Release: 1984
Genre: Platform
Developer: Hudson Soft Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
A unique release for the NEC PC-8801
Mario Bros. Special for the NEC PC-8801 was a special version of the classic arcade game that debuted in 1983. Released on 5.25″ floppy disks, this iteration was part of a broader push by Nintendo to bring their popular arcade titles to home computers in the early ‘80s. Unlike the original arcade game, this PC version was modified to fit the unique hardware and capabilities of the NEC PC-8801, a personal computer system popular in Japan during that time.
A different experience on PC
This version of Mario Bros. Special offered a slightly altered gameplay experience compared to the arcade original. The most noticeable differences were the updated graphics, which were more in line with the NEC PC-8801’s capabilities, and the inclusion of new features that weren’t present in the original arcade release. The game still retained the familiar core mechanics of Mario and Luigi battling enemies while trying to clear each level, but it presented them through a different lens—making it a standout title in the early days of Nintendo’s computer adaptations.
A rare and collectible piece of gaming history
Given the obscure nature of this release, Mario Bros. Special for the NEC PC-8801 remains a rare and highly sought-after collectible. The game’s limited distribution, combined with its specific format on 5.25″ floppy disks, means it wasn’t widely available outside of Japan and has since become a difficult-to-find item. For collectors of early Mario titles or those interested in the history of Nintendo’s non-console ventures, this version offers a unique piece of gaming history.
The early days of Nintendo’s PC foray
Mario Bros. Special for the NEC PC-8801 was part of a broader effort by Nintendo to bring their arcade franchises to personal computers during the early 1980s. While the company primarily focused on console gaming, this version of Mario Bros. highlights Nintendo’s early interest in expanding their properties across various platforms. Although these computer adaptations were mostly confined to Japan, they paved the way for the future of Mario’s appearances on non-console devices, including mobile phones and other non-gaming hardware.