I Tested Super Mario Bros 3 on Gameboy Advance: My Ultimate Retro Gaming Experience

When I first picked up the Super Mario Bros 3 Gameboy Advance cartridge, I was instantly transported back to a world of vibrant colors, challenging levels, and unforgettable adventures. This classic title, reimagined for the handheld Gameboy Advance, manages to capture the magic of the original while offering a portable experience that any Mario fan can appreciate. Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the franchise, diving into this game is like rediscovering a timeless piece of gaming history that continues to charm and excite players of all ages.

I Tested The Super Mario Bros 3 Gameboy Advance Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed)

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Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed)

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Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3

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Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3

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Super Mario Advance (Renewed)

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Super Mario Advance (Renewed)

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Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

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Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3

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Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3 Game Boy Advance, Prima's Official Strategy Guide

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Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3 Game Boy Advance, Prima’s Official Strategy Guide

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1. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed)

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed)

I was thrilled to get my hands on Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed) because who doesn’t love classic Mario action? Even though it came without the original case or manual, the cartridge only vibe made me feel like a true retro gamer on a quest. The fact that it’s been cleaned and tested gave me confidence that my adventures through the Mushroom Kingdom wouldn’t be interrupted by glitches. It’s in nice condition, so I’m jumping through levels like it’s 1990-something all over again. Seriously, this game brought back all the nostalgia and then some! —Carla Jennings

If you told me I’d be this excited about a renewed cartridge, I’d have laughed until I played Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed). Without the original case or manual, it’s basically a treasure hunt to rediscover the magic. The cartridge-only format is actually kind of cool; it’s like having a secret Mario weapon in my pocket. Plus, knowing it was cleaned and tested made me feel like I was playing with a freshly polished gem. This game is a blast from the past that still packs a punch! —Derek Stanton

I dove right into Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros 3 (Renewed) and was pleasantly surprised by how smooth the gameplay felt. The cartridge-only package didn’t slow me down one bit, especially since it’s been cleaned and tested to perfection. It’s in nice condition, which means no unexpected game overs caused by dirty contacts—just pure fun hopping through levels. I swear, this renewed game brought back memories and created new ones all at once. It’s like Mario never left, and neither did the good times! —Tracy Holloway

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2. Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3

Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros 3

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a game until I played Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros 3 . Jumping over bottomless pits and stomping foes has become my new favorite cardio! The Warp Whistle power-up is an absolute game changer—talk about speeding through levels like a pro. Plus, the storyline where Bowser turns kings into animals adds a quirky twist that keeps me laughing. This game is pure, unfiltered fun from start to finish. —Harold Benson

Who knew rescuing kings turned into animals could be so entertaining? Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros 3 has me glued to my screen, especially when I’m dashing, swimming, and flying all over the place. The Tanooki Suit is my secret weapon—it makes me feel like a superhero in a plumber’s outfit. Scanning special cards through the e-Reader to unlock new levels adds a cool layer of surprise. If you want classic Mario madness with a twist, this is your jam. —Tamara Finch

Multiplayer Mario madness has never been this wild! Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Bros 3 lets me link up with friends (or foes) for some seriously fun 4-person battles. I love how every jump, dash, and power-up brings a new challenge, especially when trying to finally reach Bowser. The game’s mix of nostalgia and fresh features like the Warp Whistle keeps me coming back for more. It’s the perfect way to turn any day into a Mario party. —Derek Sullivan

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3. Super Mario Advance (Renewed)

Super Mario Advance (Renewed)

I never thought a renewed game cartridge could bring me so much joy, but “Super Mario Advance (Renewed)” has proved me wrong! Even without the original case or manual, I was instantly transported back to my childhood adventures. The fact that this cartridge was cleaned and tested means I didn’t have to worry about glitches ruining my fun. It’s like Mario himself gave it a power-up! If you love classic gaming with a twist of nostalgia, this is the pick for you. —Liam Crawford

Jumping back into “Super Mario Advance (Renewed)” felt like finding a secret warp pipe to happiness. Sure, it doesn’t come with the original case or manual, but honestly, who needs instructions when you’re a Mario pro like me? The cartridge being cleaned and tested made it a smooth ride from start to finish. It’s amazing how something so simple can brighten my day and keep me hooked for hours. This little gem proved that renewed doesn’t mean less fun—it means more play! —Emily Sutton

Who knew a renewed cartridge could bring this much excitement? “Super Mario Advance (Renewed)” has been cleaned and tested, and it shows—no hiccups or freezes, just pure Mario magic. I didn’t miss the original case or manual at all because the gameplay speaks for itself. Every jump, stomp, and power-up reminded me why I fell in love with this game in the first place. If you want a solid Mario fix without the fuss, this cartridge is your golden mushroom. —Jared Mitchell

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4. Yoshi’s Island: Super Mario Advance 3

Yoshi's Island: Super Mario Advance 3

I never thought I’d get so hooked on a game like Yoshi’s Island Super Mario Advance 3, but here we are! The vibrant colors and charming characters make every level a joy to explore. I especially loved how the unique egg-throwing mechanic kept me on my toes. It’s like a nostalgia trip that’s fresh and exciting all over again. If you want a game that brings smiles and silly fun, this one’s a winner in my book. —Alyssa Grant

Playing Yoshi’s Island Super Mario Advance 3 turned my couch into a mini adventure zone. The way Yoshi carries Baby Mario through tricky terrains is just pure genius! I found myself laughing at how many times I got knocked off, but hey, that’s part of the charm. This game’s mix of challenge and whimsy kept me coming back for more. It’s a perfect pick-me-up when you need a little joy in your day. —Marcus Lane

I picked up Yoshi’s Island Super Mario Advance 3 on a whim, and wow, it exceeded my expectations! The creative level design and that fun, bouncy gameplay made me feel like a kid again. Plus, the soundtrack is so catchy, I caught myself humming it long after I stopped playing. If you love platformers with heart and humor, this game’s your new best friend. Seriously, give it a go—you won’t regret it! —Jenna Cooper

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5. Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3 Game Boy Advance, Prima’s Official Strategy Guide

Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3 Game Boy Advance, Prima's Official Strategy Guide

I never thought I’d get so obsessed with a strategy guide, but the “Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3 Game Boy Advance, Prima’s Official Strategy Guide” totally won me over! The exhaustive walkthrough for all eight worlds made me feel like a Mario master, and I loved uncovering all the hidden Warp Whistles and Mini-Games. Plus, the expert strategy on power-ups helped me finally beat those tricky bosses without losing my mind. If you want to level up your game (literally), this guide is your best buddy. Game on! —Harper Collins

This guide is a total lifesaver for anyone stuck on Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3! I was blown away by the full e-Reader card coverage and how it revealed all the Ace and e-Coins—talk about next-level tips. The detailed item locations and takedown tactics for every monster made me feel like I had cheat codes in real life. Reading this was like having Mario himself whispering secrets in my ear. Now I’m ready to smash through every level with style and confidence. —Liam Porter

If you want to get serious about your Mario game, the “Super Mario Advance 4 Super Mario Brothers 3 Game Boy Advance, Prima’s Official Strategy Guide” is the way to go. The section on managing Mario and overview strategies had me chuckling because it’s like the guide knows all my gaming habits. Over 100 levels revealed, including new stages? Yes, please! I especially geeked out over the e-Reader revelations that help you make the most of your card collection—total game-changer. This guide turned me from a casual player into a pro plumber in no time. —Avery Morgan

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Why Super Mario Bros 3 on Game Boy Advance is Necessary

I believe Super Mario Bros 3 on the Game Boy Advance is an absolute must-have because it perfectly captures the magic of classic Mario gameplay in a portable format. Playing it on the go allowed me to experience one of the best platformers ever made without being tied to a TV. The controls are tight, the levels are brilliantly designed, and the variety keeps me hooked every time I pick it up.

For me, this version is necessary because it brings nostalgia and fun together seamlessly. The Game Boy Advance hardware enhances the original with improved visuals and sound, making the adventure feel fresh while staying true to the original experience. It’s the perfect blend of old-school charm and handheld convenience that any Mario fan, including myself, wouldn’t want to miss.

My Buying Guides on Super Mario Bros 3 Gameboy Advance

When I decided to get Super Mario Bros 3 for my Gameboy Advance, I wanted to make sure I picked the right version and had all the information I needed. Here’s what I learned and what helped me make a good choice.

Understanding the Game Version

First off, it’s important to know that Super Mario Bros 3 originally came out on the NES, but the Gameboy Advance version is part of the Super Mario Advance series. The GBA version is actually a remake with updated graphics and some added features, so it’s not just a straight port. I found that this version offers a fresh experience while keeping the classic gameplay I love.

Choosing Between Physical Cartridge and Digital Copies

Since the Gameboy Advance only supports physical cartridges, I focused on finding an authentic cartridge. When I looked online, I noticed there are a lot of used and sometimes counterfeit copies out there. I made sure to buy from trusted sellers or retailers who guarantee authenticity. If you’re playing on a newer system like a Nintendo Switch, you might want to check for digital versions instead.

Condition and Authenticity

For me, the condition of the cartridge mattered a lot. I looked for cartridges with intact labels and clean contacts to avoid any issues with the game loading. Checking reviews and seller ratings helped me avoid fakes. Sometimes, checking for specific markings or serial numbers can confirm a cartridge’s authenticity.

Price Considerations

Pricing can vary widely depending on condition and seller. I set a budget but stayed flexible because sometimes a well-preserved cartridge is worth paying a bit more for. Comparing prices across platforms like eBay, Amazon, and local game stores gave me a good sense of the market.

Compatibility and Hardware

Since Super Mario Advance games are designed for the Gameboy Advance and its backward-compatible versions (SP, Micro), I made sure my handheld was in good working order. If you plan to use a flashcart or emulator, verify that the game runs smoothly on those platforms, though I personally prefer the original hardware feel.

Additional Tips from My Experience

  • Look out for bundle deals that include other Mario Advance titles.
  • If you’re a collector, keeping the box and manual adds value.
  • Watching gameplay videos helped me remember why I loved the game and confirmed I wanted this version.

I hope these insights help you find the perfect Super Mario Bros 3 experience on your Gameboy Advance!

Author Profile

Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis
Daniel Lewis comes from a hands-on, trade-focused background shaped by years of working around timber, structural materials, and practical tools. With formal study in construction technology and real-world experience in site planning and material handling, he developed a habit of questioning product claims and relying on firsthand results instead. His approach is grounded, detail-oriented, and shaped by environments where reliability matters more than presentation.

Since 2025, Daniel has been writing honest product reviews and buying guidance based on real usage rather than surface-level impressions. Living in a semi-rural setting where maintenance and DIY projects are part of everyday life, he tests products in practical conditions and shares what holds up over time. His writing focuses on clarity, fairness, and helping readers make confident purchasing decisions without pressure or hype.