Feature: What's The Best Way To Play Super Mario Bros. In 2020?

VS super Mario bros

Just emulate it.

I choose All Stars SNES or Wii version.
Also, i can consider the GBA version (Super Mario Advanced).

Can't recommend it on the 3DS.
You need to have the D-Pad parallel to the Action Buttons to have proper control over the Game.
Same for any other System.

It would be great if they put all the different variants into a single package. Y'know.. the ones that actually play differently, at least. And/or the ones that actually add content like the Gameboy version did.

I think any console is fine, but NES controller is really the only way it feels correct

Emulation on PC or NVIDIA Shield TV.

Super Mario Sunshine is wonderful in 4K/60 mode on PC btw.

Switch is best due to being the only one capable on playing it on TV and portably.
Worst is either Game and watch (tiny screen) or NES classic (tiny wires meaning that you can’t sit more than 10cm from the screen).
Also, as someone who grew up way after the NES era, i don’t get why many people seem to prefer Dpad controls for old platformers and joystick/circle pad for new ones, to me stick just generally feels way smoother. Can someone explain?

@Munchlax I prefer both old and new 2D platformers with a Dpad. I can't imagine playing SMB with a thumbstick.

Mario is pretty stellar on the N64 and SNES, never enjoyed the newer stuff, save for 3D Land.

@Munchlax Extension cords for the NES Classic are pretty cheap and work really well.
Make for a much nicer experience.

@Anti-Matter the first SMB was never released as Super Mario Advance; you can find It on the GBC or GBA Classic NES Series.

@Munchlax I fall into this category (grew up playing Mario on NES) and yes, using a stick to play 2D platformers (whether they are old or current games) just feels alien to me. It could just be nostalgia but the dpad just feels more responsive to me.
Hence for Mario, I would prefer the original hardware but don’t have an old CRT tv, which IMO is needed to avoid the dreaded lag issue of older consoles w/ newer TVs. So next best thing for me is the NSO service, using a controller with a passable dpad which for me is the 8bitdo SF30 pro.

I'm sure there are some hacks to play it on a high end microwave or fridge, just like doom

SMB Deluxe is probably one of the worst ways, what with the awkward (for the game) screen size. And then there's SMB2J...

Best way is on the switch as it’s the cheapest and easiest to get a hold of

Part of me likes to think you had every single copy simultaneously running at Nintendolife.

I can't say I harbour nostalgia for the OG Super Mario Bros. I don't feel it's aged as well as the other games (those who grew up with it may obviously feel differently), and I'm baffled that Nintendo just released a dedicated handheld to play the damn thing. What an absolute waste of all that tech when they could have included every other NES/SNES/GB/GBC Mario game and port while they were at it. In its current state, it's a novelty at best, and even if I can nab myself a copy, I doubt that I would ever use it.

I feel that subsequent games (at least from SMB3 onward) bested the original in every conceivable way. Even the first Super Mario Land was more enjoyable.

There’s something about using the original hardware, original cart on a CRT that just adds weight to the experience. Just to know it’s running on the original silicone with the controller it was designed for on the display where it looks best with no input lag. Just using the old cartridge gives it a sense of occasion that I’ve never found in any other way of playing. I’ve had collections of hundreds of old roms on emulators back in the day and somehow the experience loses its charm for me, even though you’ve got instant access to all the games at the touch of a button. I just love picking out a game from my piles of original carts & playing them on a CRT as they were meant to be played..

Switch Online, because my son can think he beat it with the rewind option.

For me this was easy to answer. ACA VS Super Mario Bros, the most convenient method on the Switch, Super Mario Bros Deluxe on the 3DS, a fantastic enhancement that adds to the game, and Super Mario All-Stars on the Wii, the overall best quality method.

The original nes and 3ds VC because of those dpads.

Nes Mini isn't so bad either

All stars for me, I know you mentioned issues in one of your write ups on it but I never noticed them because it was the only version I had played for many years!

I’m a fan of original hardware (as long as it’s affordable and not a ridiculous hassle to set up and use) but seeing I no longer have a NES and cart (dang) I’d say the best way to play is on the NES classic mini with either a Wii classic controller + cable extension (the home button in the controller will seamlessly take you back to the game select/save screen) or for a few quid more the pinnacle is using the 8bitdo N30 wireless controller. This is great on a modern tv (the Wii U eshop version is also good). Nothing wrong with the Switch online version, but I only have a lite, so no tv play for me!

However, aside from the original hardware, on a CRT TV the Wii VC version run through a RGB SCART cable feels quite authentic (even more so if you want to plug one of the NES mini controllers into the Wiimote). I’ve got the Super Mario All Stars Wii disc which is great, but my nostalgia is for the original 8 but version.

I have bought the Game & Watch for my Mario obsessed 7 year old for Xmas. I’m interested to see how SMB runs on that, purely for the nostalgia (the thought of playing SMB portably when I was his age in the 80s would have been mind blowing at the time!)

Edit: gah! Totally forgot another option! SMB DX through the Gameboy player on GameCube, played with a GBA through the link cable!

Tldr; on a modern tv NES mini with 8bitdo N30 controller or Wii classic controller with extension. On a CRT tv either original NES cart or Wii VC through RGB SCART.

My favorite way to play SMB is on my RetroUSB AVS with the classic NES cartridge and Advantage joystick. Until you've seen NES games run in HD on an FPGA system, you really don't know what you're missing. It puts software emulation to shame.

Grew up with the Nes version (go figure where it is now) so got it again both as Super Mario Bros Deluxe that I play with my GBA and as a VC for 3DS. I have a preference for playing the latter though, as it feels way more handy.

I totally love the Arcade VS one and I hope Hamster also port some later versions (2, 3, World, World 2) in spite of (S)NES Online. About the latter, I tried it while I had a NSO subscription and found it ok, but it felt way better with a 8bitdo SN30 Pro+ controller, which is a way smarter way to spend money than putting it in a Nintendo Nes-like controller that you can use just for that.

I really really don't get all this hype for the newest Game & Watch and I definitely won't take the bait. I mean, I already got a Snes Mini which is now taking dust under my TV. Been there, done that.
Moreover all these nostalgic operations are getting sickening now.

Summing it all up, I think the best way of playing Super Mario Bros is the way you already have available.

'[Animal Crossing] also represents the only way to play the game (semi-officially) on GameCube.'

Technically this isn't true if you include the ability to play SMB Deluxe or the GBA NES Classics version via the Game Boy Player.

Allstars for me. I grew up with both NES and Allstars versions and I could care less about the changed jump physics (or whatever the problem is, I don't even notice)

Wii, no blurry scaling, good sound, optional 240p out, horizontal wiimote works perfect for it, GC controller support, suspend support. Fast start time.

Wii U should've been better but it's blurry, button remapping doesn't help in this game, and restore points are embarrassing to use in a game like this. There's noticeable input lag, and takes much longer to start the console and boot game, than Wii.

Super Mario All-Stars + Super Mario Land (SNES). Simply because it includes the best of the best of the old Mario

There's no wrong way to play Super Mario bros.

The most unique is via Animal crossing you have to agree

And I thought that "another method" would be leading the results. C'mon, we all know what that means.

Original Cart on Analogue Nt Mini

For me the best way to play (and how I do play it myself) is definitely on original hardware but with a NES 2 dogbone controller- much more comfortable than the original controller with its square corners!

I do often play it on the Switch as well, but not being able to remap B/A to Y/B does annoy me a bit.

All-Stars SNES is the GOAT option

Love Deluxe on Game Boy Color. Put a lot of hours into that version. Still got my childhood copy, complete in box.

Almost bought the game and watch mario at best buy yesterday, had to really force myself to say no. Nintendo trinkets like these always make a hole in my wallet

Best: original NES

Worst: Super Mario All-Stars, it's like watching The Lion King (2019) instead of The Lion King (1994). The same content but without a soul.

I loved Super Mario Bros. Deluxe on my GBC too. Consider the fact that it is the only version to encourage you to play and learn ALL the levels by hiding red coins and a yoshi egg in each. Then there are the boo races, the Lost Levels, all the mini-games included... The only knock against it is the cropped view due to the lower resolution of the GBC screen but I'd say it's the most "complete" version out there. If they could somehow remaster it, that would become the new definitive version. A contender for me is the All-Stars version for the better looks although I swear for me it never controlled quite the same or maybe it was all in my head, but Mario felt slower and heavier in it.

Super Mario All Stars on Switch is the one that I need

What about all the weird/delightful Famiclones? 🥺

I think the first time I ever beat SMB was on a Syrian Famiclone my Dad got when he was visiting family there in the late 90s. It had “9999” games on it, which were really just the same dozen games looped with game genie codes on different versions. There was also a SMB version that had Sonic the Hedgehog on it rolling on a giant ball? So that’s a thing.

Edit: I was wrong. It wasn’t Sonic on a Ball, it was just Sonic’s legs running fast and making a circle lol — https://youtu.be/3gBiVKvrxwQ

Easily All-Stars. You get more than one short game — you get four of them!

@Anti-Matter sadly the all stars version had a very wonky physics when jumping and hitting blocks.
Not the best version to be fair.
The Super Mario Bros 2 (USA) version is great tho.

I am loving it on the Game & Watch!

I would have to say the best way to play super Mario bros these days is through Legos.

earlier today i found storage containers that look like and act like giant Legos. just imagine playing with the Super Mario Legos inside of a giant Lego. to bad the giant Legos to not have an optional converter piece so that you can attach the normal Legos to the bottom of the different sized Lego storage containers. it would be the best way to store the Lego sets when we want to put them away without the need to take apart a set for if we do not have any room for putting them away.

https://smile.amazon.com/stores/page/B5D78406-2417-420D-BCC2-804E7FE92209?ingress=2&visitId=406fdb37-f7a6-417f-829d-72b977bb81b0&ref_=ast_bln&productGridPageIndex=2

my second choice would be the animal crossing version of the game on the GameCube.

Game & Watch. Very nice little machine to play anywhere

Just take some blue pills and play it in your head

The original way can never be beaten....NES for sure 😉👍

Super Mario All Stars for me.

I get that the brick block-breaking physics aren't good, but that matters little to me when everything else is better.

On switch nes online with nes controller. It's fine in all stars but the graphics style just feels off for such a classic game. It looks like a bubbly cartoon while the original always had a slightly dark vibe with the minimalist graphics.

All-stars version, phone or shield TV are my preferred ways to play SMB

It's the Wii VC.

Via a hacked SNES Classic Edition imo.

It's actually superior to playing it via the NES Classic Edition because the controller is an order of magnitude more comfortable to use for longer than 20 mins.

I mean, the original NES is really the very best way to play the game in its true original form with no input lag whatsoever and so on, but that's actually a real hassle these days because CRTs are just a pain, even as much as a love a good SCART CRT display for classic gaming. Or you could buy one of those FPGA systems, I guess. But I think they are just way too expensive simply to play some NES games.

So, yeah, hacked SNES Classic Edition all the way for me personally.

Playing Super Mario Allstars via Nintendo Switch Online is easily the best choice for me!

As much as I love the NES version, like so many other kids in the 80s it's what got me into video games, I prefer the All-stars version. Just the brighter visuals and upgraded music make it the best way to play it in my opinion.

For the full experience, it must be on an NES. NES Mini is a close 2nd due to practicality reasons.

The save state and rewind features are fantastic additions, sure, but only in juxtaposition to having played it using the methods intended.

I have purchased Super Mario Bros. many times over as many of you.

I don’t know if it’s because it’s the most recent release but if you’re sight is still good, the Game & Watch release has to be one of the best ways to play. the d-pad and buttons are small but the controls are super responsive!

FCE Ultra RX on the Wii, with a NES controller from the classic/mini retro console. It's the NES controller, but semi wireless!

I’ve got a huge box of NES games in the basement. I’m pretty sure I can reach in and have a 1/3 chance of pulling out some version SMB

@Quarth I agree! I understand people not liking the small screen, but if you know the game well, it's a great version. Love all the extras.

Super Mario Bros. Deluxe for sure, especially the 3DS virtual console one.

@Gwynbleidd The hype behind it is the nostalgia from the 80’s, and also the uniqueness. A new twist for a new collectible. And it’s a pocket version (much smaller than a current smartphone) which is a lot more easier than a “bulkier” Switch Lite or 3DS.

But yeah , in terms of preference, I love the SMB Deluxe upgrade as well as the 3DS Virtual Console version as my go-to ones to play. Although Super Mario Maker 2 and Super Mario Bros. 35 are satiating me.

Emulation is the best way of playing it.

The best way to play SMB is in it's original incarnation, with an RGB modded NES, on a CRT TV in 240p.

emulation lol

Mario All-Stars on Switch. The updated All-Stars version looks really nice and having the convenience of portable play is also good. I also don't need to break out an old platform either.

@SNES_Chalmers

It is not only Nostalgia, D-Pads are just exactlier than Sticks in 2D-Games like Super Mario.
The D-Pad has two Stati, Information when pressing is there or not.
So if you stop pressing it stops sending the Signal to move.
Sticks have more play.
When you start moving the Stick it has its Zone when it starts sending the Signal to move and also when you release the Stick it has play when it is stopping to send the Signal, there is some Way back to its resting Position, a big part of this Way is still sending the Signal.

@Munchlax

For sidescrollers, I usually play with with the D-pad, whether the game is old or new.

Since you're moving on a 2D plane, it's just more comfortable to play with a plus-shaped directional input, since you can only move up, down, left or right, and sometimes at an angle. Early consoles had joysticks and the such, but Nintendo standardized the D-pad for the above reason.

Nintendo did bring back the joystick concept, in the form of a control stick, but only when they transitioned into 3D movement. The stick still feels more natural for that.

Imo the original and the GBC Versions are the best, but the question was "nowadays" and that's definetly on the Switch. The Game&Watch Version looks great, but the controls are awful.

The obvious solution would be to load up Sonic the Hedgehog instead.

I had to vote for the GBA version because I just love my Game Boy Micro with Super Mario Bros.

If you’ve got an OG rig, you know the answer.

If you’re visiting from another planet, grab an 8bitdo controller and a non-android version of Retroarch - Nestopia

NES original for me, though it's certainly not my favorite game in the series. I will mourn when my CRTs die.
Deluxe has a lot of cool extras, but the smaller screen with pan'n'scan takes a bit to get used to. An Advanced remake would have been awesome.
I kind of like All-Stars, but the block smashing physics always irked me, and some of the graphics could have been better (there are hacks to fix both issues).
I'd love to get the Game & Watch, but I'm pretty sure it would just collect dust.

BTW, there's a two-player simultaneous hack out there, it's crazy: https://www.romhacking.net/hacks/4180/

@Munchlax As a couple other people have said, the game was designed for a digital controller (whether the d-pad or an arcade joystick), so there's very little throw when you want to quickly switch from right to left, or vice-versa. Analogue sticks have a lot more throw, so you have to move your thumb a lot further to change direction.
I can't stand using analogue sticks for most d-pad games, but slower overhead view games don't feel too terrible. That's probably why I don't use my Game Boy Player very often.

@impurekind Can you not just plug the SNES controller into the NES Classic? I've never played either of them, but I don't see why it wouldn't work. Or a Classic Controller.

@Asaki Probably actually.

mario maker remake of game

I used to prefer the All-stars SNES version, but have come around and admit that the graphical polish isn't actually improving the game.

Having played many of the versions listed in this feature, for me in 2020 it's original NES using an Everdrive with savestates, Switch Online, and Game & Watch.

The NES version is still the best. My system is RGB modded, and Super Mario Bros is the benchmark for tuning scalers and OSSC.

Super Mario 35. No contest

@Silly_G pretty much agree. I have more feelings of nostalgia for the arcade game Donkey Kong. But I am glad that Nintendo and its brands are strong. I am with you tho. I hope in the future that they include other games

@Azuris thanks for the explanation. Glad there is something technical behind the visceral 🙂

Game and watch is fun! But absolute best for me is Switch.

Onece for christmas my dad got me a nes classic or mini or something you couldn't use physical games but that didn't matter because all the best ones were already downloaded and so thats the way I experienced SMB(Classic),Pac-Man,Metroid 1,Balloon Fight,and SUPER C