{
  "id": 15572606,
  "title": "Someone ported Super Mario 64 to the Game Boy Advance, and the physics are exactly the same",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/19/someone-ported-super-mario-64-to-the-game-boy-advance-and-the-physics",
  "topic": "tech",
  "section": "Tech",
  "published": "2026-10-19T06:38:29.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "XDA Developers",
    "slug": "xda-developers",
    "url": "https://www.xda-developers.com/someone-ported-super-mario-64-to-the-game-boy-advance-and-the-physics-are-the-exact-same/"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Recently, a remarkable feat has been achieved in the world of retro gaming. An individual has successfully ported the iconic Super Mario 64 to the Game Boy Advance using the Claude AI agent. This is a groundbreaking accomplishment as it recreates the original source code, allowing Mario to move just like he does on the N64 console, despite the Game Boy Advance's constraints.\n\nThe recreation features a 16.8 MHz ARM7 processor with no floating-point unit, making the game run at a slower pace. However, the movement and collision mechanics remain unchanged, ensuring that the long jumps and other gameplay elements are as satisfying as ever. The demo includes four levels, software 3D graphics, and Mario's animation data from the original game.\n\nRemarkably, the project does not require any code from Nintendo. Instead, it utilizes a library known as libsm64-style, which reads the original ROM to recreate Mario's model and level meshes. Although the project has only been tested on an mGBA emulator, there is potential for it to run on real hardware if further development is successful.\n\nFor those interested in trying this out, the code is available on GitHub for anyone to explore and experiment with. This port serves as a testament to the possibilities of AI-powered game decompilations and the enduring legacy of Super Mario 64.",
  "summary": "These AI-powered ports are getting crazy now.",
  "key_points": [
    "Super Mario 64 ported to Game Boy Advance using Claude AI agent",
    "Retains original source code and gameplay mechanics",
    "Available on GitHub for exploration and experimentation"
  ],
  "editors_take": "Leveraging AI agents to recreate original source code demonstrates how modern tools can bypass hardware limitations to preserve the authentic mechanical feel of classic gaming experiences.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}