Super Mario Bros. Special (5.25″ disk version)

A rare Sharp X1 disk release

Super Mario Bros. Special for the Sharp X1, released on a 5.25-inch disk, is a unique and highly collectible entry in the Mario franchise. This version, unlike the well-known Famicom or arcade releases, was developed specifically for the Sharp X1 home computer system. Released in 1986, it was part of Nintendo’s early experimentation with home computers outside of their traditional console platforms. The game was offered on a 5.25-inch disk, a format commonly used for computers of the era, and it provided a different experience for players who were familiar with the original Super Mario Bros. on the Famicom.

Gameplay and features

Super Mario Bros. Special on the Sharp X1 follows the basic premise of the original Super Mario Bros. game, but with notable differences in design and gameplay. While retaining the classic side-scrolling action and power-ups, this version was slightly altered to fit the limitations of the Sharp X1’s hardware, resulting in different level layouts, new challenges, and a somewhat more difficult experience. The game uses the computer’s graphical capabilities to offer a slightly more pixelated aesthetic compared to the Famicom version, but it still captures the charm and excitement of Mario’s first adventure.

A collector’s treasure

This 5.25-inch disk version of Super Mario Bros. Special is a rare find and a prized piece for collectors of Nintendo history. Its limited release on the Sharp X1, along with the fact that it was not sold widely outside of Japan, makes it a particularly elusive item. Unlike other Mario titles released in the West, Super Mario Bros. Special for the Sharp X1 remains an obscure chapter in Mario’s history. For those seeking to uncover every variation of the iconic plumber’s adventures, this version offers a fascinating and historically significant part of the Mario legacy.

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