: The 7-Zip algorithm packs files into a much smaller size than standard ZIP files, making it ideal for distributing large disc images online.
This is because these formats are "not seekable". For an emulator to run a game, it needs to access specific data points on the virtual disc instantly. To use a .7z file, Dolphin would have to decompress the entire archive into your system's RAM first, which is extremely slow and memory-intensive. Why Use 7z at All? If Dolphin can't play them, why are they so common? 7z file dolphin emulator 2021
: Many versions of Dolphin itself, especially development builds, are distributed as .7z archives to save bandwidth. How to Handle 7z Files for Dolphin : The 7-Zip algorithm packs files into a