Mario Kart DS

Game: Mario Kart DS (DS, 2005)

A native PC port of the European edition, called DS Kart Recompiled, made by static recompilation: the game’s code for both DS processors (ARM9 and ARM7) is translated to C and compiled as a normal program, with a small runtime acting as the console (memory, interrupts, timers, the 2D and 3D engines, sound, saving, and controls). It offers 3D at 2x, 3x, or 4x resolution, up to 240 fps by generating in-between 3D frames while the logic stays at 60, both screens side by side, PS5, PS4, and Xbox controllers, the PC microphone for Balloon Battle, replays saved with F10, a settings menu, its own launcher in five languages, and everything unlocked from the start. Grand Prix, Time Trials, VS, Battle, and Missions work, as does local multiplayer or over the internet with a VPN; version 0.2.0 added online play in beta. On first launch the launcher downloads Python and the compiler (about 200 MB) and builds the game with your ROM. Its authors warn the first versions have many bugs. On Linux there is a beta without a launcher window. Version 0.2.1 is from October 31. 14 of its 15 commits list Claude as a co-author.

You needYour own dump of the European Mario Kart DS cartridge (game code AMCP). 64-bit Windows 10 or 11 (8 cores recommended, since the CPU draws the 3D), about 1.5 GB free, and an internet connection on first launch; or Linux (beta) with python3, clang, and SDL2.

How it gets to PC

Static recompilation

Console

Nintendo DS

Architecture

ARM9

Author

AlonsoTlol

Original studio

Nintendo

Year

2005