Here’s a complete, step-by-step guide to installing and playing New Super Mario Bros. Wii mods (also called “Newer” mods or custom levels) using the Dolphin Emulator on PC.

3. Alternative (Easier but less flexible): Direct File Replacement

1. Extract your NSMBW ISO using Wiimms ISO Tool or Dolphin’s own File System (right-click game → Properties → Filesystem → Export all files to a folder).
2. Download the mod – most mods come with a Data or Stage folder.
3. Overwrite the original game files with the mod’s files in your extracted folder.
4. Rebuild the ISO using Wiimms ISO Tool, or play directly from the folder in Dolphin (right-click game → Set as default ISO → select the extracted folder’s main directory? Not directly – better to rebuild).

Simpler: Use Dolphin’s Virtual SD Card + Riivolution – but that’s more complex. Sticking with Riivolution method above is best.

Report: Installing and Running New Super Mario Bros. Wii Mods on Dolphin

Graphics (GPU)

• Backend: Direct3D 12 or Vulkan (best performance for mods with many sprites).
• Internal Resolution: 3x Native (1080p) or 4x Native (4K). Warning: Some mods have custom sprites that break at higher resolutions. Drop to 2x if you see white boxes.
• Anti-Aliasing: 4x SSAA (if your GPU can handle it).

"Cannot read disc" or "Invalid format"

• Fix: Your modded WBFS is corrupted. Redownload it. Ensure Dolphin is updated to the Beta version (not stable).

The game loads, but it’s just the original NSMBW (no mods)

• Fix: You forgot to replace the main.dol or you loaded the wrong ISO. Check your file path.