10 Hidden Secrets in Super Mario Bros. You Never Knew About

Ah, Super Mario Bros., the classic that defined a generation of gamers. Released in 1985, the game has captivated millions with its simple yet challenging gameplay. But even after decades of play, there are still hidden secrets in the game that many fans have never uncovered. Whether you’re a seasoned player or new to retro gaming, here are 10 secrets in Super Mario Bros. that you might have missed. Get ready to warp into the unknown!

1. The Minus World: A Glitchy Wonderland

One of the most famous glitches in video game history, the Minus World is a hidden level in Super Mario Bros. that players can access in World 1-2. After entering the warp zone, Mario can perform a specific jump through a wall to access a bizarre underwater level known as World -1. It loops infinitely, meaning you’ll be swimming forever unless you reset the game. Perfect for those who just want to take Mario for a leisurely dip.

Fun Fact: Minus World is officially unbeatable. But hey, at least Mario gets some cardio!

2. Warp Zones: Skipping Ahead Like a Boss

Did you know you can skip entire worlds in Super Mario Bros.? Warp Zones allow you to jump ahead to other levels without going through every stage. The first can be found in World 1-2, where you can skip to Worlds 2, 3, or 4. The second Warp Zone in World 4-2 lets you jump even further ahead to Worlds 6, 7, or 8.

Pro Tip: Find the hidden vine in World 4-2 to access the second warp zone—because who has time to walk when you can warp?

3. Unlimited 1-Ups: Life is a Shell Game

Tired of getting a “Game Over”? There’s a way to farm unlimited 1-ups in Super Mario Bros.. In World 3-1, after the first staircase, you’ll encounter two Koopas. If you time it just right, Mario can continuously jump on one shell to rack up extra lives. The number of lives is only limited by how long you can keep the combo going.

Pro Tip: Be careful! After 128 lives, the counter glitches, turning Mario into some kind of undead zombie plumber. (Okay, not really, but you will experience some odd game behavior.)

4. Hidden 1-Up Mushrooms: Shrooms Aren’t Just for Power

Mario loves his mushrooms, but did you know there are hidden 1-Up Mushrooms scattered throughout the game? You can find one in World 1-1, just before the staircase at the end. Jump up and hit the invisible block to reveal it. There are others hidden throughout the game—so keep an eye out!

Mario Joke: Why did Mario break up with the 1-Up Mushroom? It kept giving him extra life!

5. Invisible Blocks: Secrets in Plain Sight

Speaking of invisible blocks, they’re scattered all over the game. One tricky example can be found in World 1-2, where an invisible block at the beginning allows Mario to get on top of the level. This comes in handy when you’re hunting for Warp Zones or just want to cruise over some enemies.

6. Fireworks Finale: Time Your Finish for a Sparkling Display

Here’s a little-known trick: If you finish a level with the timer ending in 1, 3, or 6 (e.g., 331, 226), you’ll be treated to a fireworks display! The number of fireworks corresponds to the final digit of the timer.

Pro Tip: Ending a level in style can be a fun way to impress your friends—if fireworks at the castle gate don’t say “I’m awesome,” what does?

7. Koopa Troopa Shell Trick: Annihilate Your Enemies

In World 1-1, when you reach the two Goombas near the staircase at the end, you can grab a Koopa Troopa shell and kick it down the stairs. It will keep bouncing back and forth, taking out any enemies in its path—and you’ll rack up points with every hit! Perfect for some quick enemy extermination.

8. Bullet Bill Glitch: When Bills Start Flying

There’s a strange glitch involving Bullet Bills that causes them to freeze in mid-air. In World 5-1, if you perform a jump at the exact moment a Bullet Bill is about to hit you, it can sometimes get stuck on screen, floating ominously as you progress through the level. Just when you thought Mario couldn’t get weirder!

9. Secret Coins in the Clouds

You might think you’ve collected every coin, but some coins are cleverly hidden in the clouds. In World 1-3, if you jump on top of the second moving platform, you’ll find a secret block that spawns a vine leading to the coin-filled sky.

Fun Fact: Collecting 100 coins in Super Mario Bros. grants you an extra life, so keep those coins coming!

10. Super Jumps: Fly Through the Air with the Greatest of Ease

In certain levels, Mario can perform super jumps by timing his leaps off enemies or bouncing on springboards. One well-known spot for this is in World 4-2, where a carefully timed bounce off a Buzzy Beetle can send Mario soaring to new heights, letting you skip large portions of the level.

Final Thoughts

These hidden secrets and tricks are just a taste of the many surprises that Super Mario Bros. holds. Whether you’re a speedrunner looking for shortcuts or a casual gamer trying to extend your playtime with infinite 1-ups, there’s always something new to discover. So next time you fire up the game, keep an eye out for these hidden gems—and may the power of the mushroom be with you!

What’s your favorite hidden secret in Super Mario Bros.? Let us know in the comments below!