Vs. Super Mario Bros. is the real name of the original arcade version of the now famous game Super Mario Brothers. The game itself is nearly identical in graphics and gameplay to Super Mario Brothers for the NES. There are a few differences, but they are minor (warp zone isn't the same, and some of the 1-ups are simply not there). Some of the later levels are completely different, and ended up in the Japanese Famicom version of Super Mario Bros 2 (known in America as "The Lost Levels").

This game was released in 1985, although klov.com and MAME both claim 1986. But, I have one of these machines, and it has 1985 stamped on the PCB, and it shows 1985 on the title screen (apparently there were a few different revisions to the game, with the 1986 board being more common).

Vs. Super Mario Bros. is most common in a converted Donkey Kong or Donkey Kong Junior cabinet (this game was only available as a kit, there were no dedicated cabinets made). Actually, any copy of this game that is not in a converted Donkey Kong series cabinet is incorrect (as the Vs. kit was only designed for those cabinets). Nintendo designed a special small joystick for their Vs. Unisystem games (allowing a 2 player setup on the tiny Donkey Kong control panel). Other difference between this title and most standard games was audio that was processed in the monitor (although this was the same as most other early Nintendo titles). One other notable thing about this title is that either joystick will control either player (most Vs. titles were like this), making it rather pointless to have 2 sticks in the first place. I suggest always using the player 2 stick, as it is usually in much better condition than the player one stick.

This title is oddly expensive for a conversion only game. (I have seen them bring $350 or more at auction). I would suggest buying a different Nintendo Vs. Unisystem title, and converting it to this game (that is what I did, mine used to be a Vs. Golf). Please keep in mind that this game requires a Nintendo compatible open frame monitor, and will not work correctly with a standard one (these monitors are becoming hard to find, as most of them are being used to restore the more valuable Donkey Kong machines).

Log in or register to write something here or to contact authors.