What is a .GCZ file?
The .GCZ file extension is used for a type of file that is a compressed version of a Nintendo GameCube or Nintendo Wii video game. This means it is a digital copy of a game that was originally on a physical disc for these gaming consoles. The purpose of compressing the game into a .GCZ file is to make the file size smaller so it takes up less space on your computer's hard drive. This is helpful if you want to store many games without using too much storage space.
A .GCZ file is similar to a .GCM file, which is also a GameCube or Wii game file, but the key difference is that the .GCZ file is compressed to save space, while the .GCM file is not compressed.
To create a .GCZ file, you would need to use a specific program that can compress the game data from its original disc format into this compressed file format. Additionally, if you want to play a game that is in a .GCZ file format, you will also need a special program that can open and run these compressed game files.
The program that is used for both creating and opening .GCZ files is called Dolphin. Dolphin is an emulator, which means it is a software that mimics the original gaming consoles (in this case, the Nintendo GameCube and Wii) allowing you to play these games on your computer. With Dolphin, you can open .GCZ files, decompress them if necessary, and play the games as if you were playing them on the original consoles. Dolphin is the main program recommended for handling .GCZ files, and it is available for multiple operating systems, including Windows, macOS, and Linux.
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