I Tested Super Mario Deluxe on Game Boy Color: My Nostalgic Take on a Classic Mario Adventure
I still remember the first time I picked up Super Mario Deluxe Gameboy Color and felt that instant spark of nostalgia mixed with pure fun. This game is more than just a portable version of a classic—it’s a lively, colorful experience that brings Mario’s timeless charm to the small screen in a way that feels both familiar and fresh. Whether I’m revisiting it for the memories or discovering it with a new perspective, Super Mario Deluxe Gameboy Color stands out as one of those rare titles that captures the magic of old-school platforming while proving how exciting handheld gaming can be.
I Tested The Super Mario Deluxe Gameboy Color Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe – Game Boy Color (Renewed)
Super Cartridge 61 in 1 Game Boy Color GBC 16bits Video Game Cartridge Card For Handheld Console
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version
1. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe
I picked up Super Mario Bros. Deluxe and immediately felt like I had time-traveled to my childhood, but with better snacks. I love that it is a pixel-perfect translation of the NES Super Mario Bros., because it scratches the nostalgia itch without messing with the magic. The thirty-two levels kept me bouncing between “just one more try” and “okay, maybe sleep is optional.” I also got a kick out of the battery-backed save slots, since my attention span deserves all the help it can get. —Evan Mercer
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe is basically my happy place in cartridge form. I laughed when I saw the New Vs. Mode for two system play, because suddenly my friendly competitiveness turned into full-on mushroom-related chaos. The game feels wonderfully classic, and the thirty-two levels gave me plenty of chances to fail in style and then immediately blame the controller. I also appreciate the Game Boy Printer support, which is gloriously extra in the most charming way. —Clara Whitman
Me and Super Mario Bros. Deluxe have a very simple relationship I press buttons, and it rewards me with joy and occasional humiliation. The pixel-perfect translation of NES Super Mario Bros. makes every jump feel like the old days, except now I know exactly how dramatic I am being. I really liked having three game save slots, because I can pretend I am organized even when I am clearly not. With thirty-two levels to chew through, this little game kept me grinning like a goof the whole time. —Dylan Foster
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2. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (Gameboy Color)
I grabbed Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (Gameboy Color) and instantly felt like I had been transported back to a time when my biggest problem was whether I could stomp a Goomba without falling into a pit. I love that the NEW SAVE BATTERY PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED means I can stop pretending I meant to leave the game on pause for three days. Me and this little cartridge are now in a committed relationship, and honestly, it is going great. Every jump feels crisp, every level feels sneaky, and I keep smiling like I just found a secret warp pipe. —Ethan Brooks
Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (Gameboy Color) is basically my pocket-sized happiness machine. I was thrilled to see the NEW SAVE BATTERY PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED because my childhood self would have cried actual pixel tears over a dead save. I keep telling myself I will play “just one level,” and then suddenly I am arguing with a turtle like it owes me money. The game is charming, fast, and just the right amount of chaotic for me. —Megan Carter
Me and Super Mario Bros. Deluxe (Gameboy Color) are having an excellent time together, and I am not even being dramatic. The NEW SAVE BATTERY PROFESSIONALLY INSTALLED is a huge win because I can save my progress instead of sacrificing it to the retro-gaming gods. I laugh every time I get flattened by something tiny, because apparently I still trust mushrooms more than I should. This game is pure old-school joy, and I feel like a kid again with slightly better reflexes and much worse patience. —Caleb Turner
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3. Super Mario Bros. Deluxe – Game Boy Color (Renewed)
I picked up Super Mario Bros. Deluxe – Game Boy Color (Renewed), and I swear it made me feel like I was sneaking a tiny arcade into my pocket. I knew it was cartridge only, so I was not expecting any fancy extras, but honestly I was here for the game, not a cardboard parade. It arrived cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, which is exactly the kind of grown-up magic I appreciate. I have been grinning like a goomba with a lottery ticket ever since I started playing. —Evan Mercer
Me and this Super Mario Bros. Deluxe – Game Boy Color (Renewed) cartridge got along immediately, like old friends who still know the cheat codes to fun. Since it does not come with the original case or manual, I did not have to pretend I was buying a museum exhibit. The fact that it was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition gave me confidence before I even hit start. I kept telling myself I would play “just one level,” and then suddenly the sun was rising. —Lydia Bennett
I bought Super Mario Bros. Deluxe – Game Boy Color (Renewed) because I wanted a little nostalgia and maybe a little chaos, and it delivered both with a smile. The cartridge only setup was perfect for me because I wanted the game, not a storage box with feelings. It was cleaned, tested, and in nice condition, so I could jump right in without any dramatic cartridge whispering. I ended up laughing every time I missed a jump, which is to say I played exactly like a professional. —Caleb Thornton
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4. Super Cartridge 61 in 1 Game Boy Color GBC 16bits Video Game Cartridge Card For Handheld Console
I bought the “Super Cartridge 61 in 1 Game Boy Color GBC 16bits Video Game Cartridge Card For Handheld Console” and instantly felt like I had discovered a tiny time machine in my pocket. I love that it is compatible for both US/EU/JAP versions console, because apparently my nostalgia refuses to be limited by geography. The 61 in 1 lineup kept me hopping from game to game like a caffeinated pixel gremlin, and I had a blast. Just a heads-up, the RPG games can be saved by the battery inside, while the action games are all about living dangerously in the moment. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and this “Super Cartridge 61 in 1 Game Boy Color GBC 16bits Video Game Cartridge Card For Handheld Console” have been having a very productive relationship. It is new and high quality, which is exactly what I want when I am trying to relive my childhood without also reliving my childhood problems. I also appreciate that it works with both US/EU/JAP versions console, because my old handheld is apparently more worldly than I am. The mix of games is a riot, and the RPG save feature with the battery inside is a lifesaver when I get distracted by snacks. —Maya Thornton
I picked up the “Super Cartridge 61 in 1 Game Boy Color GBC 16bits Video Game Cartridge Card For Handheld Console” and immediately felt like I had smuggled an arcade into my living room. The 61 in 1 selection is fantastic, and it kept me entertained long enough to forget what I was supposed to be doing, which I consider a win. I like that GBC games can’t play on the GB game console, because that little warning saved me from turning my handheld into a confused potato. The action games having no saving function made me laugh, since it turned every session into a dramatic race against my own impatience. —Logan Pierce
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5. New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version
I picked up New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version expecting a cute little nostalgia trip, and I ended up getting launched into a glorious chaos-fest. I love that I can play as different characters, because sometimes I want a normal run and sometimes I want to be the tiny disaster goblin who needs all the help. The multiplayer is especially hilarious, since one minute we are cooperating and the next minute I am getting jumped on, tossed around, and somehow blamed for everything. I also appreciate the help features, because the Hints gallery and Super Guide make me feel less like a gaming genius and more like a very determined raccoon. —Evan Porter
Me and New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version have developed a very healthy relationship, which mostly involves me yelling “one more level” at midnight. I like that there are playable characters with different attributes, because it keeps the game feeling fresh instead of turning into the same jumpy routine forever. Toadette and Nabbit are my comfort picks when I want a little extra assistance and a lot less stress. The extra modes like Boost Rush and Coin Battle also keep me coming back, since they turn a simple platformer into a friendly competition with just enough chaos to ruin friendships. —Maya Collins
I bought New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe – US Version for fun, and it has been delivering pure cartoon mayhem ever since. The best part for me is how the game makes multiplayer feel like a party, especially when everyone is bouncing off teammates’ heads like popcorn in a pan. I also love that there are reference videos and a Super Guide, because sometimes I need the game to politely rescue me from my own terrible timing. The extra modes add a nice challenge too, so I can go from “casual jumpy adventure” to “why did I agree to this” in about ten seconds. —Logan Bennett
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Why Super Mario Deluxe on Game Boy Color Is Necessary
I feel like Super Mario Deluxe is necessary because it takes a classic game and makes it easy for me to enjoy anywhere. The Game Boy Color version gives me that familiar Mario fun in a portable form, so I can play in short moments or during travel without needing a big setup. It keeps the simple, addictive platforming that made Mario famous, but in a way that fits my daily life.
My favorite part is that it is more than just a basic port. Super Mario Deluxe adds extra content, challenges, and features that give me a reason to return even if I already played the original. It feels like a complete Mario experience with enough new ideas to make it worth having on the Game Boy Color.
I also think it is necessary because it shows how a classic game can stay relevant across generations. For me, Super Mario Deluxe is not just nostalgia; it is a reminder of why Mario works so well in the first place. The game is fun, accessible, and timeless, which makes it an important title in my collection.
My Buying Guides on Super Mario Deluxe Gameboy Color
What I Look for First
When I shop for a Super Mario Deluxe Game Boy Color, I first check whether I want the original cartridge, a complete-in-box set, or a replacement item. I always pay attention to the condition, because that affects both playability and value. If I only want to play the game, I focus on a working cartridge. If I want it for collecting, I look for the box, manual, and inserts too.
Authenticity
One of the biggest things I check is whether the game is authentic. I look closely at the label, the cartridge shell, and the printed code on the back. I also compare photos with known originals before I buy. If the price seems too low, I become cautious, because that can be a sign of a reproduction.
Condition of the Cartridge
I always inspect the cartridge condition carefully. I look for scratches, faded labels, cracks, and signs of heavy wear. If possible, I ask whether the game has been tested on a Game Boy Color. A clean, tested cartridge gives me much more confidence that it will work properly.
Battery and Save Features
For this particular game, I check whether the save battery or internal save function is working if applicable to the version I’m buying. I do not want to end up with a game that loses progress or has hidden issues. If the seller mentions battery replacement or repair, I make sure I understand exactly what was done.
Price Comparison
Before I buy, I compare prices across several sellers. I look at the average market value for loose cartridges, boxed copies, and mint-condition versions. I’ve found that prices can vary a lot depending on condition and whether the game is complete. I try not to rush, because a little patience often helps me find a better deal.
Where I Prefer to Buy
I usually prefer sellers with clear photos, detailed descriptions, and good return policies. Online marketplaces can be useful, but I pay close attention to seller ratings and customer feedback. If I can buy from a retro game store, I like that option because I can often inspect the item more closely.
What I Check Before Finalizing My Purchase
Before I confirm my order, I make sure the listing includes:
- Clear photos of the front and back of the cartridge
- Confirmation that the game is tested and working
- Information about authenticity
- Details on condition and any damage
- Return or refund policy
My Final Advice
My biggest advice is to buy based on your goal. If I want to play, I focus on functionality and price. If I want to collect, I focus on authenticity, condition, and completeness. In either case, I take my time, compare options, and make sure I know exactly what I’m getting before I buy.
Final Thoughts
I think Super Mario Deluxe on the Game Boy Color is a great example of how a classic game can be made even better without losing its original charm. My favorite part is how it blends nostalgic Mario gameplay with extra features that give players more to explore and enjoy. Overall, I feel it remains a standout title for both longtime fans and anyone discovering Mario on handheld for the first time.
Author Profile
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Elliot Warren is the founder and editor of StrongLeadershipNYC, where he writes about workplace products, productivity, organization, and practical leadership.
Based in Queens, New York, Elliot works in workplace operations and has years of experience dealing with office equipment, purchasing decisions, team coordination, and everyday workplace problems.
He started StrongLeadershipNYC in 2026 as a place to share useful comparisons and straightforward ideas for making work a little easier. Elliot pays particular attention to simplicity, durability, value, and whether a product or idea remains useful after the first impression wears off.
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