Mario Bros. Special (3.5″ disk version)

A unique version for NEC PC-6601

Mario Bros. Special for the NEC PC-6601, released in Japan in 1984, is a fascinating variant of the classic Mario Bros. game. Unlike the standard NES release, this version was developed by Hudson Soft and distributed on a 3.5″ disk. Designed for use on NEC’s PC-6601, it highlights the versatility of the Mario franchise during the early ’80s, adapting the platforming experience to a different computer system with unique capabilities.

An early computer adaptation

This version of Mario Bros. Special offered a platforming experience similar to the arcade original but with enhancements suited for the hardware of the time. The game kept the core mechanics intact, where players control Mario and Luigi as they work to defeat enemies and clear levels. While it may not have the same fame as its arcade or NES counterparts, this release holds significant value for collectors of early computer games, particularly those interested in seeing how Nintendo’s iconic character was adapted for various systems.

A rare piece of Mario history

As an early example of Mario games on personal computers, this 3.5″ disk version of Mario Bros. Special is considered a rare find. Given that it was developed for a specific Japanese system and only released there, it remains a sought-after collector’s item. Hudson Soft’s involvement in adapting Mario games for the PC-6601 adds an extra layer of interest, making this release an important chapter in the evolution of Mario outside the Nintendo consoles.

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