Two highly regarded Zelda games have received ambitious fan-made Nintendo 3DS ports, adding features that were absent from their original releases and official handheld versions.
The Minish Cap gets a native 3DS conversion
The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap first launched on Game Boy Advance in 2004. Although the game later became available through the Nintendo 3DS Virtual Console, that release was an emulated version rather than software designed specifically for the newer dual-screen system.
Homebrew developer estebanpdn has now shared a native 3DS port of The Minish Cap. It uses the console’s two screens more effectively, placing the map and other interface elements on the lower display.
The project also supports widescreen presentation and touch controls. Performance-focused additions include optional clock-speed increases, improved upscaling and higher frame rates than the original hardware could provide. A built-in randomiser gives experienced players another way to approach the adventure.
More Nintendo classics are being adapted
The same developer has also produced a native 3DS version of Mario Kart 64. Its feature set includes a bottom-screen HUD and selected touch controls. Multiplayer is not available in the current version, although an update is planned to add it.
Another recent project is a 3DS port of The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, uploaded two days before the report’s publication. Alongside expected improvements, this version includes turbo-speed options and screenshot functionality. The project is documented in the developer’s A Link to the Past repository.
What these ports contain — and what they do not
The downloads do not include game ROMs or Nintendo-owned assets. Players must supply a compatible ROM obtained legally. The projects are built from reverse-engineering work and decompilations of the original games.
The developer has provided a Patreon option for supporters, while making clear that financial backing is not required and development will continue regardless.
These releases belong to a wider group of fan projects based on decompiled Nintendo games. Similar work has enabled advanced PC versions of Super Mario 64 and The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, despite Nintendo’s opposition to unauthorised projects. Reverse-engineered code has even been used to bring Super Mario 64 from Nintendo 64 to the original PlayStation.
An official Ocarina of Time release is also planned
Fan ports are not the only way Nintendo classics are being revisited. Nintendo is scheduled to release an officially sanctioned modern version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time on Nintendo Switch 2 later in 2026.
For more retro-gaming updates, browse the RETROCADE Arcade Blog. Players planning a dedicated setup can also compare options in the Arcade Machine Buying Guide or explore compact bartop arcades.
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