Super Mario Bros. Special X1

Super Mario Bros. Special X1 is a NES ROM hack based on the fan-made recreation of Hudson Soft's Super Mario Bros. Special. Created by Messatu, this version focuses on recreating the appearance of the Sharp X1 computer release from Japan. It keeps the original level layouts from Hudson Soft's game while updating the visuals to closely match the Sharp X1 edition.

This hack is more about game preservation than redesign. You experience a piece of Mario history that many Nintendo fans never had the chance to play on its original hardware.

🕹️ A Rare Chapter in Mario History

In 1986, Hudson Soft received a license from Nintendo to develop Super Mario Bros. Special for Japanese home computers, including the Sharp X1 and NEC PC-8801.

This ROM hack recreates the Sharp X1 version on the NES. You still control Mario as he travels across eight worlds to rescue Princess Peach from Bowser, but the stages differ from the original NES release.

🌟 What Makes This Version Different?

This project focuses on visual authenticity instead of creating new gameplay mechanics. You will notice:

• Sharp X1-inspired graphics
• Updated color palettes
• A redesigned title screen
• Manual pipe transition scenes
• Hudson Soft tribute during the ending
• World selection with the B Button

These details help recreate the appearance of the original Japanese computer version while using the NES engine.

🍄 Familiar Mario Gameplay

The core gameplay stays true to Super Mario Bros. Your objective remains the same:

• Defeat Goombas and Koopas
• Collect coins
• Jump across platforms
• Enter pipes
• Reach the flagpole
• Defeat Bowser at the end of each castle
• Rescue Princess Peach

If you have played the original NES game, the controls will feel familiar.

🗺️ Different Stages Than the NES Original

One of the biggest reasons to try this hack is its unique level design. Instead of Nintendo's original stages, you explore levels created for Super Mario Bros. Special. You will encounter:

• Different enemy placements
• New platform layouts
• Alternate obstacle designs
• Computer-exclusive stage ideas

Several levels require careful movement because they were originally designed for Japanese home computers instead of the NES.

🎨 Graphics Inspired by the Sharp X1

This hack pays close attention to visual details. Changes include:

• Updated sprite colors
• X1-style palette choices
• Improved title screen
• Dithered graphics similar to the original computer release

These visual improvements help preserve the look of the Sharp X1 version while remaining compatible with NES hardware.

🏰 A Classic Story

The storyline remains unchanged. Bowser has kidnapped Princess Peach, and your goal is to rescue her by clearing eight worlds filled with enemies, castles, and platforming obstacles. No additional story scenes or dialogue were created for this ROM hack.

🎮 EmulatorJS Game Controls

Keyboard Controls

• Arrow Keys – Move Mario
• Z – B Button (Run / Fireball)
• X – A Button (Jump)
• Enter – Start
• Right Shift – Select

Mobile Controls

• Virtual D-Pad – Move
• On-screen A Button – Jump
• On-screen B Button – Run / Fireball
• Start and Select buttons appear on the touchscreen interface