For Dolphin-GAF Skyward Sword, I'll copy/paste my OP from the Dolphin forums here, to help everyone else:
Emulation Status / Speed
Best revision: r7719
Best settings:
Everything default, except:
- Prefered graphics plugin: DirectX 11
- AA method should be done only by using higher internal resolutions. AA "standard" settings causes glitches.
- AF should be set to 2X or higher to reduce/eliminate color banding
- Disable "Skip EFB Access from CPU" to fix the pointer accuracy
- Disable "External Frame Buffer"
- Disable "Cache Display Lists"
- EFB Copies should be enabled only with the "Virtual" checkbox.
Everything else (audio settings, advanced graphical options) are a matter of personal choice and won't make much difference, so if possible, stick with the above.
FAQ:
Misaligned pointer for slingshot pellets, arrows, etc
Disable "Skip EFB Access from CPU" to fix. Reduces performance.
I have a Wiimote but not a Motion+, can I play the game?
No. Emulation isn't possible. Also, using save-states won't get around this.
Large blocky shadows around Link / floor?
Looks like a problem with the DX9 plugin, using the DX11 plugin fixes this. Using a newer revision may also fix this but doing so yields more disadvantages.
Link's sword is invisible
Disable "Cache Display Lists".
The background (depth of field) is all corrupted, blocky and/or jagged looking
This is a problem with newer revisions of the emulator (3.0+). There are two possible solutions: use the recommend revision (r7719), or set "EFB Texture to RAM" (causes slowdowns).
Do I need a sensor bar, since the game is using the Motion+ gyros for motion tracking?
Although not needed, it's recommended as the sensor bar tells the Wiimote which direction is forward so that it can correctly correlate hand movements with sword swings. In other words, it serves as a "real time calibration". Without it, keeping the Motion+ calibration is way harder.
Screenshots