Cloned Games

The Minish Cap Port

PortActive

An existing game or its source code brought to another platform.

The Minish Cap Port screenshotLinks, repository & details

About

A Nintendo 3DS dual-screen port of The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, based on the open-source Minish Cap decompilation, Project Picori and a dual-screen Android port. No ROM or extracted game assets are distributed, so you must provide your own legally obtained compatible Game Boy Advance ROM.

How it differs from the original

Adds true widescreen gameplay on the 400x240 top screen and a bottom-screen interface with a live map, dungeon information, quest status and touch item controls. It supports both USA and European ROMs and includes European gameplay backports without needing a patched ROM. New Nintendo 3DS models get extras such as 804 MHz mode, multi-core rendering and an optional C-Stick turbo.

Getting started

Install the CIA with FBI, or use the 3DSX build with the Homebrew Launcher, then create a folder for the game on the SD card and put your USA or European .gba ROM inside. The European ROM is recommended because it received the most testing. Audio needs a working 3DS DSP firmware setup.

Known issues & limitations

  • The opening Picori legend leaves the bottom screen black, and the overworld map shows only its stone frame until Link receives it.
  • Full View is experimental and works only in compatible outdoor rooms and supported interiors.

What you need to run it

Original game files required. The project ships code only; you provide your own copy of the game (Nintendo 3DS version).

  • A working Nintendo 3DS DSP firmware setup is required for audio.

Features

  • The port runs on Nintendo 3DS with dual-screen support.
  • European gameplay backports are included; no patched ROM is required.
  • Gameplay supports widescreen, Original, and Stretch display modes.
  • The bottom screen provides a live map, dungeon and quest information, touch item controls, and settings.
  • Three display styles are available: Blur, Bilinear, and Pixel Perfect.
  • On New Nintendo 3DS, Wide + Pixel Perfect enables experimental Full View in supported areas.
  • The port includes in-app Stable and Pre-release updates with changelogs.
  • The port supports native stereo audio and persistent settings.

How to install

  1. Create `sdmc:/3ds/The Minish Cap 3DS/` on the SD card and put your legally obtained USA or European `.gba` ROM there; it can have any filename.

Controls

  • Press L + R + A to pause the port and create a diagnostic dump.

Summarised from the project's README.

Status & roadmap

  • The README says it was made with the help of Codex.

FAQ

What is The Minish Cap Port?
The Minish Cap Port is an open-source port. An existing game or its source code brought to another platform. The original game ran on Nintendo 3DS.
Do I need the original game files to run The Minish Cap Port?
Yes. The project does not include the original game's assets, so you need your own copy.
How is The Minish Cap Port licensed?
project: GNU GPL v3.0 or later (original port contributions); ipatix and contributors: LGPL v3.0 (agbplay library). The repository itself is the authoritative source.
Which ROM is recommended?
Both USA and European versions are supported, but the European version is highly recommended because it received far more testing.
What should I do if homebrew audio is not working?
Open the Luma3DS Rosalina Menu and choose Miscellaneous options > Dump DSP firmware.
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