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Build Profiles

Build Profiles let you save packaging configurations for different platforms and quickly build your game with one click.

Opening the Packaging Window

Go to File > Build Profiles to open the Packaging window.

Creating a Build Profile

  1. Click the + button in the Build Profiles list
  2. Give your profile a name (e.g., "GameCube Release")
  3. Configure the settings:
  4. Platform - Select your target platform (Windows, Linux, GameCube, Wii, 3DS, etc.)
  5. Embedded Mode - Embeds assets into the executable (required for console platforms)
  6. Output Directory - Optional custom location for built files (leave empty for default)
  7. Use Docker - Forces Docker-based builds (see Docker section below)

Building Your Game

  1. Select a profile from the list
  2. Click Build to package your game
  3. Click Build & Run to package and automatically launch in an emulator

Build & Run Setup

To use Build & Run, you need to configure your emulator paths:

  1. Click the gear icon next to "Build & Run"
  2. This opens Preferences > External > Launchers
  3. Set the paths for your emulators:
Platform Emulator
GameCube Dolphin
Wii Dolphin
3DS Azahar or Citra

Custom Launch Arguments

You can customize how games launch using placeholders:

  • {emulator} - The emulator executable path
  • {output} - The built game file path
  • {outputdir} - The output directory

Examples: - Dolphin fullscreen: {emulator} -e {output} -f - Dolphin with debugger: {emulator} -e {output} -d

To send games directly to your 3DS:

  1. Set the 3dslink Path in Preferences
  2. Select Hardware under "3DS Launch Method"
  3. When you Build & Run, ensure your 3DS has Homebrew Launcher open and ready

3DS Targets and Options

Two built-in targets share the 3DS platform:

Target Output Use
Nintendo 3DS Packaged/N3DS/<Project>.3dsx Homebrew Launcher / 3dslink / Azahar
Nintendo 3DS (CIA) Packaged/polyphase.n3ds.cia/<Project>.3dsx + .cia Installable HOME Menu title (FBI, Azahar File > Install CIA)

Both show a 3DS Target Options block for the SMDH metadata (Title, Description, Author, 48x48 Icon). The CIA target adds product code, unique id, version, an optional custom RSF, and the HOME Menu banner settings (image or 3D scene, tune, loop). The CIA target needs makerom (and optionally bannertool, Python + pycgfx for banners). Install them from Preferences > External > Launchers > 3DS CIA Tools with the download buttons, or see 3DS Overview for manual setup on Windows and Linux.

Docker Builds

Requirements

  • Docker Desktop installed and running
  • The polyphase-engine Docker image built (see Docker.md)

When Docker is Used

Host OS Platform Docker Required
Windows GameCube Yes (automatic)
Windows Wii Yes (automatic)
Windows 3DS Yes (automatic)
Windows Windows No
Linux Any Optional (checkbox)

Troubleshooting

"Docker Desktop is not running" - Open Docker Desktop and wait for it to start - Try the build again

"Docker image not found" - Build the Docker image first (see Docker.md) - Try wsl docker ...

Profile Storage

Build profiles are saved per-project in {ProjectDir}/Settings/BuildProfiles.json and travel with your project.

Emulator settings are saved in your user preferences and persist across all projects.