Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (1999) | Original Game Boy Color Video Game

Play Super Mario Bros. Deluxe on Game Boy Color, a feature-packed version of the NES classic with challenge modes, race events, collectibles, save support, and the unlockable Lost Levels.

Game Intro

Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is a Game Boy Color adaptation of Nintendo's legendary platformer, bringing the original NES adventure to a handheld system without losing what made it memorable. Released in 1999, the game recreates the classic journey through the Mushroom Kingdom while adding several extras that give returning players more reasons to revisit it.

The core experience remains faithful to the original Super Mario Bros. Players guide Mario—or Luigi—across eight worlds filled with enemies, hidden areas, power-ups, and challenging platforming sections. While the Game Boy Color's screen is smaller than a television display, Nintendo adjusted the game with screen scrolling and other quality-of-life improvements to make the adventure work surprisingly well on a handheld device.

One of the biggest bonuses included in Deluxe is the unlockable version of Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, the notoriously difficult Japanese sequel that was previously unavailable to many players outside Japan. Alongside the main game, players can also explore challenge stages, race modes, collectibles, and other extras that expand the package beyond a simple port.

How to Play

Your goal is to guide Mario through a series of side-scrolling levels, reaching the flagpole at the end of each stage while avoiding enemies and hazards along the way. You'll jump across gaps, break blocks, discover hidden passages, and collect coins scattered throughout every world.

Power-ups play a major role in survival. Mushrooms increase Mario's size and allow him to take an extra hit, while Fire Flowers grant the ability to throw fireballs at enemies. Careful timing and movement are important, especially in later worlds where platforms become smaller and enemy patterns become more demanding.

In addition to the main adventure, Deluxe includes a Challenge Mode that encourages players to revisit levels and complete special objectives. The game also features race modes where players compete to finish stages as quickly as possible, adding a different layer of replayability beyond simply completing the campaign.

Progress can be saved at any time, making it easier to continue your adventure without having to restart from the beginning.

Controls

D-Pad or Arrow Keys

• Move Mario left or right
• Press Up or Down to scroll the screen when needed

A Button or Z Key

• Jump
• Hold for longer jumps

B Button or X Key

• Run
• Throw fireballs when powered up with a Fire Flower

Start

• Pause the game
• Access menu options

Select

• Navigate certain menu features and game modes

Why Super Mario Bros. Deluxe Stands Out

While many classic games have been re-released over the years, Super Mario Bros. Deluxe feels more substantial than a straightforward handheld port. It preserves the original gameplay that defined the platforming genre while adding new modes, collectibles, save functionality, and an unlockable second game. For players who enjoy retro platformers, it remains one of the most complete portable versions of the original Super Mario Bros. experience.