The original “Super Mario Bros.” was released in 1985 for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), and it quickly became a cultural phenomenon. One of the most influential video games of all time, it laid the foundation for modern platformers and introduced millions to the adventures of Mario and Luigi. However, in the pre-internet era, most of us were unaware of the game’s numerous hidden secrets and Easter eggs. Without online guides or forums to share tips, most gamers had to rely on word of mouth or sheer luck to discover these intriguing tricks. Here, we share ten Mario Bros. easter eggs that would have impressed all of your friends.
1. The Minus World (World -1)
The Minus World is one of the most famous glitches in video game history. It’s an endless water level accessible through a bug in the game’s code.
How to Access:
- Go to World 1-2.
- Near the end of the level, break the second to last brick on the top row.
- Stand on the pipe that leads to the flagpole, duck, and jump backward while holding left on the controller.
- You should pass through the wall and enter the pipe, leading you to World -1, also known as the Minus World.
2. 1-Up Mushroom Block in World 1-1
Many players miss this extra life because it’s hidden in a seemingly ordinary place.
How to Access:
- In World 1-1, after the first set of Goombas, you’ll encounter some brick blocks.
- Hit the second brick from the right in the top row to reveal a hidden 1-Up Mushroom.
3. Warp Zone in World 1-2
Skipping ahead to later worlds is possible through the Warp Zones.
How to Access:
- In World 1-2, instead of exiting through the normal pipe at the end of the level, jump onto the ceiling and run past the exit.
- You’ll find pipes that transport you to Worlds 2, 3, or 4.
4. Warp Zone in World 4-2
Another Warp Zone can take you even further into the game.
How to Access:
- In World 4-2, after the moving platforms, you’ll see a beanstalk.
- Climb the beanstalk to reach a Warp Zone that lets you skip to Worlds 6, 7, or 8.
5. 1-Up Trick in World 3-1
A method to gain multiple extra lives through a shell trick.
How to Access:
- In World 3-1, after the first staircase, you’ll find a Koopa Troopa.
- Stomp on the Koopa and kick its shell against the staircase.
- Continuously jump on the shell as it bounces back and forth to earn multiple 1-Ups.
Watch how to do it: Youtube
6. Fireworks Display
End a level with a specific time to trigger a fireworks show.
How to Access:
- Finish any level with the last digit of the timer being a 1, 3, or 6.
- You’ll see 1, 3, or 6 fireworks explode, respectively, as you hit the flagpole.
7. Hidden 1-Up Block in World 2-1
Another extra life hidden in a tricky spot.
How to Access:
- In World 2-1, after the first pit, there are some brick blocks.
- Hit the fourth brick from the left to reveal a hidden 1-Up Mushroom.
8. Invisible Coin Blocks in World 1-2
These blocks contain coins and are easily missed by players.
How to Access:
- In World 1-2, just before the exit pole, there are two vertical boxes.
- Jump around these pipes to reveal invisible coin blocks.
So grab a Capri Sun, call your buddies over, and convince them that you always knew these hidden Super Mario Bros. Easter Eggs.
