GoKawiilSpaghettiPad brings native Metal-rendered Mario Kart 64 to iPhone
Developer Chris Sotraidis built SpaghettiPad, an iPhone app that runs a decompiled PC source port of Mario Kart 64 called SpaghettiKart using the Libultraship library, which reimplements the original N64 SDK for modern hardware. Unlike emulators such as Delta, this approach renders the game natively via Metal, supports Bluetooth controllers, and unlocks widescreen visuals, frame rates up to 120fps, and higher-resolution textures.
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Native ports like this sidestep the performance overhead and glitches inherent to traditional N64 emulation, offering smoother gameplay in scenarios like Luigi Raceway's jumbotron that typically struggle under emulation. It signals a growing trend of decompilation-based source ports giving classic console games a technically superior second life on modern mobile hardware.
- SpaghettiPad uses Libultraship and a decompiled Mario Kart 64 source port for native iPhone performance
- It outperforms emulators like Delta with higher frame rates, widescreen support, and improved textures
- Bluetooth controllers like the Mocagen MC1 pair well with this native rendering approach
8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller — Running Mario Kart 64 natively on iPhone begs for real buttons instead of touchscreen taps, and the 8BitDo SN30 Pro pairs over Bluetooth with iOS for classic-style dual-stick control. Its retro layout feels right at home with N64-era racing, and it slips into a pocket for gaming anywhere.
See 8BitDo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller on Amazon → Affiliate link — we may earn a commission on purchases, at no extra cost to you. Product picked by AI based on this article; it is not a tested recommendation.Source: 9to5mac.com — Jeff Benjamin, 2026-08-31
Published there as: “How to run Mario Kart 64 with native Metal rendering, high frame rate, and HD textures on iPhone [Video]”
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