Get to Know About Mario Bros Deluxe
I still remember the first time I popped Mario Bros Deluxe into my Game Boy Color and felt that familiar rush of stomping Goombas and flipping turtles right in the palm of my hand. The classic single-screen action from the arcade has been beautifully spruced up with brighter colors, smooth animations, and little cut-scenes that add a dash of personality every time Mario—or Luigi—opts to throw a shell your way. It’s instantly familiar but somehow feels fresh, especially when you see those pixelated pipes and platforms pop against that GBC palette.
One of my favorite additions is the Challenge Mode, which throws a handful of new tasks at you, like clearing levels within a time limit or handling an onslaught of enemies with just a single life. It’s a sneaky way of cranking up the difficulty without losing the pick-up-and-play magic. There’s also a Time Attack option that has you racing through stages as fast as possible, and I’ve spent way more quarters—er, batteries—trying to best my own records than I care to admit.
If you’ve got a friend nearby with their own Game Boy Color, hooking up a link cable opens up the two-player mode, where cooperation and friendly rivalry collide. Trading off turns or facing the same level side by side adds another layer of fun, especially when you’re both hunched over, strategizing who grabs that final shell. Sure, the link cable feels a bit fussy nowadays, but once you’ve got it set up, it’s pure old-school multiplayer bliss.
All in all, Mario Bros Deluxe isn’t just a straight port—it’s a thoughtful remix of a timeless arcade favorite. It’s perfect for short bursts of play on the bus or a longer session when you’re deep into high-score hunting. Whether you’re a longtime fan or just curious to see how Mario cut his teeth before Super Mario Bros, this colorized romp is well worth digging out and giving a spin.