Mario
The main hero controlled by the player, attempting to rescue Princess Toadstool.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow LeftArrow Right | Move left or right |
|---|---|
Arrow Down | Crouch as Super Mario or enter a pipe |
Arrow Up | Enter an upward pipe |
A | Jump; swim upward underwater |
B | Run faster; throw fireballs as Fire Mario |
Start | Start the game or pause during play |
Combos and sequences
BArrow Left or Arrow Right | Run in the selected direction |
|---|---|
BA | Run and jump for longer or higher jumps |
Control notes
Controls use the NES controller labels.
The second player controls Luigi on alternating turns in two-player mode.
How it plays
How does Super Mario Bros. play?
The game uses a side-view perspective. Mario must reach the flagpole at the end of each stage before the timer expires while avoiding enemies, pits, and environmental hazards.
Players run, jump, stomp enemies, collect coins, and break or hit blocks. Mushrooms increase Mario’s size, Fire Flowers grant fireballs, and Starman provides temporary invincibility. The adventure contains eight worlds with four stages each, ending in castle challenges. Mario loses a life after taking damage in Small form, falling, or running out of time.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Mario Bros.?
Learn the position and timing of hazards rather than rushing through unfamiliar stages. Small Mario can pass through some narrow spaces, while Super Mario can break bricks and survive one hit.
Use Fire Flowers and Starman strategically, and collect coins when they do not create unnecessary risk. Explore suspicious walls and pipes for hidden rooms, but keep the timer in mind. At castle endings, observe the pattern and reach the axe behind Bowser instead of trying to defeat him directly.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Luigi
Mario’s brother and the second-player character in two-player mode.
Princess Toadstool
The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom who has been kidnapped by Bowser.
Bowser
The king of the Koopas and the main antagonist.
Toad
A Mushroom Kingdom attendant encountered in the castle endings.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
World 1-2 warp pipesIn World 1-2, use the hidden blocks near the end of the underground section to reach the upper route and enter a pipe leading to Worlds 2, 3, or 4.
World 4-2 warpIn World 4-2, find the hidden blocks over the first large gap to reach the vine to the coin room, then use the upper route to enter a pipe leading to Worlds 6, 7, or 8.
Continue after Game OverAt the title screen after a Game Over, hold A and press Start to resume at the first stage of the world where the game ended.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Hold B while moving to run and jump farther.
- 2
Hit blocks from below to reveal coins and power-ups, but avoid breaking every brick when searching for hidden routes.
- 3
The timer continues during most exploration, so do not spend too long in bonus areas.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A foundational platformer with exceptionally readable controls, memorable stages, and a difficulty curve that rewards practice.
Its limited lives and time pressure can feel demanding, but the level design remains highly replayable.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0