The nxnative on iPhone started listing Super Mario Odyssey among eight Nintendo Switch games deemed playable by the developer on October 18, 2026. The open-source project executes the game's native ARM64 code on Apple chips and translates graphics to Metal. However, compatibility and performance are the author's reports, not results from independent testing.
Super Mario Odyssey joins nxnative's list on iPhone
In the updated documentation of nxnative repository, author seedds includes Super Mario Odyssey with update 1.4.1. In addition, a recent commit addresses the Cap Kingdom fog. The project mentions execution close to 60 FPS in a test by the developer itself, with no independent benchmark published in this verification.
Seven other titles appear as playable on iPhone: Super Mario Bros. Wonder, Fire Emblem Engage, Metroid Dread, 13 Sentinels: Aegis Rim, Super Mario 3D World + Bowser's Fury, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild and The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening. The documentation specifies the required update for each game; therefore, this is not generic compatibility with the entire Switch catalog.
Screenshot provided in the nxnative project README; Super Mario Bros. Wonder belongs to Nintendo.
For example, the README indicates 60 FPS as an improvement reported by the author for Fire Emblem Engage and Breath of the Wild, originally running at 30 FPS on the Switch. However, this information does not guarantee similar performance on all devices or during extended sessions.
How does it work without traditional emulation?
Instead of fully reproducing a virtual console, nxnative prepares the game's ARM64 code for execution on Apple hardware. At the same time, a compatibility layer implements Horizon system services, while graphics translation converts NVN calls to Metal. This is neither equivalent to an official port nor to making the games' source code available.
The project leverages components from previous initiatives and shader translation tools. Thus, it still relies on title-specific adaptations, and its list of compatible games remains limited.
Screenshot of the nxnative repository, published by the developer as a demonstration; Nintendo game.
nxnative requirements on iPhone to prepare an IPA
According to the author, nxnative requires iOS or iPadOS 26 or higher, a iPhone 15 Pro or newer with A17 Pro or higher, or a iPad with M1 or higher. In addition, the initial setup uses a Mac with Xcode, Homebrew, and project dependencies.
- Consult the official README and the nxnative code to check for updated requirements.
- Prepare only NSP files and updates extracted from your own legally acquired copies, with keys obtained legitimately on your equipment.
- On the Mac, install the dependencies indicated by the author and run the build script described in the documentation to generate an unsigned IPA.
- Sign and install the IPA with a sideloading tool compatible with your device, observing local and platform rules.
The developer estimates 30 to 60 minutes for the first compilation, in addition to free space equivalent to approximately twice the NSPs plus 10 GB. There is no ready-to-use IPA containing the games nor a self-sufficient installer: the link above provides code and tools, not downloadable games.
Limitations of the experimental project
For now, nxnative does not offer online features or amiibo. Stutters may also occur on the first visit to an area during shader compilation. The author recommends paying attention to save data when reinstalling apps via sideloading.
Image published in the nxnative README to illustrate one of the games tested by the author; Metroid Dread belongs to its respective owners.
In addition, Hades is under adaptation, but the README states that its iPhone version has not yet been tested or packaged by the script. Therefore, it is not included in the list of the eight playable games. During this check, there was no independent testing of installation, battery life, heating, or performance.
nxnative is different from the Super Mario Odyssey PC recompilation project. It should also not be confused with previous initiatives to bring Mario Kart Wii to the iPhone. Each one uses different technologies and requirements.
Sources: nxnative — README and code; documentation update for 10/18/2026; Cap Kingdom fix.
