hello! i am just getting into speedrunning and would like to know if certain emulators are allowed or if all of them are banned. i use Dolphin emulator to play NSMBW so im not too sure, and i was also wondering if there is a specific categpry for just emolators and junk (no cheated runs still) it would be super nice to be apart of this comunity even though i use an emulator, main reason is bc i HAD a copy of nsmbw untill i let my younger cousin use my wii durring easter and then plop his dumbass snapped the disk because he could not beat 5-1 :/

You need to check the rules pages for each specific game to see if it's allowed or not, especially with PS2 era games and later since those emulators are not nearly as accurate compared to official hardware and typically not allowed (that being said PS2 emus have recently been getting accepted like with the Sly games). NSMBWii, for example, on the very first line of their rules specifically states that runs must be done on an official version, whether physical or digital, and USB Loaded game or emulation not allowed. If you're unsure if a version is allowed and not in the rules specifically, can always reach out to mods to ask whether in that game's forums or in their discord server.