Mario
Appears in the bonus stage, where he moves beneath the falling ball and helps protect the woman on the platform.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
A | Activate the left flipper. |
|---|---|
B | Activate the right flipper. |
Control Pad | Move Mario during the bonus stage. |
Start | Start or pause the game. |
Select | Choose the available game mode before starting. |
Control notes
The NES controller’s A and B buttons correspond to the two flippers.
Pinball uses alternating turns for two-player games.
How it plays
How does Pinball play?
The main table is viewed from a scrolling top-down perspective. Use the launcher to put the ball into play, then operate the left and right flippers to strike bumpers, targets, and lanes. The screen shifts between table sections as the ball rises or falls, and the objective is to score points while preventing the ball from draining below the flippers.
A bonus stage places Mario beneath a falling ball. Move him to catch the ball and protect the woman on the lower platform; successful catches award points before play returns to the table. The game supports one-player and alternating two-player play, but it has no documented save system or password continuation.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Pinball?
Watch the ball’s angle after every bumper hit instead of repeatedly tapping both flippers. On the scrolling table, prepare for the ball to enter from above or below and keep the flippers closed when a direct return is unlikely.
In the bonus stage, position Mario under the ball’s projected landing point rather than chasing it at the last moment. In two-player mode, treat each turn as a score run: consistent survival is more valuable than risky flipper shots that may drain the ball.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use short, deliberate flipper presses when the ball approaches the lower table.
- 2
During the Mario bonus stage, move early to line up with the ball’s descent.
- 3
There is no known password or conventional cheat code for this NES version.
Community discussion
What are players saying?