Ahh yes. The one and only Admentus right here. As you might have guessed I am a massive fan of N64 games (which still are today unparalleled). So yeah, about using codes. Dolphin (just like the actual GameCube and Wii) has support for two different kinds of codes: AR and Gecko.
When you open Dolphin, you can right-click a game to open the properties window, where you can go into the AR Codes or Gecko Codes tab. Dolphin already includes a large amount of AR or Gecko (sometimes both) for most games. Still, a lot of codes are not covered yet and have to be added manually, which is easier for AR since there is a nice Add button. Within the properties window there is a button for Edit Configuration (or something similar) which opens a ini files. This ini files contains all the specfic settings and codes for that particular game version and region.
Back on codes again. When adding codes it is important to keep in mind: the version, region and code type (AR or Gecko). An AR Code for PAL wil most likely not work as a Gecko Code for NTSC-U. If you are for example looking for codes for Super Mario 64, you can find a lot of great codes on the main post here: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-super-mario-64-hd-texture-pack-v1-4-2016-08-30.
There is a thread for widescreen codes: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-widescreen-development-topic-archive.
Zelda games: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-ar-codes-for-ocarina-of-time-master-quest-majora-s-mask
FPS: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-60-fps-master-list or https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-game-modification-60-fps-hacks-and-patches?pid=425044#pid425044.
Feel free to ask if you are looking for a particular code. The best AR and Gecko coders around here on the forums are with no doubt darkludx and gamemasterplc.
So... After this long boring story of how codes work, you might ask yourself why? Well... For Ocarina of Time you can actually change the behaviour of the game for a better experience. Normally this game runs at 20 FPS, but a code can change that to 30 FPS. Normally the view distance isn't that large. Well... A code grants you unlimited view of the map. Want to play hardcore? You can get double damage when being hit.
In closing, Dolphin does what Nintendo doesn't. Really! Want 1080p or even 4k? Dolphin does it! Want higher FPS? Dolphin could do it with the right codes. Want to save your game at any time? Use save states with Dolphin (although, don't overrely on them). Want to have higher quality textures? Dolphin can! So yeah... That is why emulation is to great in a nutshell. It is mostly due hardware limitions of the consoles, the Wii is just 480p since it just lacks the power.
When you open Dolphin, you can right-click a game to open the properties window, where you can go into the AR Codes or Gecko Codes tab. Dolphin already includes a large amount of AR or Gecko (sometimes both) for most games. Still, a lot of codes are not covered yet and have to be added manually, which is easier for AR since there is a nice Add button. Within the properties window there is a button for Edit Configuration (or something similar) which opens a ini files. This ini files contains all the specfic settings and codes for that particular game version and region.
Back on codes again. When adding codes it is important to keep in mind: the version, region and code type (AR or Gecko). An AR Code for PAL wil most likely not work as a Gecko Code for NTSC-U. If you are for example looking for codes for Super Mario 64, you can find a lot of great codes on the main post here: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-super-mario-64-hd-texture-pack-v1-4-2016-08-30.
There is a thread for widescreen codes: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-unofficial-widescreen-development-topic-archive.
Zelda games: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-ar-codes-for-ocarina-of-time-master-quest-majora-s-mask
FPS: https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-60-fps-master-list or https://forums.dolphin-emu.org/Thread-game-modification-60-fps-hacks-and-patches?pid=425044#pid425044.
Feel free to ask if you are looking for a particular code. The best AR and Gecko coders around here on the forums are with no doubt darkludx and gamemasterplc.
So... After this long boring story of how codes work, you might ask yourself why? Well... For Ocarina of Time you can actually change the behaviour of the game for a better experience. Normally this game runs at 20 FPS, but a code can change that to 30 FPS. Normally the view distance isn't that large. Well... A code grants you unlimited view of the map. Want to play hardcore? You can get double damage when being hit.
In closing, Dolphin does what Nintendo doesn't. Really! Want 1080p or even 4k? Dolphin does it! Want higher FPS? Dolphin could do it with the right codes. Want to save your game at any time? Use save states with Dolphin (although, don't overrely on them). Want to have higher quality textures? Dolphin can! So yeah... That is why emulation is to great in a nutshell. It is mostly due hardware limitions of the consoles, the Wii is just 480p since it just lacks the power.