Wiimotenewini -
The WiimoteNew.ini file is the primary configuration file used by the Dolphin Emulator to store settings for Emulated Wii Remotes. It dictates how your PC controller, keyboard, or even a smartphone is mapped to function as a Wii controller within the software. Key File Details
Purpose: Stores all button mappings, motion simulation (tilt, swing, shake), and extension settings (Nunchuk, Classic Controller) for emulated remotes. Standard Location: Windows: Documents/Dolphin Emulator/Config/WiimoteNew.ini
Alternative: If using "Portable Mode," it is found in the User/Config/ folder within your main Dolphin directory.
macOS: /Users/[Username]/Library/Application Support/Dolphin/Config/WiimoteNew.ini Common Configuration Tasks
WiimoteNew.ini is the primary configuration file used by the Dolphin Emulator
to store settings and button mappings for emulated Wii Remotes. Below is a guide on how to locate, edit, and use this file for your setup. Where to Find WiimoteNew.ini
The location of the file depends on your operating system and how you installed the emulator: Windows (Standard):
C:\Users\[YourUsername]\Documents\Dolphin Emulator\Config\Profiles\Wiimote Windows (Portable): If you have a portable.txt file in your Dolphin folder, look in [Dolphin Folder]\User\Config\Profiles\Wiimote wiimotenewini
Accessing this can be tricky due to Scoped Storage. You often need to use the Export User Data
feature within Dolphin's settings to create a ZIP file, edit the inside, and then Typically found in /home/[Profile]/.config/dolphin-emu/Profiles/ (note that is a hidden folder). Xbox (UWP): Located in LocalAppData\Dolphin Emulator\LocalState\Config How to Use or Edit the File Manual Editing: You can open the
file with any text editor (like Notepad) to manually map keys or copy configurations shared by the community for specific games. Loading Profiles: file is placed in the correct Profiles\Wiimote folder, it will appear in the Dolphin Controller Settings . Select "Emulated Wiimote," click
, and choose your profile from the dropdown menu in the top right to load it. Game-Specific Settings:
You can override global settings for a specific game by right-clicking the game in your list, selecting Properties , and clicking Edit Config to add custom controller lines. Troubleshooting Common Issues File Missing:
If the folder is empty, try saving a profile within the Dolphin GUI first to force the emulator to create the directory structure. Control Issues: Some games (like Punch-Out!! ) require specific motion exploits in the
to make the right analog stick function as a pointer or "shake" input. Permissions: On Android, if you cannot see the folder, use the Dolphin Emulator import/export tool to bypass folder restrictions. button mapping template The WiimoteNew
for a particular controller, such as an Xbox or PlayStation gamepad? All Forums - Dolphin, the GameCube and Wii emulator
In the world of emulation, WiimoteNew.ini isn't just a file; it's the "brain" of your virtual Nintendo Wii controller. For anyone using the Dolphin Emulator, this specific configuration file holds the keys to making a modern Xbox controller or keyboard behave like a magic wand from 2006.
Here is the story of a gamer, a file, and the quest for the perfect swing. The Legend of the Lost Input
Once upon a time, in a digital kingdom called Batocera, a gamer named wanted to experience the epic journey of The Legend of Zelda: Skyward Sword
. Alex didn't have a physical Wii Remote, so they relied on a custom profile saved within the depths of WiimoteNew.ini.
Alex carefully mapped every button. On GitHub, seekers of truth have long debated how this file handles "Sources." Alex’s first controller worked perfectly, but when a second player joined for a round of Wii Sports, the system grew confused. The file secretly switched player 2 from an "Emulated" source to a "Real" one, leaving the second player frozen in time. Alex had to dive into the code of dolphincontrollers.py to fix the automation that kept overwriting their hard work. The Ghost in the Config
As Alex ventured further, they discovered that WiimoteNew.ini often forgets its manners. On the Libretro Forums, legends tell of "The Core That Wouldn't Save." Every time Alex exited a game, the file would revert to its default state, erasing the custom "Swing" and "Tilt" commands needed to defeat bosses. Prerequisites
To survive, Alex learned the ancient art of the AutoHotkey script. As suggested by sages in the LaunchBox Community, they created three different versions of the file: wiiReal.ini for when the actual remotes were found. wiiEmulated.ini for the trusty Xbox controller.
The original WiimoteNew.ini as a backup, just in case the digital winds blew the wrong way. The Final Configuration
In the end, Alex’s WiimoteNew.ini became a masterpiece of technical tinkering. It lived in the Documents/Dolphin Emulator/Config/ folder, a small text file only a few kilobytes in size, but containing the power of motion itself. By manually adding port information for BetterJoy, Alex even managed to use Nintendo Switch Pro Controllers, bridging three generations of gaming history through a single .ini file.
And so, with the "Swing Speed" and "Swing Angle" finally calibrated, the digital sword was drawn, the file was saved (and set to read-only), and the game began.
Are you trying to configure a specific controller or fix a saving issue with your own WiimoteNew.ini?
Prerequisites
- A genuine Nintendo Wiimote (original or Wiimote Plus). Third-party knockoffs are not recommended due to inconsistent HID reports.
- A Bluetooth adapter (internal or USB) with EDR support.
- A Windows 10/11, Linux (Ubuntu 22.04+), or macOS 12+ machine.
- The WiimoteNewini driver package – available via official GitHub repository or the "WiiLinux" project.
What is WiimoteNewini?
The term WiimoteNewini is a portmanteau—or more accurately, a community-coined codename—that merges "Wiimote" (Nintendo’s revolutionary motion controller for the Wii console) with "New INI" (referencing a new configuration or initialization file structure).
In practical terms, WiimoteNewini refers to a custom driver and configuration protocol that allows a standard Nintendo Wiimote to interface with non-Wii hardware, specifically:
- PC-based emulators (Dolphin, Project64, RetroArch)
- Raspberry Pi retro gaming builds (RetroPie, Lakka)
- Android TV boxes and smartphones
- Even original Xbox and PlayStation 2 homebrew environments
Unlike older solutions (like GlovePIE or outdated BlueSoleil stacks), the "Newini" aspect signifies a fresh .ini configuration standard that eliminates input lag, improves button mapping flexibility, and natively supports Motion Plus and Nunchuk attachments.
Prerequisites
- A Nintendo Wii with the Homebrew Channel installed (using LetterBomb or str2hax).
- An SD card (or USB drive) formatted to FAT32.
- A standard Nintendo Wiimote (with or without MotionPlus).
- The latest WiimoteNewini pack (available via specialized homebrew forums—search for "WiimoteNewini v2.4 stable").
b. Testing
- Simulated Environment: Test in a controlled environment. The Linux kernel can be compiled with your driver and loaded onto a test system.
- Hardware Access: If possible, test with actual hardware to ensure the feature works as expected.
Prerequisites
Before using an .ini script, you must connect your Wii Remote to your PC.
- Hardware: A standard Wii Remote (MotionPlus is recommended) and a Bluetooth adapter.
- Software: Download GlovePIE (version 0.45 or newer is best for modern Windows).