Play Breath of the Wild on Apple Silicon Macs with Cemu Emulator!

Table of Contents

• Introduction
• Getting Started with Cemu
  • Downloading Cemu
  • Setting up the Game Path
  • Configuring Input
  • Adding Keys.txt File
• Optimizing Graphics and Audio Settings
  • Installing Community Graphics Packs
  • Setting the Graphics API and Vsync
  • Configuring Audio Settings
• Improving Performance
  • Enabling FPS Plus
  • Changing Resolution
  • Enabling Enhancements
• Game-specific Fixes and Issues
  • Addressing Vulkan Performance Issues
  • Dealing with Shader Compilation Stuttering
  • Fixing Flickering Texture Issues
• Additional Resources and Community Support
  • Mac Compatibility Table
  • Joining the Discord Community
  • Watching Helpful Videos

🎮 Getting Wii U Games Running on Apple Silicon Mac with Cemu Emulator

Welcome to my YouTube Channel! In this Tutorial, I'll show you how you can now run Wii U games on your Apple silicon Mac using the Cemu emulator. Since the emulator was made open source a few months ago, there have been significant developments in the Mac OS Port, making numerous Wii U games playable. So, let's get started with setting up Cemu and optimizing it for the best gaming experience on your Mac.

Introduction

The Cemu emulator allows you to play Wii U games on your Apple silicon Mac. By following this tutorial, you'll be able to enjoy popular games like Zelda: Breath of the Wild and Bayonetta 2 on your Mac. I'll guide you through the process of downloading and setting up Cemu, configuring input for your controller, optimizing graphics and audio settings, improving performance, and addressing game-specific issues.

Getting Started with Cemu

Downloading Cemu

To begin, go to the Cemu GitHub page and download the latest version of Cemu for Mac. Once the download is complete, open the DMG file and drag the Cemu application into your "Applications" folder.

Setting up the Game Path

Next, you'll need to set the game path in Cemu. This is where your Wii U game files are located. You can either select the game folder on your Mac or download ROMs from trusted websites. After selecting the game path, Cemu will automatically set the file path.

Configuring Input

To use your controller with Cemu, go to the controller configuration settings. Select the emulated controller as Wii U GamePad and choose your controller from the drop-down menu. Add the default controller bindings and make sure the inputs are working properly.

Adding Keys.txt File

To decrypt certain games on the Wii U, you'll need to add a keys.txt file. Locate the keys.txt file on the internet by searching for "Wii U keys.txt" and paste the keys into the existing file in the Cemu folder. Saving the file will enable you to decrypt other games as well.

Optimizing Graphics and Audio Settings

Installing Community Graphics Packs

Download the community graphics packs within Cemu to enhance the graphics quality of Wii U games on your Mac. This step is especially important for games like Breath of the Wild. Install the graphics packs and enable the Relevant Mods for improved visuals.

Setting the Graphics API and Vsync

Go to the general settings in Cemu and switch to the graphics tab. Ensure that the Vulkan Graphics API is selected for optimal performance. Enable double buffering for Vsync to prevent screen tearing. In the audio tab, make sure audio is turned on and select the appropriate audio device.

Improving Performance

Enabling FPS Plus

To unlock better frame rates in Cemu, enable the FPS Plus graphics pack. If your Mac has a high refresh rate display, such as the MacBook Pro with ProMotion, consider setting the FPS limit to 120 FPS for a smoother gaming experience.

Changing Resolution

In the graphics settings, change the resolution to 1080p for sharper visuals. Enabling the patch for the resolution will ensure the changes take effect while playing Wii U games on your Mac.

Enabling Enhancements

Enable additional enhancements like the surfrost preset to enhance the graphics quality further. These enhancements can make a significant difference in the overall visual experience of Wii U games on your Apple silicon Mac.

Game-specific Fixes and Issues

Addressing Vulkan Performance Issues

While using the Vulkan Graphics API in Cemu, some performance issues may arise. To counter this, disable the accurate barriers option in the settings. Keep in mind that this may cause some flickering in graphics, but it should improve the overall performance, especially on devices like the M1 Max chip.

Dealing with Shader Compilation Stuttering

During gameplay, you may encounter stuttering caused by shader compilation. This occurs when specific actions are performed, and Cemu compiles new shaders. However, after the initial compilation, the gameplay becomes smooth. So, don't worry if you experience temporary frame rate drops at the beginning of the game.

Fixing Flickering Texture Issues

Some games, like Bayonetta 2, may have flickering texture issues. To fix this, you can use a terminal command to disable fast math for Cemu. This may slow down the game slightly, but it will eliminate the flickering textures, providing a better gameplay experience.

Additional Resources and Community Support

To explore Wii U game compatibility on Apple silicon Macs, check out the Cemu macOS compatibility table. It provides valuable information about tested games and their performance on Apple silicon Macs. Additionally, join the Cemu Discord community, specifically the Mac OS development thread, to Seek assistance and connect with other Mac Cemu gamers. You can also find helpful videos on YouTube that provide further insights and troubleshooting tips.

I hope you found this tutorial useful and that it helps you enjoy your favorite Wii U games on your Apple silicon Mac. The Cemu emulator and the dedicated Mac community are constantly working to improve the gaming experience, so stay updated for further developments. Happy gaming!

Highlights

• Learn how to run Wii U games on your Apple silicon Mac using the Cemu emulator.
• Set up Cemu, configure input for your controller, and optimize graphics and audio settings.
• Improve performance by enabling FPS Plus, changing the resolution, and adding enhancements.
• Address game-specific issues such as Vulkan performance, shader compilation stuttering, and flickering textures.
• Utilize additional resources like the Cemu macOS compatibility table and the Mac Cemu Discord community for support and information.

FAQ

Q: Can I play Wii U games on my Apple silicon Mac using the Cemu emulator? A: Yes, the Cemu emulator allows you to run Wii U games on your Apple silicon Mac.

Q: How do I set up Cemu on my Mac? A: You can download Cemu from the official GitHub page and follow the steps mentioned in this tutorial to set it up successfully.

Q: How can I improve the graphics and performance of Wii U games on my Mac using Cemu? A: By installing community graphics packs, optimizing graphics settings, enabling FPS Plus, and adjusting resolution and enhancements, you can enhance the graphics quality and overall performance of Wii U games on your Mac.

Q: Are there any known issues with running Wii U games on Cemu on Mac? A: Some games may have graphical issues, such as flickering textures. However, the Cemu development community is actively working to address these issues and improve the compatibility of Wii U games on Mac.

Q: Where can I find further support and resources for running Wii U games on my Apple silicon Mac? A: You can refer to the Cemu macOS compatibility table for information on game compatibility. Additionally, joining the Cemu Discord community, specifically the Mac OS development thread, can provide you with valuable support and guidance.