GBA Revival: Gamer Resurrects Beloved Super Mario 64

A dedicated modder is painstakingly recreating Super Mario 64 for the Game Boy Advance. Given the significant difference in processing power between the GBA and the original N64, this is a remarkable undertaking. The modder, making impressive strides, is rebuilding the game's code from the ground up rather than attempting a direct port.

Super Mario 64, a 1996 classic, holds a special place in gaming history. As Nintendo's pioneering foray into 3D platforming for its flagship franchise, it achieved phenomenal success, selling nearly 12 million units on the N64.

Joshua Barretto, the modder behind this ambitious project, recently unveiled a video showcasing their progress. The initial stages were far from polished; early May saw Mario represented as a simple red triangle. However, in a remarkably short timeframe, the first level is now playable.

Modder's GBA Port of Super Mario 64 Shows Promising Results

Currently, Barretto's GBA version runs at a respectable 20-30 frames per second, with Mario exhibiting several key moves including jumps, crouches, and somersaults. While imperfections remain, the feat of running such a complex game on the GBA's limited hardware is truly astonishing. The project is ongoing, with Barretto aiming for a complete, playable version. The hope is that Nintendo, known for its sometimes aggressive stance on fan projects, won't intervene.

Super Mario 64 has recently experienced a surge in community activity, with players and modders continuously pushing the game's boundaries. Just months ago, a player completed the game without using the A button to jump—a challenge attempted for over two decades, finally conquered after an 86-hour marathon exploiting a rare Wii Virtual Console quirk. Shortly before that, another player achieved the seemingly impossible: opening a long-locked door in the game's Snow World level without mods, employing an incredibly intricate method.