Mario
The player character, who travels through Sarasaland to rescue Princess Daisy.
Documented for this version
Which controls does this version use?
Actions
Arrow LeftArrow Right | Move Mario left or right |
|---|---|
Arrow Down | Crouch or enter certain pipes |
A | Jump |
B | Throw a Superball when powered up The button has no projectile effect without the Superball Flower. |
Start | Pause the game |
Control notes
The original Game Boy uses a directional pad rather than analog movement.
Vehicle stages use the directional pad to steer and A to fire.
How it plays
How does Super Mario Land play?
Mario advances through 12 side-scrolling stages across four worlds. Each stage requires running, jumping across platforms, avoiding enemies and hazards, collecting coins, and reaching the goal. Some levels use vehicles such as the Sky Pop and Marine Pop, changing the game into a horizontally scrolling shooting section.
Power-ups can increase Mario’s size or grant the Superball Flower, which lets him throw bouncing superballs. The final stage of each world ends with a boss encounter. Completing the game unlocks a harder mode with more demanding enemy and obstacle placement.
Plan your run
What is the best way to play Super Mario Land?
Learn the timing of each short stage rather than rushing through unfamiliar hazards. Keep Superball Flower power when possible, since its projectiles can defeat enemies and activate some distant targets.
- Collect coins while maintaining a safe route; small gaps and moving platforms are often more dangerous than enemies.
- In vehicle stages, prioritize enemy patterns and projectile timing over coin collection.
- On the harder mode, memorize enemy placements and use short, controlled jumps.
Meet the cast
Who are the key characters?
Princess Daisy
The ruler of Sarasaland and the person Mario must rescue.
Tatanga
An alien ruler who invades Sarasaland and kidnaps Princess Daisy.
Documented inputs
What cheats and unlocks are documented?
Documented unlockComplete the game once to unlock Hard Mode, selectable from the title screen.
Before you begin
What should you know before playing?
- 1
Use small, deliberate jumps near low ceilings and narrow platforms.
- 2
The Superball Flower is especially useful against enemies that are awkward to stomp.
- 3
Practice the vehicle stages separately because their controls and hazards differ from normal platforming.
Editorial context
What do players highlight?
A compact and distinctive Game Boy platformer with its own setting, enemies, music, and vehicle stages.
Its short campaign and limited visuals are balanced by responsive controls and efficient level design.
Community discussion
What are players saying? 0