| In the manual's story the Koopa, a tribe of turtles, have invaded the Mushroom Kingdom and turned its people into stones, bricks, and plants. Only Princess Toadstool, the Mushroom King's daughter, can undo the spell, and the Koopa king holds her; Mario sets out to free her. | Object of the GameObject of the GameObject of the GameObject of the GameObject of the GameCharacters | Manual |
| The screen scrolls to the right as Mario goes. The kingdom is a number of worlds of four areas each, the fourth ending in a castle, and Mario has to reach each world's castle within the given time. A lost life halfway through an area restarts there, and an area ends at a flagpole whose bonus rises with how high Mario lands on it. | 3. How to Play3. How to Play3. How to Play3. How to Play3. How to Play3. How to Play, Starting position and time progress3. How to Play, Finish Area | Manual |
| Power-ups hidden in bricks and invisible blocks change Mario: the Magic Mushroom into Super Mario, the Fire Flower into Fiery Mario, who throws fireballs with B, and the Starman into Invincible Mario. A hit turns Super or Fiery Mario back into regular Mario, who flickers and can't be hurt for a short while. An extra life comes from a 1-up mushroom or 100 coins. | Mario's FriendsMario's FriendsMario's FriendsMario's FriendsMario's FriendsMario's Friends2. Names of Controller Parts, B buttonBonus PrizesBonus Prizes | Manual |
| The manual says the d-pad walks Mario and B held with it runs; A jumps, higher the longer it is held, and higher from a run; the d-pad steers him in mid-air; and Super Mario jumps as high as Mario. Down crouches, for Super Mario only. | 2. Names of Controller Parts2. Names of Controller Parts, A button2. Names of Controller Parts, B button3. How to Play, Pointers3. How to Play, Pointers2. Names of Controller Parts | Manual |
| A second player plays Luigi on controller 2, taking turns with the first. | 2. Names of Controller Parts2. Names of Controller Parts | Manual |