Options for playing Super Mario Bros on mobile: official and alternatives
There are several ways to experience Mario's adventures on your mobile phone, catering to both users looking for ease of use and legality, as well as those who want to relive the original Nintendo classics:
- Official Nintendo mobile games: Nintendo has released its own versions for Android such as Super Mario Run, Mario Kart Tour y Dr. Mario WorldThese games are specifically designed for mobile, offering a polished experience, touchscreen-friendly controls, and frequent updates with new challenges and events.
- Classic console emulatorsFor those who want to experience the nostalgia of the original NES, SNES, or Game Boy titles, there are applications that allow you to emulate these consoles and load ROMs for Mario classics. Notable alternatives include RetroArch and John NES.
- Other alternative options: In addition, it is possible to find web portals that allow you to play Super Mario Bros online, and applications in the Google Play Store that collect games inspired by the Mario universe, although they are usually unofficial versions or fangames.
Official Nintendo mobile games: Super Mario Run and more
If you prefer the official and safe route, Nintendo has developed several exclusive mobile games which you can download from the Google Play Store:
- Super Mario Run: An auto-runner platformer perfectly adapted to touch devices, where you control Mario with a single finger as he runs automatically. It includes multiple game modes, free daily levels, building your own kingdom, and unlockable characters. It's the recommended option for those who want to enjoy Mario for free and legally, with the option to access all levels by purchasing the full game.
- Mario Kart Tour: Bring the Mario Kart racing experience to your mobile device, with intuitive controls and online modes to compete with players from around the world.
- Dr. Mario World (no longer available in some countries): A puzzle game inspired by the classic saga, where the objective is to eliminate viruses by combining colored capsules.
Super Mario Run is free to play for one level each day with a linked Nintendo Account. To unlock all modes and levels, a one-time in-app purchase is required. Creating and linking a Nintendo Account is simple and instantaneous. This way, you can enjoy the game safely and securely without risk to your device.
Why choose official games?
In addition to the legality and security they offer, the games developed by Nintendo for mobile phones provide Technical support, constant updates and online competitiveness. Play Super Mario Run or Mario Kart Tour It's the easiest way to access original content without legal complications, plus enjoy modern graphics and challenges tailored to the mobile experience.
Even if you just want to try the game, Nintendo offers you the possibility to play one free level every day, ideal for quick games while you wait or on your daily commute. All you need to do is download the game from the official store and link your Nintendo Account.
How to play the original Super Mario Bros. for the NES on your Android phone with an emulator
For those looking for the most faithful and nostalgic experience, it is possible to play Original Super Mario Bros for the NES on an Android phone using emulators. This option is suitable for users who want the classic controls and graphics on their device, with the ability to customize controls and access many other ROMs.
Important ATTENTION: Downloading ROMs of original Nintendo games may be subject to legal restrictions, so you should ensure you have the appropriate rights. The following instructions are for educational and personal use.
- Activate unknown sources on your mobileTo install apps outside of Google Play, go to Settings > Security > Install from unknown sources and enable the option.
- Download a reliable emulatorRetroArch is the most versatile and powerful option, compatible with multiple consoles such as the NES, SNES, Game Boy, and others. It's free and open source. You can download it from APKMirror, one of the most reliable sources for Android APKs.
- Get the Super Mario Bros ROMSearch online for the ROM of the NES classic by typing "Super Mario Bros NES ROM" into your preferred search engine. There are repositories like emuparadise or romsmania, but remember the legal requirements mentioned above.
- configure the emulator:
- Open RetroArch on your mobile.
- Select “Load Core” and choose the NES/Famicom compatible core.
- Next, tap “Load Content” and select the downloaded ROM from your downloads folder.
- The game will start and you'll travel back in time with Mario on your screen, using customizable touch controls on either side of your phone.
RetroArch automatically adapts to your screen format, and you can switch between portrait and landscape for greater viewing comfort. The experience is equally fluid on modern devices, and you can use Bluetooth controllers for an even closer feel to the original console.
Other recommended emulators for Android phones
- John NES: Lightweight and easy-to-use emulator with high compatibility, auto-save, and controller customization.
- NES Lite Nostalgia: Intuitive and with good quick save functions, ideal for casual games.
- Super FC Games, NES Collection, 64 in 1, Super nes, Retro Land Pro, and 700 in 1 game: Apps with collections of classic games, although some include unofficial content or ports that may vary in quality.
- Mupen64Plus FZ Edition: For those who want to go beyond the NES classic and experience 3D titles like Super Mario 64 for Nintendo 64.
- NDS Boy!: Brings the Nintendo DS experience to Android, allowing you to play New Super Mario Bros. and other portable Mario titles.
- Dolphin emulator: Advanced emulator for Wii and GameCube consoles, recommended for mid- to high-end mobile devices. Play Super Mario Galaxy, Sunshine, New Super Mario Bros. Wii, and more.
Most of these emulators don't include games (ROMs) by default, so you'll have to load them manually. Always look for reliable sources and make sure they're legal in your region.
Play Super Mario Bros online from your mobile
Another interesting alternative for those who do not want to install applications is to play Super Mario Bros online directly from your browserThere are websites that emulate the NES classic and allow quick play using on-screen touch controls. It only requires a stable internet connection and is excellent for trying out the game without any installation complications.
Advantages of using external controllers and advanced customization
For those looking for an even more authentic and comfortable experience, It is possible to connect game controllers via Bluetooth to mobile. The best Android emulators support this feature, allowing you to play with controllers similar to those of the original console. This is ideal if you struggle with touch controls or want greater precision in Mario's jumps and movements.
Super Mario Bros: Classics from Other Consoles on Android
Super Mario Bros wasn't just present on the NES. Emulate other classic consoles allows you to discover new Mario worlds from your mobile:
- SNES (Super Nintendo): Games like Super Mario World or Super Mario All-Stars emulated using RetroArch or Snes9x EX+.
- Game Boy, Game Boy Color and Advance: Portable classics like Super Mario Land, Super Mario Bros Deluxe, and Super Mario Advance are available through emulators like My Boy! or RetroArch.
- Nintendo 64, GameCube, Wii: 3D titles like Super Mario 64, Super Mario Sunshine, or Super Mario Galaxy can also be played on Android, depending on the device's power and using Mupen64Plus or Dolphin Emulator.
Safety, legality and optimization tips
Remember that downloading and using ROMs is only permitted if you own the original game, so we recommend always looking for legal alternatives and prioritizing official Nintendo mobile games. Also, download emulators and apps only from reputable sources like Google Play or APKMirror to avoid viruses and malware.
Frequently asked questions about playing Super Mario Bros on mobile
- Can I play Super Mario Bros for free on my mobile? Yes, you can play Super Mario Run for free for a limited time every day with a Nintendo Account. There are also emulators and websites for online play, but the official option is always the safest.
- What do I need to play the NES classic? A compatible emulator (such as RetroArch or John NES), the game ROM, and an Android phone with sufficient resources.
- Can you play other Mario games on Android? Thanks to emulators, you can access virtually the entire Mario saga from older consoles: SNES, Game Boy, Nintendo 64, Wii, among others.
- Can I use a Bluetooth controller? Yes, most emulators allow you to connect controllers to enhance gameplay.
- Is it safe to use emulators? If you download from official sources and follow safety recommendations, it's safe for your device.
Nowadays there are numerous ways to Enjoy Super Mario Bros on your mobile, whether you're opting for official Nintendo games adapted for smartphones or emulating the original classics from the NES, SNES, or even handheld and 3D consoles. So, whether you're a nostalgic fan or just want to discover the Mario universe for the first time, you have all the magic of one of the greatest video game icons on your phone, with graphics and gameplay adapted to modern times. Just choose the option that best suits you and start jumping with Mario wherever and whenever you want!
