Before Mario Maker and Captain Toad, Nintendo experimented with puzzle-platforming perfection in Mario vs. Donkey Kong. This clever reimagining of their classic rivalry blended old-school charm with brain-teasing mechanics that kept handheld gamers hooked for hours. We’ll break down how this Game Boy Advance gem balanced nostalgia and innovation — from its toy-Mario levels to its tricky timing puzzles — and how it quietly built one of Nintendo’s most under-rated sub-series.
