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The Legend of Zelda: Twilight Princess wasn’t enough, you can now run Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask natively on IOS
A modified version of The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time and its sequel Majora's Mask can now reportedly be run natively on iOS devices, following on from a similar project that brought Twilight Princess to Apple's mobile platform. This continues a trend of fan-made ports using decompilation projects that let classic Nintendo 64 titles run as native apps rather than through traditional emulation, offering smoother performance and modern device compatibility.
The report, from GamesRadar+, indicates these native builds allow iPhone and iPad users to play the beloved N64 Zelda titles without needing a jailbreak-based emulator in the traditional sense, building on community-driven decompilation work. Such projects typically require players to supply their own legally obtained game files, and their long-term availability can depend on Nintendo's response, as the company has historically taken action against unofficial ports of its intellectual property.
In short
- Ocarina of Time and Majora's Mask can reportedly run natively on iOS.
- Follows a similar native iOS port of Twilight Princess.
- Part of a growing trend of fan decompilation projects for N64 Zelda games.
Steelman: both sides, in good faith
The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.
The case for
These fan projects serve as essential preservation efforts for cultural artefacts that would otherwise become inaccessible as vintage hardware ages and becomes scarce. The volunteer developers ask nothing in return and typically require users to supply their own legally obtained copies, whilst demonstrating remarkable technical achievement. With official options for playing these specific N64 Zelda games on modern devices remaining limited, these community-driven initiatives ensure that significant artistic works survive and remain enjoyable for future generations.
The case against
Though preservation interests are genuinely valid, these projects still constitute unauthorised derivative works that infringe Nintendo's copyright and exclusive distribution rights. Nintendo owns the creative work and has legitimate interests in controlling how its IP is adapted and presented, potentially including plans for official releases that these unauthorised ports might undermine. Accepting unauthorised ports based on sympathetic intentions establishes a problematic precedent that weakens the legal protections creators depend upon to control their work.
Explained simply
Ocarina of Time and Majora’s Mask are two adventure games originally released for Nintendo’s N64 console in the late 1990s. Both follow Link, a young hero in the fictional land of Hyrule; Majora’s Mask is a sequel with a different setting and a time-based story.
Fan developers have used decompilation projects to recreate how older games work, making it possible to adapt them to modern devices. These iOS versions are unofficial, and players generally need to provide their own game files.
Nintendo owns the Zelda series and has previously challenged unofficial projects involving its games. The ports’ availability may therefore depend on how the company responds, as well as on the community work needed to maintain them.