Mariones: 1.5

For 40 years, we thought we knew the story. In 1985, Super Mario Bros. arrived on the NES and saved the video game industry. In 1988, Super Mario Bros. 2 (USA) gave us shy guys and turnips. And in 1990, Super Mario Bros. 3 perfected the formula.

Whether MarioNES 1.5 is a lost masterpiece or a fascinating failure, one thing is clear: After 40 years, the plumber still has a few tricks hidden in his overalls. MarioNES 1.5

As for the legality? Nintendo’s legal team has already issued three DMCA takedowns against the ROM’s distribution. But like the wind in World 7-2, you can't stop a good secret from spreading. For 40 years, we thought we knew the story

That $4.20 (about $12 today) was the killer. The NES was already a gold mine. Retooling the assembly lines to produce two different versions of the same game—and risking confusing parents who might buy the "old" Mario—was deemed a logistical nightmare. One executive scrawled in red marker at the bottom of the memo: "Let’s save this for the sequel." In 1988, Super Mario Bros