Today, I received two retro Game & Watch consoles, released in 2020 and 2021 to celebrate Super Mario Bros. and The Legend of Zelda, respectively.
Both are Japanese versions, brand new and unopened — intended as part of my permanent collection.
The Mario Edition
The Super Mario Bros. version includes four programs:
- Super Mario Bros. (Famicom/NES version)
- Super Mario Bros. 2 (the Japanese Famicom Disk System version, known as The Lost Levels overseas)
- Ball — the original 1980 Game & Watch juggling game
- A charming digital clock mode, featuring dynamic Mario animations
It’s an elegant little tribute that bridges the earliest Game & Watch era with the golden age of the Famicom.
The Zelda Edition
The Legend of Zelda version follows the same concept but with a richer library:
- The Legend of Zelda (Famicom version)
- Zelda II: The Adventure of Link
- Link’s Awakening (Game Boy version, in its original monochrome form)
- A special playable clock and timer, themed around Hyrule
It’s more than nostalgia — it’s a playable museum piece.
Hidden Potential
Interestingly, both models are capable of more than what’s officially included.
By following community-developed hardware modification guides, these systems can be customized to run additional titles.
Their compact form factor and ARM-based architecture make them a fascinating platform for enthusiasts to explore.
A Worthy Addition
Given their quality, build, and collector appeal — particularly the more affordable Zelda edition — both units are absolutely worth owning.
They stand as a modern homage to Nintendo’s beginnings, merging elegant industrial design with a hint of technological curiosity.