Releasing games internationally back in the 1980s was a weird and wonderful mess. When Japanese publishers looked to bring their games to the West, they often renumbered them, didn’t bother, or just made an awful hash of the localisation.
This month’s Nintendo Switch Online NES games include one such curio: Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. In truth they were never lost. When this game released in Japan is was called Super Mario Bros. 2. It was the direct sequel. Then Nintendo of America decided it was too hard, took the game Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic, reskinned it as a Mario game and called that Super Mario Bros. 2 in the USA and Super Mario Bros. USA in Japan. The best part? They got away with it! Super Mario Bros 2. (USA) was a huge success!
Anyway, that’s your history lesson for today. The other two games joining the collection are Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, and Star Soldier. All three will be joining the catalogue next week on 10th April.
#SuperMario Bros.: The Lost Levels, Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream, and Star Soldier are coming to Nintendo Entertainment System – #NintendoSwitchOnline on 04/10! #NEShttps://t.co/tpOrxPHBYZ pic.twitter.com/tkujK8RNzZ
— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) April 3, 2019
