Microsoft Zune HD successfully runs Super Mario 64

Developer rsheldiii has successfully ported the classic Nintendo game Super Mario 64 to the Microsoft Zune HD media player. The project utilizes the open-source sm64ex codebase, which relies on decompiled code from the original game.

To overcome the hardware limitations of the 2009-era processor, the implementation uses NVIDIA Tegra tools to pre-compile shaders. This allows the device to handle gameplay without the need for on-the-fly shader compilation. The port features a virtual controller interface overlay on the Zune HD's touchscreen and supports game saving and full audio.

Users wishing to run the game require a Zune HD running firmware version 4.5, a legal ROM dump from a physical cartridge, and an x86-64 Linux system to perform the build via Docker and Git. While the project demonstrates the longevity of the Zune HD community, some occasional performance issues have been noted.