The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) is one of the most iconic and beloved consoles of all time, and its library of games is a significant part of its enduring legacy. Among the many great titles available for the NES, few are as iconic and beloved as Super Mario Bros. and its sequel, Super Mario Bros. 2.

Super Mario Bros. was released in 1985 and was developed by the legendary video game designer Shigeru Miyamoto and his team at Nintendo. The game was originally designed to be a Popeye game, but Nintendo lost the rights to the character, and instead, they created a new mascot in Mario, who would go on to become one of the most recognizable characters in gaming.

The gameplay of Super Mario Bros. is simple yet addictive: control Mario as he navigates through various levels, collecting coins, power-ups, and ultimately defeating the main antagonist, Bowser. The game's graphics are colorful and charming, with a unique art style that has become synonymous with Nintendo.

Super Mario Bros. was an instant hit upon its release, selling millions of copies worldwide and cementing its place as one of the best-selling games of all time. Its success can be attributed to its timeless gameplay, its innovative level design, and its iconic music, which is still widely recognized today.

One of the most interesting aspects of Super Mario Bros. is its age rating. In the United States, the game was rated E for Everyone by the Entertainment Software Rating Board (ESRB), indicating that it was suitable for all ages. This was a relatively rare occurrence at the time, as many games were being released with more mature themes and content.

However, in 2018, Nintendo re-released Super Mario Bros. on the Nintendo Switch as part of its Super NES - The Advance Collection, which also included other classic titles from the era. As part of this release, the game was given a new rating by the ESRB, with the following descriptors:

• "For all ages; mild cartoon violence."
• "Mild thematic elements."

This re-release of the game allowed for a more nuanced discussion about its content and themes, which may have been missed in initial releases.

In 2019, Nintendo released Super Mario Bros. 2 on the NES as part of its Super NES - The Collection, which also included other classic titles from the era. This release was notable because it was one of the first times that a new version of Super Mario Bros. 2 had been released for home consoles.

The gameplay of Super Mario Bros. 2 is slightly different from its predecessor, with a greater emphasis on exploration and puzzle-solving. The game's levels are also more varied, featuring different environments and challenges that require players to think creatively.

Super Mario Bros. 2 was also notable for its inclusion of two new playable characters, Wario and Princess Peach, in addition to Mario. This was a unique aspect of the game at the time, as few games had multiple playable characters.

Like its predecessor, Super Mario Bros. 2 was released with an E rating from the ESRB, indicating that it was suitable for all ages. However, in some countries, including Germany and Australia, the game was given an age rating of 7+ or 15+, depending on the region.

In recent years, there has been a renewed interest in classic games like Super Mario Bros. and its sequel. In 2020, Nintendo released a new Super Mario Bros. remake for the Nintendo Switch, which updated the gameplay and graphics of the original while retaining its core spirit.

The remake was widely praised by critics and players alike, with many considering it to be one of the best games of all time. Its success can be attributed to its faithful recreation of the original game's atmosphere and charm, as well as its innovative new features and gameplay mechanics.

In conclusion, Super Mario Bros. and its sequel are two of the most iconic and beloved games of all time, with a timeless appeal that continues to captivate players of all ages. Their enduring success can be attributed to their innovative gameplay, charming graphics, and iconic music, as well as their inclusion in classic consoles like the NES.

In terms of age ratings, both Super Mario Bros. and Super Mario Bros. 2 were released with E ratings from the ESRB, indicating that they were suitable for all ages. However, some countries have given different age ratings depending on the region.

If you're looking to experience these classic games in their original form, it's recommended to look for re-releases or remakes like the Super NES - The Advance Collection and the new Super Mario Bros. remake. These releases offer a fresh take on the gameplay and graphics of the originals while retaining their core spirit.

In addition, if you're looking to play these games with your family or younger relatives, be aware that they may contain some mild cartoon violence and thematic elements that could be disturbing for very young children.

Overall, Super Mario Bros. and its sequel are two of the most iconic and beloved games of all time, offering a timeless appeal that continues to captivate players of all ages.