Mario
The primary playable hero who travels through the Mushroom World to rescue Princess Peach.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow LeftArrow Right | Move |
|---|---|
Arrow Down | Crouch, enter pipes, or descend |
Arrow Up | Enter doors or climb vines when available |
A | Jump |
B | Run or use a held item Holding B while moving increases speed. |
B | Throw a shell or held object The effect depends on the carried object. |
Start | Pause the game |
Combos and sequences
BArrow LeftArrow Right | Run while moving Hold B together with a direction. |
|---|---|
AA | Begin or extend flight with Raccoon Mario The second press is used after gaining air speed. |
Control notes
Controls apply to the NES version; exact behavior can vary by power-up and situation.
How it plays
How does Super Mario Bros. 3 play?
The game uses a side-view perspective. Players move through individual stages, collect coins and power-ups, defeat enemies, reach the goal, and advance across a world map. Each world contains ordinary courses, fortresses, Hammer Bros. encounters, mini-games, and other special locations.
Mario can run, jump, stomp enemies, swim, fly with suitable power-ups, and use items stored on the map screen. Completing airship stages leads to battles with the Koopalings. Losing all lives ends the current game, while map items and hidden exits can open alternate paths.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Mario Bros. 3?
Explore each stage rather than rushing to the goal. Check suspicious blocks, ceilings, pipes, and open spaces for hidden coins, power-ups, and exits.
Conserve useful items on the map screen. Raccoon or Tanooki abilities are especially valuable for finding secrets, while the P-Wing can help with difficult stages. Learn enemy patterns and enter fortresses with a reserve power-up when possible.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Luigi
Mario’s brother and the second playable character in two-player alternating play.
Princess Peach
The ruler of the Mushroom Kingdom, whose kidnapping drives the adventure.
Bowser
The Koopa king and the main antagonist who has taken Peach.
Koopalings
Seven powerful Koopa bosses who control the worlds’ airships and fortresses.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Warp Whistle in World 1-3Reach the hidden area above the level’s white block, crouch on the block for several seconds, and pass behind the scenery to obtain a Warp Whistle.
Warp Whistle in World 1 FortressUse Raccoon Mario to fly above the fortress’s first room and enter the hidden door near the upper-right area to find a Warp Whistle.
World 7 Warp WhistleA second whistle can be obtained by using the World 2 whistle to reach World 7, then using the whistle again; this reaches the final warp area.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use the world map to choose safer routes and preserve power-ups.
- 2
Hold B while moving to run; running also enables longer jumps and flight with the correct suit.
- 3
Some white blocks hide passages or bonus rooms when Mario crouches on them.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A landmark NES platformer with excellent controls, inventive power-ups, and an unusually rich world map.
Its difficulty can be demanding, but exploration and item management make repeated attempts rewarding.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0