Les jeux Mario sortis uniquement au Japon

Mario games released only in Japan

695 mots | Temps de lecture : 3 minute(s)

While Mario is now a global video game icon, not all of his titles have seen international distribution. Some Mario games exclusive to Japan went unnoticed in the West, whether due to their experimental nature, educational format, or specific platform. Let's explore these lesser-known titles, sometimes cult classics, often forgotten, but always fascinating for curious fans.

Table of Contents

1. Educational and Cultural Games

In the 1990s, Nintendo developed several educational titles aimed at the Japanese public. Often released on rare or experimental platforms, these games served to teach basic academic skills with a Mario skin.

  • I am a Teacher: Super Mario no Sweater (1986): Sweater knitting pattern creation software, designed for the Famicom Disk System.

2. Experimental and Alternative Titles

Some games were developed for Japan-specific machines or as part of new services like Satellaview or the Famicom Disk System. They were never officially translated or marketed elsewhere.

  • BS Super Mario Collection (Satellaview): Re-release of Mario games broadcast via satellite.
  • Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle Stadium (1997): A crossover broadcast exclusively on Satellaview, blending Excitebike gameplay with Mario characters.
  • Super Mario Bros. Special (1986): Developed by Hudson Soft for NEC PC-8801 and Sharp X1, with modified gameplay compared to the original game.
  • All Night Nippon Super Mario Bros. (1986): A special version of Super Mario Bros. inspired by a Japanese radio show, with modified sprites.

3. Exclusive Arcade Games

Mario also made a few forays into Japanese arcades with new titles or those with very limited distribution outside of Japan.

  • Vs. Super Mario Bros.: A more difficult version of the original game, available only in arcades until its re-release on Switch.
  • Mario Kart Arcade GP DX: Although partially distributed internationally, some updates and cabinets remain exclusive to Japan.

4. Summary Table of Japan-Exclusive Mario Games

Game Title Year Platform Type Specificity
Super Mario Bros. Special 1986 NEC PC-8801 / Sharp X1 Platformer Developed by Hudson Soft
I am a Teacher: Super Mario no Sweater 1986 Famicom Disk System Creative Allows creating sweater patterns
BS Super Mario Collection 1997 Satellaview Compilation Game broadcast via satellite
Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle Stadium 1997 Satellaview Racing Excitebike revisited with Mario
All Night Nippon Super Mario Bros. 1986 Famicom Disk System Platformer Modified radio-themed sprites

🍄 Want to extend the adventure? Discover our Mario toys in the shop.

5. FAQ

  • Why were some Mario games never released outside of Japan? Generally for reasons of market, language, or incompatible formats with Western consoles.
  • Can these games be played today? Yes, through emulation or certain re-releases on virtual consoles like Switch or Wii.
  • Are Satellaview games recoverable? Partially. Enthusiasts have saved ROMs, but some content is lost.
  • Is Excitebike: Bun Bun Mario Battle Stadium a real official game? Yes, it was released exclusively through the Satellaview service in Japan.
  • Is there an English version of Super Mario Bros. Special? Not officially, but fan translations exist.
Back to blog