Super Mario Bros. (3DS Virtual Console)

Super Mario Bros

Made available for free as part of the Ambassador Program for early adopters of the console, Super Mario Bros. on 3DS is... well, it's Super Mario Bros. on 3DS, isn't it?

You get your save states (sorry, 'restore points'), but otherwise it's the same great game on another family of systems. The 3DS library is bulging with its own golden goodies, but you can never have too many great games.

The closure of the 3DS eShop means this particular avenue is now closed to new purchasers, though.

Super Mario Bros. (Wii U Virtual Console)

Super Mario Bros Wii U

Aside from looking a bit dark, the Wii U Virtual Console version does what you expect. You can remap the buttons and play on the Wii U Gamepad (and make use of save states, of course), but otherwise it's just a solid version of the game. Also now unpurchasable thanks to the Wii U eShop going bye-bye.

Erm, we're running out of things to say about Super Mario Bros. RIP Miiverse?

Super Luigi Bros. via NES Remix 2 (Wii U)

Super Luigi Bros

Just when you were starting to get bored of the most seminal of video games (for shame!), Luigi arrives to shake you up with a remix.

Super Luigi Bros. is a mode in NES Remix 2 which enables you to play through the entire original game in reverse. That might not sound like much, but after running from left to right for decades, muscle memory makes doing it backwards feel totally different.

The NES Remixes were download-only in Europe, although a compilation disc was released in North America where you can still get your hands on this back-to-front variant with Luigi's longer jumps.

Speed Mario Bros. via Ultimate NES Remix (3DS)

Speed Mario Bros

Ultimate NES Remix for the 3DS offered the entire game again, although this time running at double regular speed. Gameplay-wise, it's the same old story, but Speed Mario Bros. added another welcome spin on a game we've played to death.

Super Mario Bros. via NES Classic Mini / Famicom Mini

NES Classic Mini
Image: Nintendo Life

Can you imagine if Nintendo somehow left this game off the NES Classic Mini? It's unthinkable, even for a company known for making some odd decisions. This one offers decent emulation of the game along with that classic pad feel and the convenience of a tiny console that connects easily to modern TVs.

Not a bad way to play at all, although an expensive one if you don't already have one of these mini consoles in your possession.

Super Mario Bros. (Nintendo Switch Online)

Nintendo Switch Online

The easiest way for Switch owners to take another run through the Mushroom Kingdom, the Nintendo Switch Online release enables you to rewind the action whenever you miss a jump or absentmindedly wander into a Goomba's path, plus you get all the save states and mod cons you'd expect. You can even play with the wireless NES controllers for added authenticity. It's also much easier to appreciate just how much the designers of Super Mario Maker 2 tweaked the physics in the SMB Game Style (as you could with the original Super Mario Maker on Wii U).

Switch owners also have the option to play the All-Stars remaster, of course.

Game & Watch Super Mario Bros.

Game And Watch Super Mario Bros.
Image: Damien McFerran / Nintendo Life

There was a Super Mario Bros. Game & Watch back in the day, of course, although it bore no resemblance to the NES game. This new Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros., though, serves up a bespoke way to play the classic on its very own little handheld device, with some added extras like an alarm clock that fits the spirit of the original Game & Watch line.

The resolution of the little LCD screen might not be perfect, but it's hard to dislike this gorgeous, celebratory little machine. And they're still available if you're in the market for one.


So, that's our round up of all the official ways to play Super Mario Bros., but which do you think is the best? Do you need that classic NES pad? Does the ability to rewind mistakes improve the experience? We've always had a lot of time for the Deluxe version on Game Boy Color, but does the reduced screen size count against it?

Take a look at the list below, choose up to three of your favourite ways to play Super Mario Bros. today, hit the 'Vote' button and we'll find out your cumulative thoughts on how best to revisit this classic in the modern era.

[Update: We've removed Super Mario Bros. 35 from the options as it's no longer playable.]

What's the best way to play Super Mario Bros. these days?

(You can select up to 3 answers)


The result you expected? Furious that Super Mario Bros. Special for the NEC PC-8801 or the Satellaview's BS Super Mario Collection wasn't included? Think we've missed a vital (official) method of playing the game?

Feel free to share your thoughts on the various versions with a carefully crafted comment below. And there's always our ranked list of the best Super Mario games ever, if you can't get enough of the plumber's antics.