Super Mario Bros. 2 (Disk Writer version)

A unique version of a Mario classic

Super Mario Bros. 2 (Disk Writer version), released for the Famicom Disk System, provides a distinct take on the iconic 1985 classic. While most players are familiar with the North American version of Super Mario Bros. 2 (which was a re-skinned version of Doki Doki Panic), this Disk Writer version stays closer to the Japanese original. Released in 1986, the game featured the same mechanics as its cartridge counterpart, but with the notable difference of being distributed on a writable disk, which was part of the Famicom Disk System’s unique appeal.

Key differences and gameplay elements

As a follow-up to the original Super Mario Bros., this iteration refined the gameplay, adding new mechanics and features. Players once again control Mario, Luigi, Princess Toadstool, and Toad, each with their own distinct abilities, as they travel through a series of platforming levels filled with enemies and traps. The major difference in this version is its distribution method—players would visit a Disk Writer kiosk, where they could write the game to a disk, a process that was both innovative and convenient for those with a Famicom Disk System.

A rare gem for collectors

Due to the Disk Writer’s limited usage and the game’s rarity today, this version of Super Mario Bros. 2 is highly sought after by collectors. While it didn’t see as wide a release as the cartridge versions, the Disk Writer version represents an important piece of Nintendo’s early history with home gaming. For fans of Mario and vintage Nintendo software, this unique variation is a fascinating part of the franchise’s evolution.

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