Back on the block. Native on your machine.

An unofficial native port of the 2004 Xbox classic for Windows, macOS, Linux and Steam Deck. This project is the definitive way to play this game.

Download the app Windows · macOS · Linux All platforms

Latest release notes

Also available on RecompLauncher and Quiver

Bring your own game. You need your own supported USA Xbox disc image or extracted dump. PS2 and GameCube copies can't be used. The app contains no game files. Why?

What you get

Everything you remember. Nothing holding it back.

Screens

Drag the line. See the difference.

Original on the left. Everything turned up on the right.

Nyne vs Trejo at The Limit: 16:9 at 2× with HD mods
Nyne vs Trejo at The Limit: original 4:3 at 480p
Original Recompiled
Story cutscene: the same 4:3 frame at 2× with HD mods
Story cutscene: original 4:3 at 480p
Original Recompiled
Main menu: 16:9 at 2× with HD mods
Main menu: original 4:3 at 480p
Original Recompiled
Venue map: 16:9 at 2× with HD mods
Venue map: original 4:3 at 480p
Original Recompiled

Install

One app. Four steps to the first round.

  1. Have your copy

    Your own USA Xbox disc image (ISO/XISO) or extracted folder, matching the supported dump manifest.

  2. Download the app

    Pick your platform below. The app holds the port's source and tools, never the game.

  3. Follow first run

    Choose your copy, then Modern (widescreen at 2×, recommended) or Original (4:3, console look). The app checks your copy and builds the game locally, in several minutes.

  4. Play

    Hit Play. New releases show up in the app, and updating keeps your saves, settings and mods.

Windows

x64 · Direct3D 11

Download .exe
  • Installs itself to your user folder, or one you choose.
  • Offers to install Microsoft's C++ Build Tools if they're missing (a few GB).
  • Unsigned, so SmartScreen may ask before it runs.
Windows guide

macOS

Apple Silicon · Vulkan

Download .zip
  • Apple Silicon only. Intel Macs aren't supported.
  • Needs Apple's Xcode Command Line Tools to build the game.
  • Unsigned: the first time, choose Open Anyway in Privacy & Security.
macOS guide

Linux & Steam Deck

x86-64 · Vulkan

Download .AppImage
  • Nothing to install first: it carries its own build toolchain.
  • Mark the file as executable, then open it. It installs and updates itself.
  • On Steam Deck, start in Desktop Mode for first run's file picker, then play from Gaming Mode.
Linux guide

Also available on RecompLauncher and Quiver

Allow about 12 GiB of working space plus your copy, and up to 15 GiB more for Upscaled Original Textures. Each release ships a SHA-256 and provenance file beside every download, and still carries the older DefJamSetup tools for silent installs. Prefer building by hand? See Build and play (Windows) or Build on macOS and Linux.

Mods

Make it yours.

The app's Mods page has two tabs. Browse is a curated, signed catalogue. Installed holds everything you have, with one shared load order where later packs win. Nothing downloads or switches on by itself, and an update can be rolled back to the previous version.

  • Upscaled Original Textures: generated on your computer from your own copy.
  • HD Widescreen Menus: every menu and background, redrawn for widescreen.
  • HD Fighters: higher-resolution fighter textures.
  • ZARF's Spanish Translation: text, subtitles, fonts and recreated HD images.
  • Your own packs: the getting-started guide takes you through your first one.

Mods today change textures and language. Custom fighters, music, stages and game modes are coming up on the roadmap.

Make a texture pack Language packs Mod manager

The Mods page, Browse tab, listing the catalogue

News

Fresh off the release page.

Release notes live on GitHub Releases.

All releases

Where it's heading

Roadmap & docs.

Engine optimizations

Better performance on low-spec machines, staying current with xboxrecomp and contributing upstream.

Port accuracy

Keep the visuals, tone and feel of the original Xbox game.

Unlocked frame rates

Above 60 fps without changing game speed or timing. Future work.

Widescreen refinement

Edge cases and broader aspect and venue coverage.

Extensible Custom Fighter Mod support

Add your own fighters to the game.

Custom and Restored Songs

New music, and tracks restored to the game.

Additional HD Upscaling mods

Story Fighter customization, plus Stages and Level textures.

Def Jam: The Takeover expansion

Bring the mechanics and story mode from Def Jam: The Takeover into this game.

Broader mods

Custom stages and game modes, difficulty changes and restored cut content.

Deeper decompilation

A long-term stretch goal.

Directions, not promised dates.

FAQ

Straight answers.

Do I need the original game?

Yes. You need your own USA Xbox copy, as a disc image (ISO/XISO) or an extracted folder, matching the supported dump manifest. The app checks it before building. PS2 and GameCube copies can't be used.

Why does the app build the game instead of downloading it?

The project never distributes game files or a compiled game. The app carries the port's source and tools, translates the game code from your copy and compiles it on your computer. Your original copy is left untouched.

How does the port work?

The xboxrecomp toolchain translates the Xbox executable into C, compiled ahead of time. The game's code runs on an Xbox compatibility runtime, with graphics, audio and input supplied by your computer. It's a static recompilation, not an emulator.

Will it run on my computer?

Supported: Windows x64, Macs with Apple Silicon, x86-64 Linux and the Steam Deck. Performance depends on your hardware, settings and the scene. Intel Macs aren't supported, and running the Windows build under Proton is untested.

Does it work on Steam Deck?

Yes, natively. In Desktop Mode, download the AppImage and open it, follow first run, then choose Add to Steam. From then on the game starts from Gaming Mode with its library artwork.

Why does Windows or macOS warn me about the app?

The app isn't code-signed yet, so Windows SmartScreen or macOS Gatekeeper may ask you to confirm. Each release publishes a SHA-256 checksum and provenance file so you can check the download.

Can I play online?

No. Up to four players can play locally with gamepads and a keyboard. Network play isn't supported.

I used the old setup. How do I move to the app?

Download the app and open it. First run finds an existing installation, or you can point it at one under Use an existing installation. Your saves, settings and mods are kept.

How do updates work? Will I lose my saves?

The app checks GitHub for new releases when it starts (you can turn this off) and updates itself. When your game is older than the app, Update game builds it again from your copy in about three to ten minutes. Saves, settings and mods are kept, and the previous version stays playable until the new build is ready. Repair and uninstall are under Help.

Is it finished?

All game functionality works, and the port keeps improving based on player feedback. Open bugs are in GitHub Issues, and each release's notes list its known limits.

Something's broken. Where do I report it?

Start with troubleshooting, then open a GitHub issue with your version, OS, CPU/GPU, controller and the relevant log lines. Please don't attach F9 bug bundles, game files or dumps.

Join the crew.

Development happens in the open. Follow along, get setup help, share ideas and talk mods on Discord. File bugs on GitHub so they get tracked.

Join the Discord Report a problem