Preorder! Super Mario Bros. 3 V.S. Mega Drive
On the first workday after the DDR Global Finals concluded, in Kyoto, behind a huge black lacquered desk at Nintendo Headquarters, Yamauchi Haku silently stared at the television screen.
On the screen was a replay of the DDR finals, with the Los Angeles team raising the trophy high against a backdrop of enormous Sega and Sony logos.
The frenzy at the scene was so intense that you could still feel the scorching heat even through the screen.
All the executives looked solemn. The grand spectacle of the DDR finals, comparable to the Olympic Games, weighed heavily on everyone's minds like a boulder.
The terrifying power that Sega and Sony have demonstrated in their collaboration—powerful enough to influence young people worldwide and even affect national cultural and tourism policies—has sent a chill down the spine of this the Greed of Man that sits atop the throne of the gaming empire.
"We must refocus the market's attention on Nintendo."
A Marketing Department manager broke the silence.
"I suggest that, following the plan established at the end of last year, we immediately release the news to all media outlets that the development of Super Mario Bros. 3 has entered its final stage. Attach some photos that best showcase the game's evolution. We need to let everyone know who the real protagonist in this industry is."
The proposal was approved by everyone.
In Nintendo's empire, Mario is the absolute ace, the ultimate weapon to quell all dissent.
Hours later, this bombshell news exploded across major Japan gaming media outlets like a depth charge.
Famitsu even went so far as to print an extra edition in response.
Those carefully selected game screenshots, the new form of Tanooki Mario, and the imaginative level designs instantly captured the attention of all players.
The players, who were just enjoying the global DDR celebration, were immediately distracted by the news of the new game.
Mario is getting a new sequel!
Many players have been calling various gaming magazines to inquire about more information regarding the new Mario game.
The editors excitedly revised the front-page headline, which was about to go to print.
With just a few screenshots, the plumber in the red hat and with the long beard easily drew players' attention back to Nintendo.
The head of the Public Relations Department breathed a sigh of relief; the tense atmosphere in the office had just eased.
However, the good mood didn't even last until the end of afternoon tea.
That afternoon, Sega launched an even more ferocious lightning counterattack.
A well-produced promotional video, without any warning, bombarded television screens across Japan during prime time on major television stations.
The promotional video opens with a powerful, synthesized electronic voice.
"MEGADRIVE".
Sega has officially announced its next-generation 16-bit console.
The promotional video opens with two large, impactful characters displayed on a dark screen.
"True 16-bit".
This is a sarcastic remark directed at PCEngine, a "quasi-16-bit host" that uses an 8-bit chip as its CPU.
Immediately afterwards, the footage was edited at an unprecedented speed.
The spectacular light and shadow effects when Terry Bogard unleashes his "Power Geyser" in Fatal Fury.
In "Space Harrier," the protagonist traverses a highly immersive 3D checkerboard scene, battling against overwhelming enemies.
There's also a brand new game that has never been announced before.
The image shows a yellow electric mouse with two red dots on its cheeks. It's Pikachu!
Next, Charmander, Squirtle, and Bulbasaur joined Pikachu.
They were walking through a vibrant meadow and forest.
The game's title is clearly displayed in the corner of the screen.
Pokémon Adventure - Pokémon Land.
These smooth and gorgeous gameplay demos, far exceeding the limits of the FC's capabilities, were like a visual storm, instantly captivating the attention of all players.
The young people who had just been excited about Super Mario Bros. 3 instantly calmed down.
Looking at the New Year's money they had just received, they made the same decision.
Hold cash and wait and see.
Nintendo Headquarters, president's office.
In Yamauchi Haku's office, the MD promotional video was playing repeatedly on the television.
President Yamauchi Haku's face had turned from gloomy to ashen.
Behind him, Shigeru Miyamoto stared intently at the screen displaying the Pokémon Adventure: Pokémon Land, his heart filled with mixed emotions.
It was a blend of an artist's appreciation of a masterpiece and a profound sense of crisis as a rival.
"Check."
Yamauchi Haku squeezed out a single word through gritted teeth.
"I need to know everything about this mainframe, at any cost."
The next day, a detailed report was placed on his desk.
A year-long secret research and development effort.
That million-chip order reached with Toshiba.
Under the guise of the DDR project and the development of various arcade games, a luxurious lineup of supporting games was secretly developed in parallel.
Every word in the report silently testifies that this was not a sneak attack.
This was a long-planned, well-prepared, all-out war aimed at overthrowing the entire dynasty.
The conference room was deathly silent; the only sound was the rustling of the senior executives turning the pages of the report.
Yamauchi Haku leaned back slightly in his chair.
The initial shock and anger in his eyes were quickly transforming into a cold and ruthless light. His gaze seemed to penetrate the wall, seeing his smug opponent in another building.
"You're something else, Nakayama Hayao."
He spoke in a low voice, his tone devoid of any emotion.
Then, he slammed his hand on the table.
The teacup on the table jolted and made a crisp sound.
The hearts of all the executives present trembled violently.
"Are they trying to seize the future with their new console?"
Yamauchi Haku slowly scanned everyone present, his eyes sharp as knives.
"I will use our strongest present moment to completely shatter their future!"
His gaze finally settled on Shigeru Miyamoto.
"Miyamoto-kun."
Shigeru Miyamoto instinctively straightened his body.
"The release date for Super Mario Bros. 3 will be the same as that of the Mega Drive."
The air seemed to freeze completely in that instant, and the executives exchanged incredulous glances.
Shigeru Miyamoto's heart tightened suddenly.
To challenge the launch of a brand-new console with a masterpiece of software.
This is tantamount to using kamikaze tactics to ram an enemy aircraft carrier.
Regardless of the outcome, it will be an irreparable and enormous damage to Super Mario Bros. 3, a work into which he poured countless hours of effort.
"President-"
He instinctively wanted to speak up and plead for a more secure future for his child, using the excuse that "the game needs more time to be polished."
But he only uttered two words before he saw the look in Yamauchi Haku's eyes.
It was an absolute will that brooked no challenge or questioning.
All the words were stuck in his throat.
Shigeru Miyamoto understood.
This is no longer just a business competition, or even a war. It's a high-stakes gamble that will determine the fate of the Nintendo empire, and he and his most perfect creation are the very trump card that the president himself has placed on the table.
He slowly lowered his head, burying all his worries and resentment deep in his heart.
"Hi."
A heavy syllable represents unconditional obedience.
Nintendo's war machine then fell into an eerie silence.
They maintained a high-profile promotion for Super Mario Bros. 3, but kept the release date a secret, like a patient tiger quietly waiting for its prey to bare its throat.
After nearly two weeks of back-and-forth, Sega finally revealed its hand.
January 20, 1988.
Sega officially announced that its next-generation console, the Mega Drive, will be released on February 13, 1988, the day before Valentine's Day.
Officially released, priced at 20,980 Japanese yen.
This price is slightly lower than the 21,000 Japanese yen it cost when it was released on October 29, 1988, thanks to Sega's early integration of electronics manufacturing capacity in Hong Kong and Taiwan, as well as the cost reduction brought about by large-scale centralized procurement.
However, this price is still lower than the overall cost of around 22,000 Japanese yen, but not by much. It is expected that the cost will be reduced to below the selling price within a few months, thus avoiding excessive pressure from losses.
The moment the news reached Kyoto, the war machine at Nintendo Headquarters, already wound up, immediately began to roar with a deep, powerful hum, operating at full speed.
Within hours, major Japan gaming media outlets and core retail channels received an official notification from Nintendo.
Super Mario Bros. 3 was also released on February 13, 1988.
The entire Japan gaming industry was in an uproar.
Everyone realized that an unprecedented battle of the century, a clash between top-tier software and next-generation consoles, had begun.