Hidden Gems in Super Mario Bros: Uncovering Secret Levels and Cheats
Who would believe that behind the seemingly basic design and simple controls lie numerous secrets and tricks that can lead you to hidden levels, shortcuts, and unlockable characters? That’s right – Super Mario Bros. boasts an astonishing array of hidden gems that will keep you on your toes and addicted to the quest for these well-kept secrets.
Despite this iconic side-scrolling platformer being released more than three decades ago, it’s surprising that only a small percentage of players are familiar with its depth and complexity. And if you think you already know everything about Super Mario Bros., get ready for a pleasant surprise.
You might be familiar with the most famous cheats and tricks, such as gaining additional lives by uncovering 1-Up Mushrooms or entering the Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A + Start), or using the Warp Zone to travel between different world levels. But have you ever considered the bonus levels and secret exits that you can unlock by hitting a switch or knocking a Koopa Shell into a turnblock?
Believe it or not, there are many more secret levels in Super Mario Bros. waiting to be discovered. So, download the game onto your laptop or pick your controller and navigate the Super Mario Bros cheats to delve deeper into the unknown corners of the Mushroom Kingdom.
Here are some of the best-kept secrets in Super Mario Bros. that you can explore:
- The Minus World
The infamous’ Minus World’ is the most popular and widely-known secret level in Super Mario Bros. However, you can only access the Minus World in the game’s original version, released for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).
To get to this secret level, you must complete World 1-2 and then stand on the last pipe at the end of the level. Then, press and hold down on the Control Pad (right direction) until Mario disappears off-screen – that’s when you enter the Minus World.
You will be taken to a different level, filled with strange and unpredictable elements. It’s worth exploring, but watch out for the water that can swallow you up if you don’t move quickly.
- The Chocolate Island Secret Level
The Chocolate Island is a chocolate-themed world of landscapes, water, and terrain. But that’s not all that the Island holds. There is a secret level in Chocolate Island 3.
Now, gaining access to this secret level isn’t easy, as you’ll need to find a key and keyhole in the level. The key is usually found near a P-Switch, while the keyhole is nearby.
To unlock the secret level, you only need to activate the P-Switch and put the key in the keyhole. This part can be tricky as you need to be fast to reach the keyhole before time runs out. If you’re playing on a PC, improve its speed to ensure the game doesn’t lag while you run to unlock the secret level.
- The Green Switch Palace
You might have seen the yellow and red switch palaces scattered throughout the game’s levels. But did you know that there is also a secret Green Switch palace? It’s hidden in the Donut Plains 2.
To unlock the green switch palace:
- Look for a green ceiling pipe at the beginning of the level.
- Go up into it and spin-jump to break the blocks surrounding a blue Koopa shell – you need to be Big Mario or Fire Mario to do this.
- Once you’ve got the shell, kick it up at the uppermost block above you. You’ll see a vine appear.
- Climb the blocks and onto the vine, and you’ll find the key to the Green Switch Palace.
- Larry’s Castle Shortcut
The Valley of Bowser is often difficult to navigate, but finding the shortcut into Larry’s Castle can help you bypass some challenging levels.
The trick to unlocking the shortcut is in the second room of the Ghost House. You’ll have to step on the P-Switch in the room, quickly dash to the right, and enter the last door. Now, pick up the P-Switch in this room, drop it, and then use the D-Pad to create a stair of coins that heads toward the upper right of the screen. Step on the P-Switch again, and you’ll find that a secret door opens up, leading directly into Larry’s Castle.
- The Vanilla Secret Warp
The Vanilla Dome is arguably one of the game’s most challenging stages, with tricky platforms and obstacles in Mario’s way. Not to mention the problematic enemies and bosses.
However, the Vanilla Dome also hides a secret warp that bypasses the rest of the stage and takes you directly to the Twin Bridges. All you need to do is find the secret exit in Vanilla Dome 1 and traverse through a couple more stages, and you’ll reach the Twin Bridges.
While this secret warp makes it much easier to access the Twin Bridges, you won’t get as many coins or power-ups as you would if you completed the entire Vanilla Dome.
- Bowser’s Castle Back Door
If you’ve tried a few times to beat Bowser in the final stage but failed, you’ll be glad to know there’s an alternate way of reaching the castle.
All you need to do is find the secret exit in Browser Valley 2. It’s located in the room where the Monty Mole is. Fly up to the left, run across the top of the screen, and you’ll find the secret exit to reach Valley Fortress.
Then, instead of taking the usual path to complete the level, look for a hidden door near the end, which will take you directly to Bowser’s Castle.
Once inside Bowser’s Castle, your final challenge will be to defeat Bowser himself. It may sound intimidating, but it’s possible if you have the right power-ups and strategy.
Conclusion:
As you explore the Mushroom Kingdom, use the best cheats and tricks to conquer levels and collect all the coins and power-ups you can find. Step into the Minus World, warp through the Twin Bridges, discover the Green Switch Palace and enter Bowser’s Castle through the back door for a quick victory. Although every level will test your skill, these secrets will help you save the Princess and restore peace in the Mushroom Kingdom.
