"Arcade Archives" is a series by Hamster Corporation that brings classic arcade games to modern platforms, including the Nintendo Switch. These games are often preserved in their original form, providing a nostalgic experience. The series focuses on accurately emulating the original arcade hardware and software, ensuring that the gameplay and graphics are true to their roots. The selection includes a wide range of titles from various developers, offering something for every kind of gamer who enjoys classic arcade gaming.
Pick Super Mario Bros. (NSP eShop) if:
. While they look identical at a glance, they are fundamentally different experiences. Core Differences at a Glance Arcade Archives version arcade archives vs super mario bros nspeshop
If you want an authentic 1980s arcade experience where you lose quarters, Arcade Archives wins. It offers DIP switch settings, allowing you to tweak difficulty, lives, and even the refresh rate (original arcade monitors ran at 60.6Hz, not 60Hz).
Level Design: Six entirely new, tougher levels were created, many of which were later reused in the Japanese Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Arcade Archives "Arcade Archives" is a series by
Arcade Archives: Vs. Super Mario Bros.
This is a port of the arcade version, originally released in 1986 as a “VS.” dual-cabinet game. It is harder, faster, and remixed compared to the NES classic. Levels have fewer power-ups, hidden blocks are moved or removed, enemy placement is more punishing, and there’s no continue system in the traditional sense. This is the arcade operator’s challenge, designed to eat quarters.
While they look identical at a glance, they are fundamentally different experiences. Quick Comparison Super Mario Bros. Arcade Archives: VS. Super Mario Bros. Home Console (NES) Arcade Cabinets (VS. System) Difficulty Standard / Moderate (Designed to take your coins) Classic 1-1 to 8-4 Mix of classic & Lost Levels Warp Zones Can skip to World 8 Limited (e.g., World 4 only goes to World 6) Extra Lives Plentiful; infinite life glitches exist Extremely rare; glitches are patched out Key Differences You'll Notice Arcade Archives: Vs Super Mario Bros (Switch) Review The selection includes a wide range of titles
If you’re deciding between Hamster’s Arcade Archives release of arcade classics and the Nintendo Switch eShop re-releases of Super Mario Bros. (often labeled as “NSP” for the downloadable package), here’s a clear comparison to help you choose the best experience for retro fun.