Super Mario Bros. X (SMBX)
Super Mario Bros. X (SMBX) is one of the most influential Mario fan games ever created. Developed by Redigit (Andrew Spinks, who later created Terraria), SMBX is a powerful level editor and game engine that lets players create and play custom Mario levels combining elements from Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, 3, and World. Since its release in 2009, SMBX has generated a massive community of creators who have produced thousands of original episodes and levels.
| Feature |
Detail |
| Developer |
Redigit (Andrew Spinks) |
| Genre |
2D Platformer / Level Editor |
| Platform |
PC (Windows) |
| Initial Release |
2009 |
| Engine |
Visual Basic 6 |
| Status |
Complete (v1.3.0.1) |
What Makes SMBX Special?
SMBX stands apart from other Mario fan games because it is not just a single game —
it is an entire platform for creating Mario adventures. The built-in level editor allows players to design complex stages using assets from multiple Mario titles, mixing and matching tilesets, enemies, power-ups, and gameplay mechanics from across the NES and SNES eras. The editor supports multi-section levels, custom world maps, scripted events, and even multiplayer.
The community surrounding SMBX is one of the largest in the fan gaming world. Forums, Discord servers, and dedicated websites host thousands of user-created episodes ranging from faithful recreations of classic Mario levels to wildly inventive original adventures. SMBX has also spawned a successor, SMBX2, which adds modern features like Lua scripting and enhanced graphics support (detailed below).
Gameplay and Features
SMBX provides a comprehensive Mario creation and playing experience:
- Multi-Game Engine: Play as characters from SMB1, SMB2, SMB3, and Super Mario World, each with their authentic movement physics and abilities.
- Playable Characters: Choose from Mario, Luigi, Peach, Toad, and Link, each with unique abilities that affect how you approach levels.
- Level Editor: A full-featured editor lets you place tiles, enemies, NPCs, warps, and triggers to create complete Mario experiences.
- World Map Editor: Design overworld maps connecting your levels, complete with paths, star roads, and secret exits.
- Multiplayer: Two players can play simultaneously on the same screen, making it one of the few fan games to support cooperative play.
- Built-in Episodes: Ships with "The Invasion 2" episode featuring dozens of polished levels to play immediately.
Screenshots
Frequently Asked Questions
What is SMBX?
Super Mario Bros. X is a fan-made level editor and game engine that allows players to create and play custom Mario levels using assets and mechanics from Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, 3, and World.
Who created SMBX?
SMBX was created by Redigit (Andrew Spinks), who later went on to develop Terraria. The game was originally released in 2009.
Can I play SMBX with a friend?
Yes, SMBX supports two-player cooperative gameplay on the same screen. Both players can choose from different characters with unique abilities.
SMBX2: The Community Evolution
After Redigit ceased development of the original SMBX, a dedicated community of programmers and creators took the project forward.
SMBX2 is the community-developed evolution of the SMBX engine that adds powerful new features while remaining fully backward compatible with original SMBX episodes.
| Feature |
Detail |
| Developer |
SMBX2 Community (Hoeloe, Enjl, others) |
| Release |
2015 (ongoing updates) |
| Engine |
SMBX + LunaLua |
| Status |
Active Development |
What SMBX2 Adds
The addition of Lua scripting is what truly sets SMBX2 apart.
Lua support means that virtually anything is possible within the engine — creators can program custom enemies with unique AI, build entirely new game mechanics, create cutscenes, design complex boss battles, and implement features that would be impossible in the original SMBX. This has transformed SMBX from a level editor into a full game development platform.
The SMBX2 community regularly produces content that rivals commercial indie games in quality. Episodes like "A Plumber For All Seasons," "The Invasion Rebuilt," and countless others showcase what skilled creators can achieve with the expanded toolset.
SMBX2 Features
- Lua Scripting: Program custom game mechanics, AI behaviors, boss patterns, cutscenes, and more using the Lua programming language.
- Custom NPCs: Create entirely new enemies and characters with unique behaviors, sprites, and interactions.
- Enhanced Graphics: Support for custom tilesets, animated backgrounds, particle effects, and visual enhancements beyond the original engine.
- Community Library: A vast library of community-created assets, scripts, and resources available for creators to use.
- Multiplayer: Cooperative multiplayer support for both local and online play in select episodes.
- Backward Compatible: Play episodes created for the original SMBX alongside new SMBX2-exclusive content.
Do I need programming skills to use SMBX2?
No, the basic level editor works the same as the original SMBX and requires no coding. Lua scripting is optional and used for advanced features.
Can I play SMBX episodes in SMBX2?
Yes, SMBX2 is backward compatible with episodes created for the original SMBX, while also supporting new features exclusive to SMBX2.
