Renowned homebrew developer Frogbull has once again captured the attention of retro gaming enthusiasts with the release of a new proof-of-concept video featuring Spyro the Dragon running on Nintendo 64 hardware.
The footage, shared publicly for the first time, offers fans of the iconic 1998 platformer a rare look at what might have been if Insomniac Games' beloved title had appeared on Nintendo’s 64-bit console. Frogbull is well-known within the homebrew community for high-profile projects, including bringing Metal Gear Solid and Crash Bandicoot to the Sega Saturn, as well as Metal Gear Solid 2 to the Dreamcast.
His latest reveal is an "old project" from his early days experimenting with N64 homebrew, representing his inaugural foray into development for the platform.
The developer's reputation for technically ambitious mods and proof-of-concept builds shines through in this latest effort, which stands as a testament to the potential of Nintendo 64 homebrew. In a detailed description accompanying the newly released footage, Frogbull explains that this prototype has been set aside.
The primary reason for abandoning the proof-of-concept stems from the emergence of a more advanced decompilation project led by developer Altro50.
Frogbull notes that this new initiative holds greater promise for delivering an accurate and fully functional port of Spyro the Dragon to the Nintendo 64—something he refers to as "an actual port" in his statement.
He candidly admits that with the advanced project underway, "my own attempt no longer serves much purpose." The nearly four-minute video shared by Frogbull documents a raw, early build of Spyro the Dragon exploring the iconic Artisans area from the original PlayStation release.
Frogbull clarifies that this developmental footage is unpolished, noting that it is "raw, with missing textures and animations implemented but not yet tied to in-game actions such as gliding or charging." Despite these unfinished elements, the demo remains a striking example of what could have been, demonstrating not only the versatility of the Nintendo 64 but also the enduring curiosity and skill within the homebrew scene. The original Spyro the Dragon, released by Insomniac Games for Sony PlayStation in 1998, has long been celebrated for its vibrant worlds and innovative platforming mechanics.
While the franchise never appeared on the Nintendo 64 during its heyday, fan-driven projects like Frogbull’s continue to fuel speculation about possible cross-platform adaptations.
For those interested in the technical development and challenges behind this notable project, Frogbull has provided a behind-the-scenes breakdown for supporters on his Patreon page. As both Nintendo 64 and Spyro the Dragon retain strong legacies within the gaming community, efforts like Frogbull’s proof-of-concept further highlight the enduring passion developers have for pushing classic hardware to new creative heights.
The reveal stands as another milestone in the ongoing history of N64 homebrew and platform experimentation.
The footage, shared publicly for the first time, offers fans of the iconic 1998 platformer a rare look at what might have been if Insomniac Games' beloved title had appeared on Nintendo’s 64-bit console. Frogbull is well-known within the homebrew community for high-profile projects, including bringing Metal Gear Solid and Crash Bandicoot to the Sega Saturn, as well as Metal Gear Solid 2 to the Dreamcast.
His latest reveal is an "old project" from his early days experimenting with N64 homebrew, representing his inaugural foray into development for the platform.
The developer's reputation for technically ambitious mods and proof-of-concept builds shines through in this latest effort, which stands as a testament to the potential of Nintendo 64 homebrew. In a detailed description accompanying the newly released footage, Frogbull explains that this prototype has been set aside.
The primary reason for abandoning the proof-of-concept stems from the emergence of a more advanced decompilation project led by developer Altro50.
Frogbull notes that this new initiative holds greater promise for delivering an accurate and fully functional port of Spyro the Dragon to the Nintendo 64—something he refers to as "an actual port" in his statement.
He candidly admits that with the advanced project underway, "my own attempt no longer serves much purpose." The nearly four-minute video shared by Frogbull documents a raw, early build of Spyro the Dragon exploring the iconic Artisans area from the original PlayStation release.
Frogbull clarifies that this developmental footage is unpolished, noting that it is "raw, with missing textures and animations implemented but not yet tied to in-game actions such as gliding or charging." Despite these unfinished elements, the demo remains a striking example of what could have been, demonstrating not only the versatility of the Nintendo 64 but also the enduring curiosity and skill within the homebrew scene. The original Spyro the Dragon, released by Insomniac Games for Sony PlayStation in 1998, has long been celebrated for its vibrant worlds and innovative platforming mechanics.
While the franchise never appeared on the Nintendo 64 during its heyday, fan-driven projects like Frogbull’s continue to fuel speculation about possible cross-platform adaptations.
For those interested in the technical development and challenges behind this notable project, Frogbull has provided a behind-the-scenes breakdown for supporters on his Patreon page. As both Nintendo 64 and Spyro the Dragon retain strong legacies within the gaming community, efforts like Frogbull’s proof-of-concept further highlight the enduring passion developers have for pushing classic hardware to new creative heights.
The reveal stands as another milestone in the ongoing history of N64 homebrew and platform experimentation.
