Released on November 13th 2020, the 35th Super Mario Bros edition of Nintendo Game & Watch is coming to the end of its life. Along with other celebratory products (such as Nintendo Switch collection Super Mario 3D All-Stars), it will become unavailable on March 31st 2021.
Featuring Super Mario Bros, Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, and a digital clock, this special golden Game & Watch also includes Ball (Mario version). This is plays in a traditional LCD style, just like the classic Game & Watch handhelds of the 1980s.
Originally released in Japan in 1980, the Game & Watch was Nintendo’s first handheld game console. This version of the system was already widely sought after – and with it becoming unavailable as of March 31st, the 35th anniversary edition of Game & Watch looks likely to become even more desirable.
Sadly, the console is sold out in most regional official Nintendo stores online. However, the Nintendo Game & Watch 35th Anniversary Edition remains available from Amazon.
Every aspect of the new edition is faithful to the original, but with key enhancements. With superior controls and a pass-to-play two player mode, the main game graphics look superb for the small 1.57 x 16.99 x 13.39 cm (weighing 50 grams) dimensions.
Think £35 is expensive for three games? The comparative price of the original Game & Watch (which shipped for around £15) is closer to £65. While cheaper systems with more games are available, they’re not official Nintendo gear, and don’t have Super Mario Bros or a clock with up to 35 animated backgrounds.
Need another reason to buy it? Well, did you hear that you can hack the Nintendo Game & Watch?
Affiliate Disclosure: Some of the links in this post may be affiliate links, which means I may earn a small commission if you make a purchase through those links. This comes at no extra cost to you. Thank you for your support!
Christian Cawley is a writer and editor who covers consumer electronics, IT, and entertainment media. He has written for publications such as Computer Weekly, Linux Format, MakeUseOf.com, and Tech Radar.
He also produces podcasts, has a cigar box guitar, and of course, loves retro gaming.