Tobi, a content creator known for his channel Game of Tobi, has been working on running levels from Super Mario 64 on a real Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) console. This is being done using a custom engine and the original Super FX chip, a co-processor developed by Argonaut Software. This chip was used in games like Star Fox and Yoshi's Island, allowing for more complex graphics on the SNES. Tobi’s version of the game is not a recompilation of the original Super Mario 64, but instead uses the original assets, including character animations, to recreate the experience on the SNES hardware. Tobi's custom engine uses a technique called the painter’s algorithm, which draws images from back to front, rather than using a Z-buffer, a method that tracks the depth of each pixel to create a 3D effect. This approach helps reduce the amount of data processed, which is crucial given the SNES's limitations. However, it also leads to a loss of detail in textures, which Tobi accepts as a necessary trade-off. Despite these challenges, he finds the results visually recognizable and is particularly pleased with the performance of the level Bob-omb Battlefield, one of the more complex and difficult-to-run levels in Super Mario 64. The name “Super Mario FX” comes from a long-standing rumor that Nintendo had once planned a 3D Super Mario game for the SNES using the Super FX chip, but the project was ultimately canceled. However, Dylan Cuthbert, a programmer on Star Fox, confirmed that “Super Mario FX” was actually an internal code name for the chip itself, not a game. While the rumor adds a touch of nostalgia, the truth is more technical in nature. For now, Tobi’s project is not downloadable, as he wants to ensure that anyone who tries it can compile it themselves using their own copy of Super Mario 64. This approach helps avoid legal issues with Nintendo. While fans may have to wait for a downloadable version, Tobi’s work highlights the technical ingenuity and passion of the retro gaming community.