The team released KartPad 0.7.3 on September 30, 2026, featuring a major change for anyone wanting to run Mario Kart Wii natively on phones and tablets. The new version makes it possible to experimentally build a custom IPA for iPhone and iPad on Windows or Linux computers, without requiring a Mac with Xcode. On Android, PadMint also gained an experimental workflow capable of assembling the game pack directly on the phone itself via Termux.

KartPad is not a Wii emulator. This sets it apart from solutions like iCube on iPhone and iPad, which remains emulation. The project uses WiiCompiled to ahead-of-time translate the PowerPC code of Mario Kart Wii and compiles that output as native ARM64 code. On Android, rendering uses Vulkan; on Apple devices, the graphics path uses Metal. The user still needs to provide their own compatible copy of the game.

Mario Kart Wii running via KartPad on an iPad. Image: chrissotraidis/KartPad.

KartPad 0.7.3 reduces reliance on a Mac on the iPhone

Up to previous versions, the way to generate the custom part of KartPad on iPhone and iPad depended on an Apple Silicon Mac with Xcode. Now, PadMint 0.2.2 or newer can build the IPA on Windows and Linux experimentally. After that, the user installs the file using SideStore, AltStore, or Sideloadly.

According to the official notes, the team tested IPAs produced on Windows 11 ARM inside a virtual machine and on Ubuntu Linux. In addition, both ran on an iPhone 14 and preserved save data. However, the team had not yet tested regular Windows PCs with Intel or AMD processors at the time of release. Therefore, treat the support as experimental, rather than already proven universal compatibility.

Title screen used in validation logs kept in the KartPad repository. Image: chrissotraidis/KartPad.

Android can mount the game pack on the phone itself

Android also received an advancement in the installation process. PadMint can now experimentally mount the game pack directly on the device using Termux. Thus, the user can avoid the preparation step on a computer. In addition, version 0.7.3 specifically fixes the execution of this process for the second time on the phone.

The public APK does not include code or commercial data from Mario Kart Wii. PadMint uses the user's own copy to generate the custom component. Furthermore, KartPad requires the PAL RMCP01 revision 0 edition. For now, the documentation does not list other regions as compatible.

Additionally, on Android, the reported requirements include ARM64 architecture, Android 9 or later, and Vulkan. Therefore, the project recommends about 6 GB of free space on the phone or tablet. On iPhone and iPad, the minimum base is iOS or iPadOS 16. This advancement accompanies other recompilation mobile ports that Allves Games has already shown, such as Ultra Street Fighter IV on Android and the BlueWake on iPhone and iPad.

Static recompilation runs locally on ARM64

During the game, there is no PowerPC JIT recompiler running. WiiCompiled translates the code before execution, and the compiler generates ARM64 code. Therefore, do not confuse KartPad with Dolphin, remote streaming, or a wrapper that runs the PC version.

On the other hand, the project leverages components from the Dolphin ecosystem for specific functions, but game execution follows WiiCompiled's static recompilation architecture. Furthermore, on Android, Aurora and Dawn form part of the graphics pipeline over Vulkan. Meanwhile, on Apple devices, the implementation uses Metal.

Race recorded in the technical artifacts used to compare and validate game behavior. Image: chrissotraidis/KartPad.

Update does not change the game nor require a new game pack

Finally, version 0.7.3 focuses the delta on the creation and installation process. The notes make it clear that there is no change to the game or the application itself. Those already on KartPad 0.7.x can also continue using the existing game pack.

In pre-release testing, the team installed the Android APK over version 0.7.2, preserved the game pack, and completed a race at 60 FPS. Additionally, on the iPhone 14, the team generated a new IPA with PadMint, installed it over the existing version, kept the saves, and also completed a race.

Still, these results are official developer tests, not independent benchmarks. The documentation itself warns that sustained performance varies between devices, that initial shader compilation can cause momentary stuttering, and that heating can reduce speed during long sessions.

Retro Rewind remains available

In addition to the original Mario Kart Wii, KartPad maintains optional support for Retro Rewind. Touch controls, motion steering, and gamepads are also part of the mobile versions. Finally, the project still features an experimental preview for tvOS, while the team keeps macOS within the Apple ecosystem.

Consequently, KartPad 0.7.3 represents a more important advance in accessibility than in the renderer or game compatibility. The ability to prepare the iPhone and iPad version outside of a Mac and to assemble the Android game pack directly on the phone reduces two of the biggest practical barriers of the previous workflow.

Sources: KartPad 0.7.3 — official release; KartPad — official repository; PadMint — official repository.