Mini Classics
- Not to be confused with Classics.
The Mini Classics are a series of LCD handheld games initially released in 1998, featuring licensed ports of Game & Watch titles. They were created by German company Stadlbauer, and they were distributed and published by numerous other manufacturers. They are smaller than the originals and have keychains, increasing their portability. Additionally, the Mini Classics can also serve as a clock. The games are mostly identical to their original (Game & Watch) versions, although there are some subtle differences in sound effects. Their appearance is that of a small Game Boy Pocket, only missing the 
, 
, and 
buttons and the cartridge slot. They also have a stand, but it is missing in the dual-screen Mini Classics such as Donkey Kong.
List of Super Mario Mini Classics and colors[edit]
- Donkey Kong (Metallic Green)
- Donkey Kong Junior (Dark Green, Yellow-Green, Yellow, Orange)
- Mario's Cement Factory (Yellow, Grey, Clear Yellow, Dark Blue)
- Super Mario Bros. (White, Blue, Green, Silver)
The Donkey Kong model was discontinued shortly after its release, but the other three continued production well into the 2000s. U.S. distribution of the handhelds seems to have ended around 2013, although they may still be available in other countries. No elements were changed with the later models, aside from sound improvements, color variations, and packaging.
It appears that there was a planned Mini Classics version of Donkey Kong 3 that was canceled. It can be seen only in an old stock image, in which the game is mislabeled as Donkey Kong Junior.[1]
An extremely rare limited-edition gold version of Super Mario Bros. existed, of which only 99 units were ever produced. This version was available only as a gift to "Special Friends and Partners" of Stadlbauer. Each of them includes a signed letter from Dr. Dieter Stadlbauer, head of the Stadlbauer company.[2]
Unreleased Donkey Kong 3 (mislabeled as Donkey Kong Junior)
Gold version of Super Mario Bros.
Gallery[edit]
Original Stadlbauer models[edit]
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Junior
Mario's Cement Factory
Super Mario Bros.
References[edit]
| Game & Watch games | ||
|---|---|---|
| Super Mario franchise | Donkey Kong (1982, MS) • Mario Bros. (1983, MS) • Mario's Cement Factory (1983, TT/NWS) • Mario's Bombs Away (1983, PS) • Donkey Kong Hockey (1984, MVS) • Super Mario Bros. (1986, CrS | 1987, Sp | 1988, NWS) • Mario the Juggler (1991, NWS) • Game & Watch: Super Mario Bros. (2020, CoS) | |
| Donkey Kong franchise | Donkey Kong (1982, MS) • Donkey Kong Jr. (1982, NWS | 1983, TT & PS) • Donkey Kong II (1983, MS) • Donkey Kong 3 (1984, MVS) • Donkey Kong Circus (1984, PS) • Donkey Kong Hockey (1984, MVS) | |
| Miscellaneous | Green House (1982, MS) | |
| MS: Multi Screen • TT: Table Top • PS: Panorama Screen • NWS: New Wide Screen • MVS: Micro VS. System • CrS: Crystal Screen • Sp: Special • CoS: Color Screen | ||
| Video game systems and add-ons | |
|---|---|
| Nintendo home consoles | Family Computer/Nintendo Entertainment System (Family BASIC, Family Computer Disk System) • Super Famicom/Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Satellaview, Super Game Boy) • Nintendo 64 (Nintendo 64DD) • Nintendo GameCube (Game Boy Player) • Wii (Virtual Console, WiiWare) • Wii U (Virtual Console) • Nintendo Switch |
| Nintendo handhelds | Game & Watch • Game Boy • Virtual Boy • Game Boy Color • Game Boy Advance • Nintendo DS (Nintendo DSi, DSiWare) • Nintendo 3DS (Virtual Console) • Nintendo Switch |
| Other | MS-DOS • VS. System • Nintendo PlayChoice-10 • Nintendo Super System • Nelsonic Game Watch • Super Mario Bros. Watch • Gamewatch Boy • Philips CD-i • Mini Classics • Triforce • Visteon Dockable Entertainment System • Classics • LodgeNet • Nintendo Sound Clock: Alarmo |
