All Night Nippon: Super Mario Bros.

A special edition with a unique twist

All Night Nippon: Super Mario Bros. is a unique and somewhat obscure version of the classic Super Mario Bros. game released in Japan. Originally launched in 1986, this special edition was created to commemorate the 20th anniversary of the popular Japanese radio show “All Night Nippon,” which was a staple of Japanese pop culture. The radio show, known for its broad reach and influence, collaborated with Nintendo to produce this limited edition game, making it a rare and intriguing collector’s item today.

In terms of gameplay, All Night Nippon: Super Mario Bros. is virtually identical to the original Super Mario Bros. released on the Famicom. Players still control Mario (or Luigi in two-player mode) as they navigate through Mushroom Kingdom levels, overcoming obstacles, defeating enemies, and aiming to rescue Princess Toadstool from Bowser. The core mechanics, level design, and gameplay are unchanged, but what sets this version apart is its unique alterations to the game’s aesthetic and theme.

Exclusive content and design

The key distinction lies in the game’s enemies and characters, which have been swapped with caricatures of popular radio personalities from the All Night Nippon show. These personalities were embedded into the game as part of a special crossover, replacing the standard Koopa Troopas, Goombas, and other enemies with familiar faces from the radio world. This quirky change added a humorous and personalized touch to the game, aligning it with the show’s branding and giving fans a fun and unusual version of the classic platformer.

The game’s packaging is also noteworthy, with special artwork and branding highlighting the collaboration between Nintendo and All Night Nippon. For fans of both Super Mario Bros. and Japanese pop culture, the game represents an interesting intersection of gaming and media, making it a unique piece in the history of Nintendo’s international offerings.

A true rarity for collectors

As with many limited edition releases, the All Night Nippon: Super Mario Bros. game became a rare find over time, with only a small number of copies being produced. This rarity, combined with the unique content and connection to a beloved Japanese radio show, has made it a highly sought-after item among collectors. If you’re lucky enough to own one, you’re holding a piece of gaming and pop culture history that speaks to a very specific moment in Nintendo’s past.

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