Do I need the original game files to run Mario Kart Wii Recompilation?

Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.

How is Mario Kart Wii Recompilation licensed?

project: GPLv3 (software, including WiiCompiled modifications and the integrated application where GPLv3 requires). The repository itself is the authoritative source.

Does KartPad support Retro Rewind, and what if it updates?

Yes, with separately installed 6.12.8 content and a matching compiled profile. A newer pack may require a new KartPad build; replacing files alone does not update the translated game code.

Does online multiplayer work?

Testing reached Retro WFC on iPad and the worldwide lobby on Android, but the release does not claim a newly verified complete online race or reconnect sequence. Native room hosting and Original Wiimmfi support are unfinished.

Can I use controllers or local split-screen?

Yes. Pair controllers in the operating system, choose Multiplayer, and press each controller's mapped A button to register it.

Does this repository include Mario Kart Wii?

No. Supply your own legally obtained supported PAL RMCP01 revision 0 image.

Is KartPad a general Wii emulator?

No. It supports specific Mario Kart Wii and Retro Rewind profiles, not arbitrary Wii games.

How do I switch between Mario Kart Wii and Retro Rewind?

Choose a game when KartPad opens. On iPhone and iPad, use Return to KartPad Menu, select Use on Next Launch, fully close the app, and reopen it.

Mario Kart Wii Recompilation

RecompilationActive

The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port.

Based on Mario Kart Wii

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Links, repository & details

About

KartPad is a native static recompilation of Mario Kart Wii and Retro Rewind for Android, iOS, iPadOS and macOS, rendering through Vulkan on Android and Metal on Apple platforms. It builds on the WiiCompiled project, which supplies the translator and runtime, while KartPad adds the Apple and Android integration, native controls, game chooser and game-data management. The README says it is not a general Wii emulator and does not run inside Dolphin; tvOS is an experimental preview, and the project is licensed under GPLv3.

How it differs from the original

Adds touch controls that can be moved, resized and hidden, optional motion steering, and controller support. Known issues include startup shader compilation pauses, track-dependent dips and warm slowdown, and native private-room hosting is unfinished.

Getting started

You supply your own legally obtained PAL RMCP01 revision 0 Mario Kart Wii image. On Android, install the APK from the releases page. On iPhone, iPad and Mac, build it with PadMint from your own disc. Then import an extracted game data folder from Dolphin, or a disc image, which needs your own Wii's common key.

Known issues & limitations

Startup shader compilation, track-related frame dips, and slowdown as the device warms up remain known issues.
Sustained 60 FPS and external-display output have not been generally verified.
Full three- or four-player controller acceptance and reconnect testing are incomplete.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Other version).

Android requires an ARM64 phone or tablet with Vulkan, Android 9 or newer, and about 6 GB free.
iPhone and iPad require iOS or iPadOS 16 or newer, a sideloading app and Apple ID, and a computer to run PadMint.
Mac requires an Apple Silicon Mac with macOS 14 or newer.

Features

Retro Rewind 6.12.8 content can be installed separately.
Mobile play supports touch controls, motion steering, and controllers; Mac also supports keyboard input.
Touch controls can be moved, resized, or hidden.
The game runs locally as native ARM64 code, using Vulkan on Android and Metal on Apple platforms.
Local split-screen multiplayer is available.

How to install

On iPhone or iPad, use PadMint with your disc image to make an IPA, then install it with Sideloadly, AltStore, or SideStore.
On Mac, use PadMint with your disc image, then move the resulting app to Applications.
The first time you open the app, import your own game data.

Controls

On iPhone and iPad, hold A for one uninterrupted second to lock acceleration; tap A again to release it.

Summarised from the project's README.

AI assistance

The README discloses substantial AI assistance for code, tests, documentation, debugging and maintenance.

Additional notes

Retro rewind: Retro Rewind content version 6.12.8 is installed separately; a newer Retro pack that changes game code may need a new KartPad build.

FAQ

What is Mario Kart Wii Recompilation?: Mario Kart Wii Recompilation is an open-source recompilation of Mario Kart Wii. The original game's compiled code translated into a native program for a new platform, usually a PC port. The original game ran on Other.
Do I need the original game files to run Mario Kart Wii Recompilation?: Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.
How is Mario Kart Wii Recompilation licensed?: project: GPLv3 (software, including WiiCompiled modifications and the integrated application where GPLv3 requires). The repository itself is the authoritative source.
Does KartPad support Retro Rewind, and what if it updates?: Yes, with separately installed 6.12.8 content and a matching compiled profile. A newer pack may require a new KartPad build; replacing files alone does not update the translated game code.
Does online multiplayer work?: Testing reached Retro WFC on iPad and the worldwide lobby on Android, but the release does not claim a newly verified complete online race or reconnect sequence. Native room hosting and Original Wiimmfi support are unfinished.
Can I use controllers or local split-screen?: Yes. Pair controllers in the operating system, choose Multiplayer, and press each controller's mapped A button to register it.
Does this repository include Mario Kart Wii?: No. Supply your own legally obtained supported PAL RMCP01 revision 0 image.
Is KartPad a general Wii emulator?: No. It supports specific Mario Kart Wii and Retro Rewind profiles, not arbitrary Wii games.
How do I switch between Mario Kart Wii and Retro Rewind?: Choose a game when KartPad opens. On iPhone and iPad, use Return to KartPad Menu, select Use on Next Launch, fully close the app, and reopen it.