The game uses a side-scrolling viewpoint where players move from left to right through stages filled with pits, enemies, and blocks. Mario can jump on enemies, break blocks as Super Mario, and gain Fire Mario abilities with a Fire Flower. Question blocks may contain coins, power-ups, or hidden bonuses. Each world includes overworld and underground stages, and progress is tracked by clearing levels within a time limit and reaching the goal flag. Two-player play alternates turns between Mario and Luigi.
Super Mario Bros.
Nintendo Entertainment SystemControls
These are the emulator defaults. You can remap them from the emulator menu.
Game-specific controls
Gameplay
Characters
Mario
The main playable hero who runs and jumps through the Mushroom Kingdom.
Luigi
The second playable character in alternating two-player mode.
Princess Toadstool
The princess kidnapped by Bowser and the rescue target.
Bowser
The final antagonist who guards the last castle.
Strategy
Learn enemy movement patterns and keep a steady rhythm while moving forward. Use mushrooms to survive one extra hit and to make tricky jumps safer. Fire Flowers are especially useful against groups of enemies and some bosses. Hidden pipes and shortcuts can save time, but first-time players should explore carefully to learn the stage layouts. Against Bowser, rush for the axe after his jump pattern opens a safe path.
Cheats
Tips
Tips and tricks
- Jumping on enemies can preserve momentum and chain forward movement.
- Being Super Mario lets you survive one extra hit, which is useful for exploration.
- Fire Flowers are great for crowd control and certain boss encounters.
Comments
Before you play Super Mario Bros. (NES) online
Choose the NES original
This page is the NES release of Super Mario Bros. Later compilations and modified games are separate entries. Check the platform before starting so that the game matches the version you remember.
Practise running and jumping together
Find the directional, A, B and Start mappings in the browser player. Test holding the run button while jumping in an open part of the first stage. On a phone, use a layout that lets you reach both buttons at once.
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