Super Mario 64 GBA Project: Source Code Release Announced for Game Boy Advance Port

Super Mario 64 GBA Project Brings Classic Platforming to Game Boy Advance—Source Code Release Confirmed The homebrew development scene continues to push boundaries as developer Joshua Barretto showcases the latest progress on his ambitious Super Mario 64 GBA project.

Designed to bring the iconic 3D platformer to the 32-bit Game Boy Advance system, this fan-driven initiative has garnered significant attention from the Nintendo community, especially with its latest demonstration running on actual hardware. Originally released in 1996 for the Nintendo 64, Super Mario 64 set milestones for 3D game design and platforming.

Decades later, Barretto’s project aims to translate the magic of Mario’s original adventure to the Game Boy Advance, a drastically different handheld in terms of power and controls.

Barretto recently released a video on YouTube showing the game’s demo operating smoothly on a real Game Boy Advance unit, providing fans with the long-awaited proof of its playability beyond emulation. In his video, Barretto meticulously demonstrates how movement, attacks, and platforming work within the technical constraints of the GBA hardware.

He also highlights significant enhancements, including refined stage segmentation, better enemy interactions, and improved character animations.

These technical achievements underline the dedication and skill behind the project, reinforcing the vibrant creativity within the homebrew community. Addressing frequent questions about the possibility of a public release, Barretto clarified the legal limitations owing to Nintendo’s intellectual property rights.

"I can’t publicly release the ROM as the assets are derived from Nintendo’s original work.

However, the code itself and the player mode are completely original creations.

In the future, I plan to release the source code so others can experiment, modify, and build upon it," Barretto shared in his update.

This decision ensures the community can explore the technical aspects of the port without infringing on Nintendo’s copyrighted materials. The Super Mario 64 GBA project stands as a testament to the enduring appeal of Nintendo’s classic titles and the ingenuity of independent developers working with retro hardware.

Although fans won't be able to download the ROM due to copyright restrictions, the forthcoming source code release promises to inspire learning, creativity, and further innovation within the homebrew scene. For enthusiasts eager to see innovation on the Game Boy Advance or follow the project’s development, updates are available via Barretto’s channels, and the latest demo has already captivated audiences across the Nintendo community.

As the project advances, it serves as yet another example of how classic games find new life through dedicated fan efforts.

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