Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE! (SMB Hack)

Description

Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE! (NES) – A Massive New Expansion to the Celeste-Inspired Mario Hack

Two years after its original release, the fan-favorite Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash has returned in spectacular fashion with an all-new expanded edition: Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE!

Created by w7n and released on July 22, 2025, this hack of Super Mario Bros. (NES) blends the tight, precision platforming of Celeste with the classic charm of Mario, and now introduces a ton of new content, features, and quality-of-life improvements.

If you enjoyed the original but wished it were longer, more varied, or slightly more forgiving, the DELUXE edition is the definitive version you’ve been waiting for.

Background: From Celeste Mario to Zap & Dash DELUXE

The original Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash (2023) was a creative SMB1 hack built on the advanced SMB engine (also known as the Mario Gaiden engine). It stood out for:

• Celeste-inspired movement and momentum mechanics.
• Moons as collectibles.
• Challenging precision platforming.

While the gameplay was well-received, many players noted that it was relatively short and contained occasional difficulty spikes. To celebrate the game’s two-year anniversary, the development team responded with Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE, a huge update that doubles the ROM size, adds over a dozen new courses, and introduces accessibility features for newcomers.

What’s New in Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE

This version doesn’t just add content — it redefines the scope of the hack with new gameplay modes, creative stages, and bonus challenges.

✨ Major Additions

• ASSIST MODE – Now available in the original campaign, letting players breeze through any stages they find too difficult.
• CELESTE ARCHIVE – A collection of 11 new minigames/courses, each with its own unique gimmick and design style.
• FAREWELL COURSE – A special unlockable endgame level, available after earning a total rank of 80 across the minigames.
• Quality of Life Improvements – Streamlined menus, better feedback, and smoother gameplay transitions.
• Expanded ROM (2x size) – The PRG ROM has been doubled to accommodate the major content boost.

The New Courses

The Celeste Archive includes a wildly diverse set of stages, from logic puzzles to hardcore platforming gauntlets:

• Duality Mario
• Spelunker Mario
• Celeste Mario’s Splat and Splash!
• Mario Is You
• A-Button Challenge
• Final Destination
• Rainbow Dash Stage
• Celeste Maker, but everything has a price tag
• Romance of the Mushroom Kingdom
• Worst Minichallenges for Masochists
• FAREWELL (unlockable ultimate course)
• Driller Mario (standalone roguelike bonus mode)

This mix of experimental and skill-based challenges adds dozens of hours of gameplay beyond the original hack.

Why It Stands Out

Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE! isn’t just “more levels” — it’s a complete reimagining of what an SMB1 hack can be. With its precision controls, creative level design, and huge variety of challenges, it rivals full indie platformers while running on classic NES hardware.

For experienced players, it offers deep, rewarding gameplay and tough postgame content. For newcomers, the new Assist Mode makes it far more approachable than before.

Final Thoughts

Celeste Mario’s Zap & Dash DELUXE! (Hack of Super Mario Bros. for NES) is the ultimate way to experience this Celeste-inspired Mario adventure. With 11 new courses, a FAREWELL finale, Assist Mode, and even a standalone roguelike minigame, it transforms the original hack into a massive precision-platforming playground.

Whether you loved the original or are just discovering it for the first time, this DELUXE edition delivers the content, challenge, and creativity fans have been asking for.

Are you ready to zap, dash, and conquer the Celeste Archive?