Arcade Classics Series

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Not to be confused with Nintendo Classics (also referred to as Classic Series).

The Arcade Classics Series is a North American marketing label for Nintendo Entertainment System ports of arcade games that were popular back in the 1980s. These games were released separately in Japan for the Family Computer but grouped as a series when released in North America in 1986. There are four ports belonging to Super Mario and Donkey Kong series of games. Unlike the arcade originals, these ports have two difficulty settings, A (beginner) and B (expert). Each cover has "The Original!" written in cursive above the title.

Main games[edit]

Title
Cover, original release and system Synopsis
Donkey Kong
North American box art for Donkey Kong on the Nintendo Entertainment System
Japan July 15, 1983
Family Computer
Plot is the same as the arcade version. There are a few programming changes to make it work for a NES such as the removal of 50m (50m was also removed in the Atari 2600, Intellivision, ColecoVision, and Atari 7800 versions) and cutscenes but the title screen received new music. This was one of the three launch titles for the Famicom along with Donkey Kong Jr. and Popeye.
Donkey Kong Jr.
North American box art for Donkey Kong Jr. on the Nintendo Entertainment System
Japan July 15, 1983
Family Computer
Plot is the same as the arcade version. There are a few programming changes to make it work for a NES such as shortened cutscenes. Unlike the Atari 2600 version, the Jump Board Scene has not been removed in this version. Unlike the Intellivision and ColecoVision versions, Mario's Hideout has not been removed in this version.
Mario Bros.
North American box art for Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Entertainment System
Japan September 9, 1983
Family Computer
Plot is the same as the arcade version. There are a few programming changes to make it work for a NES such as the removal of cutscenes, invisible platforms, and icicles. The phase progression corresponds with the international arcade version up to Phase 11.
Donkey Kong 3
North American box art of Donkey Kong 3 on the Nintendo Entertainment System
Japan July 4, 1984
Family Computer
Plot is the same as the arcade version. There are a few programming changes to make it work for a NES such as shortened cutscenes. Some of the harder enemies appear in earlier rounds but Super Bees and Vine Eaters have been removed.