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mgba_read_range

Read a contiguous range of bytes from emulated memory and return them as an integer array. Supports up to 4096 bytes per request.

Instructions

Read a contiguous range of bytes from emulated memory and return them as an array of integers. Maximum 4096 bytes per call.

Input Schema

TableJSON Schema
NameRequiredDescriptionDefault
addressYesStart address
lengthYesNumber of bytes to read

Implementation Reference

  • Handler for the mgba_read_range tool. Calls the mGBA bridge's 'read_range' method with the address and length parameters, then formats the returned byte array as a hex string.
    case "mgba_read_range": {
      const bytes = await mgba.call<number[]>("read_range", {
        address: p.address,
        length:  p.length,
      });
      const hex = bytes
        .map((b) => b.toString(16).padStart(2, "0").toUpperCase())
        .join(" ");
      const addr = (p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase();
      return ok(`0x${addr} [${bytes.length} bytes]:\n${hex}`);
    }
  • Schema definition for mgba_read_range. Defines the tool name, description, and input schema requiring 'address' (integer) and 'length' (integer, 1-4096).
    {
      name: "mgba_read_range",
      description: "Read a contiguous range of bytes from emulated memory and return them as an array of integers. Maximum 4096 bytes per call.",
      inputSchema: {
        type: "object",
        required: ["address", "length"],
        properties: {
          address: { type: "integer", description: "Start address" },
          length:  { type: "integer", minimum: 1, maximum: 4096, description: "Number of bytes to read" },
        },
      },
    },
  • src/tools.ts:258-411 (registration)
    Registration function that binds the TOOLS list (including mgba_read_range) to the MCP server via ListToolsRequestSchema and CallToolRequestSchema handlers.
    export function registerTools(server: Server, mgba: MgbaClient): void {
      server.setRequestHandler(ListToolsRequestSchema, async () => ({ tools: TOOLS }));
    
      server.setRequestHandler(CallToolRequestSchema, async (req) => {
        const { name, arguments: args = {} } = req.params;
        const p = args as Record<string, unknown>;
    
        switch (name) {
          case "mgba_ping": {
            const r = await mgba.call<string>("ping");
            return ok(r);
          }
    
          case "mgba_get_info": {
            const r = await mgba.call<{
              title?: string;
              code?: string;
              frame?: number;
              platform?: number | string;
              capabilities?: Record<string, boolean>;
            }>("get_info");
            const lines = [
              `Title:    ${r.title ?? "(unavailable)"}`,
              `Code:     ${r.code ?? "(unavailable)"}`,
              `Platform: ${r.platform ?? "(unavailable)"}`,
              `Frame:    ${r.frame ?? "(unavailable)"}`,
            ];
            if (r.capabilities) {
              const present = Object.entries(r.capabilities).filter(([, v]) => v).map(([k]) => k);
              const missing = Object.entries(r.capabilities).filter(([, v]) => !v).map(([k]) => k);
              lines.push("");
              lines.push(`Capabilities present: ${present.length ? present.join(", ") : "(none)"}`);
              if (missing.length) lines.push(`Missing on this build: ${missing.join(", ")}`);
            }
            return ok(lines.join("\n"));
          }
    
          case "mgba_read8": {
            const v = await mgba.call<number>("read8", { address: p.address });
            return ok(`0x${(p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase()}: ${formatHex(v)}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_read16": {
            const v = await mgba.call<number>("read16", { address: p.address });
            return ok(`0x${(p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase()}: ${formatHex(v)}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_read32": {
            const v = await mgba.call<number>("read32", { address: p.address });
            return ok(`0x${(p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase()}: ${formatHex(v)}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_write8": {
            await mgba.call("write8", { address: p.address, value: p.value });
            return ok(`Wrote ${formatHex(p.value)} → 0x${(p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase()}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_write16": {
            await mgba.call("write16", { address: p.address, value: p.value });
            return ok(`Wrote ${formatHex(p.value)} → 0x${(p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase()}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_write32": {
            await mgba.call("write32", { address: p.address, value: p.value });
            return ok(`Wrote ${formatHex(p.value)} → 0x${(p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase()}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_read_range": {
            const bytes = await mgba.call<number[]>("read_range", {
              address: p.address,
              length:  p.length,
            });
            const hex = bytes
              .map((b) => b.toString(16).padStart(2, "0").toUpperCase())
              .join(" ");
            const addr = (p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase();
            return ok(`0x${addr} [${bytes.length} bytes]:\n${hex}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_write_range": {
            const r = await mgba.call<{ written: number }>("write_range", {
              address: p.address,
              bytes:   p.bytes,
            });
            const addr = (p.address as number).toString(16).toUpperCase();
            return ok(`Wrote ${r.written} bytes → 0x${addr}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_press_buttons": {
            const r = await mgba.call<{ queued: boolean; queue_size: number }>("press_buttons", {
              buttons:        p.buttons,
              frames:         p.frames         ?? 1,
              release_frames: p.release_frames ?? 1,
            });
            const keys = (p.buttons as string[]).join("+");
            return ok(
              `Queued press: ${keys} ` +
              `(hold ${p.frames ?? 1}f, release ${p.release_frames ?? 1}f). ` +
              `Queue size: ${r.queue_size}`,
            );
          }
    
          case "mgba_advance_frames": {
            const frame = await mgba.call<number>("advance_frames", { count: p.count ?? 1 });
            return ok(`Advanced ${p.count ?? 1} frame(s). Current frame: ${frame}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_pause": {
            await mgba.call("pause");
            return ok("Emulation paused");
          }
    
          case "mgba_unpause": {
            await mgba.call("unpause");
            return ok("Emulation resumed");
          }
    
          case "mgba_reset": {
            await mgba.call("reset");
            return ok("ROM reset");
          }
    
          case "mgba_screenshot": {
            const path = await mgba.call<string>("screenshot", p.path ? { path: p.path } : {});
            return ok(`Screenshot saved: ${path}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_save_state": {
            if (p.slot === undefined && p.path === undefined) {
              throw new Error("provide either `slot` (0-9) or `path`");
            }
            const r = await mgba.call<{ slot?: number; path?: string }>("save_state", {
              ...(p.slot !== undefined ? { slot: p.slot } : {}),
              ...(p.path !== undefined ? { path: p.path } : {}),
            });
            return ok(r.path ? `Saved state to ${r.path}` : `Saved state to slot ${r.slot}`);
          }
    
          case "mgba_load_state": {
            if (p.slot === undefined && p.path === undefined) {
              throw new Error("provide either `slot` (0-9) or `path`");
            }
            const r = await mgba.call<{ slot?: number; path?: string }>("load_state", {
              ...(p.slot !== undefined ? { slot: p.slot } : {}),
              ...(p.path !== undefined ? { path: p.path } : {}),
            });
            return ok(r.path ? `Loaded state from ${r.path}` : `Loaded state from slot ${r.slot}`);
          }
    
          default:
            throw new Error(`Unknown tool: ${name}`);
        }
      });
    }
Behavior3/5

Does the description disclose side effects, auth requirements, rate limits, or destructive behavior?

With no annotations, the description carries full burden for behavioral traits. It notes the 4096-byte limit, which is helpful, but omits details like behavior on invalid addresses, impact on emulation state (e.g., does it pause?), or performance implications. The safety profile (read-only) is implied but not explicitly stated.

Agents need to know what a tool does to the world before calling it. Descriptions should go beyond structured annotations to explain consequences.

Conciseness5/5

Is the description appropriately sized, front-loaded, and free of redundancy?

The description consists of two concise sentences, front-loading the core purpose and a critical constraint. Every word adds value, with no filler. The structure is efficient and clear.

Shorter descriptions cost fewer tokens and are easier for agents to parse. Every sentence should earn its place.

Completeness4/5

Given the tool's complexity, does the description cover enough for an agent to succeed on first attempt?

Given the tool's simplicity (read range with two parameters) and the schema covering parameter details, the description is largely complete. It explains the output format ('array of integers'). However, minor gaps remain, such as not stating that the tool does not modify state or clarifying expected address alignment. Still, it satisfies the needs of a straightforward read operation.

Complex tools with many parameters or behaviors need more documentation. Simple tools need less. This dimension scales expectations accordingly.

Parameters3/5

Does the description clarify parameter syntax, constraints, interactions, or defaults beyond what the schema provides?

The input schema provides descriptions for both parameters with 100% coverage. The description adds no additional meaning beyond the schema, as the max length (4096) is already a constraint in the schema. Baseline score of 3 is appropriate when schema fully documents parameters.

Input schemas describe structure but not intent. Descriptions should explain non-obvious parameter relationships and valid value ranges.

Purpose5/5

Does the description clearly state what the tool does and how it differs from similar tools?

The description clearly specifies the action (read bytes), resource (emulated memory range), and output format (array of integers). It distinguishes itself from single-byte/word read siblings like mgba_read8, mgba_read16, and mgba_read32 by emphasizing the contiguous range and maximum 4096 bytes.

Agents choose between tools based on descriptions. A clear purpose with a specific verb and resource helps agents select the right tool.

Usage Guidelines3/5

Does the description explain when to use this tool, when not to, or what alternatives exist?

The description implies usage for reading multiple bytes efficiently but does not explicitly state when to use this tool over single-read alternatives. It lacks guidance on when not to use it (e.g., for non-contiguous addresses) or mention of any prerequisites like ensuring memory is accessible.

Agents often have multiple tools that could apply. Explicit usage guidance like "use X instead of Y when Z" prevents misuse.

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