Why are we here, What are we striving for?

The value proposition for both platforms differs significantly. Arcade Archives operates on a pay-per-play model, with individual games priced around $1-$5. This makes it an attractive option for gamers who want to try out specific titles without breaking the bank.

When browsing the Nintendo Switch eShop, you might notice two ways to play the original Mario adventure: Arcade Archives: VS. Super Mario Bros. and the standard version included with Nintendo Switch Online (NSO)

is a port of the 1986 arcade release, while the eShop’s NSO version is the original 1985 NES console game. Arcade Archives (VS. System) NSO eShop (NES Version) Difficulty Significantly harder (designed to eat quarters) Standard original difficulty Features levels from the Japanese "Lost Levels" Classic 1-1 through 8-4 Warp Zones Severely restricted (e.g., skips fewer worlds) Classic skips available (1-2 to World 4) Fewer hidden Mushrooms and 1-UPs Standard item placement Save System Manual Save States via menu Suspend Points & Rewind feature Arcade Archives: VS. Super Mario Bros. This version, published by Hamster Corporation , is for fans who want a "remixed" challenge. The Difficulty Spike: It was built for the arcade " VS. System

The Arcade Archives port runs on a distinct emulator that mimics the arcade board. Some purists argue the sound emulation differs slightly between the NES and Arcade versions (the sound effects are "crunchier" in the arcade version). Visually, the Arcade version is brighter and bolder, meant to catch the eye in a dark arcade.