Release (Jap): 30/11/1988
FMC-KMAR
Genre: Platform
Developer: Nintendo Co., Ltd.
Publisher: Nintendo Co., Ltd.





A nostalgic return for Mario
Released on the Famicom Disk System in 1988, The Return of Mario Bros., also known as Kaettekita Mario Bros., marked Mario’s comeback to the gaming scene. Building on the success of its predecessor, the game brought new challenges and revamped gameplay to the classic Mario formula. This version featured a few enhancements and tweaks, offering a fresh spin on the original arcade-style gameplay that fans adored.
Expanding the Mario universe
In The Return of Mario Bros., players control Mario and Luigi as they continue their adventures in a variety of levels. The game’s mechanics remained familiar—players must navigate through stages, avoiding enemies and obstacles while collecting coins and power-ups. However, the inclusion of new power-ups and minor gameplay changes kept the experience feeling both familiar and fresh, showcasing Nintendo’s ability to refine and enhance their game designs.
A rare gem for collectors
As a game released exclusively on the Famicom Disk System, The Return of Mario Bros. is considered a collector’s item. The blue disk writer version is particularly rare, adding an extra layer of intrigue for enthusiasts of vintage Nintendo games.
Released later in the lifespan of the Famicom Disk System, blue disks were issued as part of Nintendo’s Disk Fax service where players could send their high scores to Nintendo for a chance to win prizes. They also feature a shutter to keep dust away from the sensitive magnetic internals, and were therefore superior to the original design.