A dedicated modder is painstakingly recreating Super Mario 64 for the Game Boy Advance. This ambitious undertaking, seemingly impossible given the GBA's comparatively limited processing power compared to the N64, is showing remarkable progress.

Super Mario 64, released in 1996, remains a critically acclaimed and beloved title, marking Nintendo's successful foray into 3D platforming and selling nearly 12 million units.

Joshua Barretto, a passionate Super Mario fan, recently unveiled a video showcasing their GBA recreation. Initially attempting a direct port, Barretto encountered significant challenges, leading to a complete code rebuild. The results, considering the short timeframe, are astonishing. What began in early May as a rudimentary red triangle representing Mario has evolved into a playable first level within just two months.

Barretto's GBA port currently achieves a frame rate of 20-30 FPS, with Mario executing key actions like somersaults, crouches, and long jumps. While imperfections remain, the feat of running this classic title on the GBA is truly impressive. The project, still in its early stages, aims for a fully playable version. The hope is that Nintendo, known for its aggressive stance on fan projects, will not issue a cease-and-desist order.

Super Mario 64's enduring appeal has fueled a recent surge in modding activity and player achievements. A notable example is a gamer's completion of the game without using the A button to jump – a feat accomplished only after an 86-hour marathon utilizing a rare glitch on the Wii Virtual Console. Another recent milestone involved opening a previously inaccessible door in the Snow World level, a puzzle that had baffled players for years, solved through an incredibly complex technique.