Almost six years ago, Nintendo released a Mario Game and Watch remake. You'd think it would have arrived on MAR10 day (March, 10), but for whatever reason, the console maker launched the collectable retro handheld on November 13. The 2020 date was at least in line with the platformer's 35th anniversary, though, and while it's not the version of the handheld I'd choose, it does feature a Mario sequel you potentially missed.
That's thanks to the fact that the Nintendo Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros has the Italian plumber's first outing and Super Mario Bros 2. No, not the one you had for the original NES that had you throwing turnips and shy guys and wise-guy mice, the 1986 Japanese sequel that was later dubbed "The Lost Levels." It's pretty much just more Super Mario, but for seasoned players, and having it on the handheld saves me pulling out my Famicom Disc System.
It's common knowledge at this stage that the "Super Mario Bros 2" released outside of Japan is actually a reskin of Yume Kōjō: Doki Doki Panic. Series creator Shigeru Miyamoto also designed that platformer set in the dreamworld of Muu, so it shares DNA with the better-known platformer. However, there is a lot less Goomba stomping and a lot more throwing, which makes it feel distinctly less like a traditional Mushroom Kingdom running romp.
I'll come clean: I prefer the Doki Doki Panic reskin to the real Super Mario Bros 2, and it bothers me that it's missing from the Game and Watch. Frankly, it feels like it should have had at least the NES trilogy or even the Game Boy Land series, but the handheld only boasts a hilarious 1 MB space. That's pretty much what has prompted fans to mod the Zelda Game and Watch, as even though that version has both the OG games and Link's Awakening, it can serve as a fully-fledged pocket emulator.
Zelda Game and Watch | $68 at Amazon
Yes, I'm still bummed out that the first Game and Watch remake only comes with Super Mario Bros 2, The Lost Levels sequel, and a Mario-themed version of Ball (a game that was actually on the OG LCD gadget). But, I do still think this is a cool little collectible that will provide you with quick official access to the platformer that started it all for MAR10 Day, and it's actually what I've been using to celebrate.
Despite being almost the same size as an original Nintendo Famicom cartridge, the Mario Game and Watch feels solid to play. Its flat design means it's not an ergonomic dreamboat, sure, but it's easy to grasp while using the excellent NES-style D-pad and soft rubber buttons. The inputs all feel nice and responsive, and the only issues I do have with handheld are firmly skill issues (I'm really bad at Mario).
I've said this a million times before, but Nintendo's choice of LCD screen for the Game and Watch series is crisp and vibrant. I'd have honestly been extremely happy if Ninty used the same 2.36-inch display for a proper handheld remake, but it would apparently rather release a Game Boy Jukebox that plays Pokémon chiptunes out of a mono speaker.
I should note that physically, the Zelda and Mario Game and Watch remakes are nearly identical, and both feature USB-C charging and a Joy-Con battery within (good for around four hours continuous play). The latter is missing the extra glowing emblem included with the Hyrule-themed handheld, though, and while I imagine many of you might want the appropriate version now that you've remembered its MAR10 Day, I'd personally grab the one with Link's Awakening.
That's providing you're willing to pay extra for the Zelda version. While both are technically discontinued, it costs closer to $70 in 2026, whereas the Mario edition has pretty much remained under $50. I would advise against taking its presence at Amazon and other retailers for granted, though, and there's every chance that the novelty of MAR10 Day could reduce stockpiles and spark correlating price hikes.
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