important controls, including:
ΓÇó D-Pad
ΓÇó 1
ΓÇó 2
ΓÇó +
ΓÇó -
ΓÇó HOME
ΓÇó Shake / motion input where required
Save the controller profile if desired.
==================================================
STEP 5 - IMPORTANT: USE EMULATED WII REMOTES
==================================================
For this Netplay setup, use Dolphin's:
Emulated Wii Remote
option.
Do not build this particular SGAWeb Netplay setup around independently connected real Wii Remotes.
Wii Remote synchronization over Netplay is considerably more complicated than GameCube controller Netplay, and Dolphin's Netplay implementation is designed to synchronize Emulated Wii Remote input.
A normal PC gamepad can be mapped to an Emulated Wii Remote.
==================================================
STEP 6 - OPEN DOLPHIN NETPLAY
==================================================
From Dolphin's main menu select:
Tools -> Start NetPlay
Dolphin provides several ways to establish a session, including:
ΓÇó Traversal Server
ΓÇó Direct Connection
ΓÇó Netplay Server Browser
For a private session between friends, try the Traversal Server first.
==================================================
STEP 7 - HOST THE SESSION
==================================================
One player will act as the host.
From the Netplay interface:
1. Choose Host.
2. Select New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
3. Use the Traversal Server connection method.
4. Create the Netplay room.
Dolphin will provide the host with a traversal code.
Send that code privately to the other players.
==================================================
STEP 8 - JOIN THE SESSION
==================================================
The other players should open:
Tools -> Start NetPlay
Choose the Traversal Server connection option.
Enter the host's traversal code.
Once connected, everyone should appear in the Netplay room.
Do NOT independently launch New Super Mario Bros. Wii.
The host will start the synchronized game for everyone.
==================================================
STEP 9 - ASSIGN THE WII REMOTES
==================================================
Before starting the game, verify the player/controller assignments in the Netplay window.
For four separate players, the intended arrangement is:
Player 1 -> Wii Remote 1
Player 2 -> Wii Remote 2
Player 3 -> Wii Remote 3
Player 4 -> Wii Remote 4
For a two-player session, only the first two assignments are necessary.
For three players, use the first three.
Modern Dolphin versions can handle Wii Remote port assignments through the Netplay interface.
Each participant should already have their local Emulated Wii Remote controller profile configured.
==================================================
STEP 10 - CONFIGURE THE NETPLAY BUFFER
==================================================
Dolphin uses a Netplay buffer to compensate for internet latency.
If the buffer is too low, gameplay may stutter or pause while Dolphin waits for another player's input.
If the buffer is unnecessarily high, controls may feel delayed.
Start with a modest buffer and adjust it according to the latency between players.
A stable wired Ethernet connection is strongly recommended whenever possible.
==================================================
STEP 11 - START NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII
==================================================
Once everyone is connected and the Wii Remote assignments are correct, the host should start the game from the Netplay window.
Allow Dolphin to synchronize and boot the game.
Do not change emulator settings independently after the session begins.
==================================================
STEP 12 - START MULTIPLAYER
==================================================
New Super Mario Bros. Wii supports simultaneous cooperative multiplayer for up to four players.
Once the appropriate Wii Remotes are connected, additional players can join the game.
Depending on the number of players, the group can play as characters such as Mario, Luigi, and the Toads.
The players can then progress through stages together using the game's normal local multiplayer functionality.
Dolphin Netplay synchronizes those local player inputs across the internet.
==================================================
ABOUT NEW SUPER MARIO BROS. WII NETPLAY
==================================================
New Super Mario Bros. Wii was designed around local multiplayer rather than conventional internet multiplayer.
Dolphin Netplay does not connect to a Nintendo multiplayer server for this game.
Instead, Dolphin synchronizes the game's local multiplayer functionality between participating computers.
In effect, players in different locations can play as though their controllers were connected to the same Wii.
==================================================
IMPORTANT: WII NETPLAY CAN BE TEMPERAMENTAL
==================================================
Dolphin's GameCube Netplay functionality is generally easier to configure.
Wii Netplay, particularly games involving Wii Remote functionality, can require additional troubleshooting.
If the game hangs during startup, controllers fail to connect, or players desynchronize, carefully recheck:
ΓÇó Dolphin versions
ΓÇó Game files
ΓÇó Wii Remote assignments
ΓÇó Emulated Wii Remote profiles
ΓÇó Netplay settings
ΓÇó Save synchronization
Do not assume a problem with New Super Mario Bros. Wii itself until these settings have been checked.
==================================================
NETWORK RECOMMENDATIONS
==================================================
For the best experience:
ΓÇó Use Ethernet instead of Wi-Fi when possible.
ΓÇó Avoid downloads or uploads while playing.
ΓÇó Use matching Dolphin versions.
ΓÇó Use matching game dumps.
ΓÇó Keep emulator configurations consistent.
ΓÇó Use Emulated Wii Remotes.
ΓÇó Adjust the Netplay buffer according to latency.
ΓÇó Test each controller before entering Netplay.
The more players participating, the more important connection stability becomes.
==================================================
TROUBLESHOOTING
==================================================
Another player cannot connect
Try Dolphin's Traversal Server first.
Make sure Dolphin is permitted through the operating system's firewall.
Traversal Server does not work
Certain network/NAT configurations can interfere with traversal connections.
The host can investigate Dolphin's Direct Connection option and router port forwarding if necessary.
Player 2, 3, or 4 cannot join
Check the controller assignments inside the Netplay room.
Make sure each remote slot is assigned to the correct Netplay participant.
My controller does not work
Open:
Controllers -> Wii Remotes
Make sure the controller is configured as:
Emulated Wii Remote
Then verify the controller mappings.
For New Super Mario Bros. Wii, also enable:
Sideways Wii Remote
The character will not respond correctly
Check the D-Pad, 1, 2, and motion/shake mappings in the Emulated Wii Remote configuration.
A normal gamepad does not automatically behave like a Wii Remote until its controls have been mapped appropriately.
The game stutters
Increase the Netplay buffer gradually.
Also make sure participants are not heavily using their internet connections for downloads, uploads, cloud backups, or streaming.
Players see different things happening
This is a desync.
Verify:
ΓÇó Dolphin versions match.
ΓÇó Game regions and revisions match.
ΓÇó Game dumps match.
ΓÇó Controller assignments are correct.
ΓÇó Save synchronization is configured appropriately.
ΓÇó Emulator settings are synchronized.
Dolphin's checksum and desync troubleshooting tools can help identify mismatched configurations.
==================================================
SAVE DATA AND SYNCHRONIZATION
==================================================
Wii games can be more sensitive to system and save-state differences during Netplay.
Dolphin provides synchronization options for Netplay sessions.
If the game repeatedly desynchronizes or fails to boot correctly, check the host's Netplay synchronization settings and Dolphin's current official Netplay documentation.
==================================================
OFFICIAL RESOURCES
==================================================
Dolphin Emulator - Official Website
Dolphin - Official Netplay Guide
Dolphin - Controller Configuration Guide
==================================================
CREDIT / SOURCE
==================================================
Dolphin Emulator is developed and maintained by the Dolphin Emulator project and its contributors.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii was developed and published by Nintendo.
New Super Mario Bros. Wii and its associated content belong to Nintendo and their respective rights holders.
SGAWeb does not claim ownership of Dolphin Emulator, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, or their associated files.
SGAWeb does not host or distribute copyrighted Wii game images, ISOs, WBFS files, ROMs, or other copyrighted game files.
This SGAWeb tutorial is provided as a community reference explaining how to use Dolphin Emulator's Netplay functionality with New Super Mario Bros. Wii's local multiplayer.
Because Dolphin continues to receive updates and Wii Netplay remains more complicated than GameCube Netplay, follow Dolphin's current official documentation if its instructions differ from this tutorial.