Hold onto your controllers, Mario fans! In an unbelievable twist that feels like a scene straight out of a gaming fantasy, over 20 previously unseen levels of Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels have been uncovered nearly four decades after the game first hit the shelves in 1986. Yes, you heard right—hidden treasure in a game many thought they had mastered!

Meet Kosmic, a dedicated speedrunner who, with the help of the gaming community, cracked the code and revealed a plethora of glitchy, uncharted territories in this classic game. His 40-minute video chronicles this astounding journey through the retro world of Mario, filled with unexpected surprises and technical wizardry.

So, how did he do it? Let's dive into the mechanics! The original Super Mario games utilized a complex system where the level and world transitions depended on specific actions, like grabbing flagpoles or axes. Those seemingly simple actions determine where Mario would land next. For example, seizing that flagpole bumps you up to the next area, while hitting the axe before a castle sends you to the next world.

But the real fun starts with the infamous Warp Pipes. Many gamers have been haunted by the “Minus World” glitch—a never-ending water level accessible through an error in the Warp Zone. While this glitch was removed in The Lost Levels, Kosmic discovered a new technique. By entering pipes while the game’s Warp Zone is only partially loaded, he could manipulate the game to send him to bizarre new areas.

Using a clever combination of game mechanics—including flags, axes, and the infamous pipes—Kosmic flipped the script and opened the door to levels that had long been hidden away. From the familiar B-4 level, he ventured through B-5, B-6, and even B-8, which were just echoes of existing worlds. But then things took a turn for the bizarre when he stumbled upon B-E, where Mario finds himself behind bars, and the only escape was to save and quit!

As he pressed on, Kosmic navigated through a series of increasingly strange levels, from repeat normal levels to chaotic designs that pushed the game’s limits. In total, he discovered over 20 new levels, showcasing everything from nostalgic tributes to chaotic glitches that left him crashing the game.

So, why did it take 39 years for these levels to be found? According to Kosmic, it comes down to a mix of factors. The Lost Levels were less played than its predecessor, and the glitches he exploited were hidden deep in bonus worlds. Plus, the technical skills required to pull this off are no walk in the park—timing and precision are crucial.

Hats off to Kosmic and the dedicated Super Mario community! This incredible find is a reminder that even after decades, there’s always something new waiting to be unearthed in our beloved classic video games. Who knows what other secrets are still lurking in the digital shadows?