SUPER CONTRA – RELEASES
SUMMARY OF RELEASES
This page lists the initial release and briefly outlines each conversion, port and re-release. Only the key distinguishing and prominent features are described. For in-depth coverage, visit their respective pages (reachable from the game’s main page).
Arcade
1) Original version.
2) Port of the NES game to Nintendo’s Playchoice-10 arcade system. It is essentially an emulation of the game, with the upper half of the game screen displaying the list of games and a play timer. Inserting coins adds to the time allotted to playing.
Nintendo Entertainment System
Home console conversion that is considered the definitive edition of the game. It essentially runs on a modified/updated engine of the NES version of Contra, its direct predecessor, and shares a lot in common with it: graphics, sound effects, set of 8 stages, the stages themselves being extended in length and having a greater emphasis on platforming, mostly the same set of guns/powerups.
The Fireball gun was modified to fire larger projectiles that explode on impact, and can be charged before shooting. The gun upgrade system from the arcade original was not implemented. Some of the boss encounters and stages are modified in order of appearance compared to the arcade, with some new ones and others absent. Exclusive to the NES version are 3 predominantly vertically scrolling stages.
PAL regions received a censored port under the Probotector moniker, featuring robots instead of humans.
PC DOS
Conversion that attempts to recreate the arcade original’s look and feel more accurately, including the powerup system. A variety of sound and graphics options is available for the user’s DOS-based hardware. A few omissions and reductions were made, such as to the sound effects, certain music tracks, enemy encounters, etc. This version features a save/load state system, and 10 lives are awarded for each stage completed, for a maximum of 20; both compensate for the lack of continues and overall unbalanced difficulty.
The difficulty itself stems from collision detection inaccuracies and some glitches where the player is killed for no reason. It is also attributed to the rate of fire being much slower if playing on a keyboard, which favors using a joystick/game pad.
Commodore Amiga
Home computer conversion with the same principles as the DOS version: recreating the arcade original, but also exhibiting limitations in audio and gameplay, as well as featuring the same lives and save/load system. Unlike the DOS version, however, the gameplay imbalance is much more severe here. Collision detection is much worse, disproportionate player/enemy speed, awkward control system, more frequent glitches, zoomed-in display where off-screen enemies can attack the player, etc.
The rate of fire is much more accurate to the arcade original, however, and the audio and visuals are somewhat higher in quality compared to the DOS version.
Mobile
Conversion of the NES edition to the i-appli platform. It recreates the core gameplay, including all the stages, enemies and bosses. However, the game features a graphical overhaul, using the arcade original’s sprites and graphics where applicable, as well as providing new art for the NES exclusive elements. The intro sequence from the arcade game is also included, in a slightly remade form.
Nintendo Wii
Port of the NES version to the Virtual Console, downloadable from the Wii Shop. All 3 regional releases were ported.
Microsoft XBox 360
1) Port of the arcade original as a download to the XBox Live Arcade. It adds an enhanced graphics mode, among other configuration options, and allows online cooperative play, as well as features an achievement list and leaderboards.
2) The XBox Live port was re-released in retail disc format, in the compilation Konami Classics Vol. 1.
Nintendo DS
1) Port of the North American NES version as a bonus game that can be unlocked in Contra 4. It runs off of a build of the PocketNES emulator, with mild sound and graphical issues. The 2-player mode is actually not supported.
Nintendo 3DS
Port of the NES version to the Virtual Console, downloadable from the 3DS eShop. The North American and Japanese releases were ported, with the former being the version available in PAL territories.
Nintendo Wii-U
Port of the NES version to the Virtual Console, downloadable from the Wii U eShop. The North American and Japanese releases were ported, with the former being the version available in PAL territories.
Nintendo Entertainment System: NES Classic Edition
Port of the NES version. In particular, this version’s data is identical to the Virtual Console editions of the game. The North American and Japanese releases were ported, with the former being the version available in PAL territories.
Microsoft Windows
1) Port of the North American edition of the NES version, as part of the compilation Konami Collector’s Series: Castlevania & Contra. It is essentially identical, while the package includes additional features, such as control and sound configuration, as well as save/load states.
2) The Konami Collector’s Series compilation was later made available for download via the GameTap service.
3) Port of the Famicom version to Konami’s web-based rental service i-Revo, exclusively in Japan and available as a download.
4) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
5) The Konami Collector’s Series compilation was yet again re-released for Microsoft Windows (7,8,10). This edition is digitally distributed through GOG, without DRM. Given that it’s identical to the original collection (ie, without any improvements or updates), this release is baffling given the Contra Anniversary Collection from the previous year.
Nintendo Switch
1) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
2) Separate port of the arcade version.
Sony PlayStation 4
1) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
2) Separate port of the arcade version.
Microsoft XBox One
1) Backwards compatible, direct port of the XBox 360 version. Features the ability to stream and record game sessions.
2) Part of the Contra Anniversary Collection, released digitally, which features the Japanese and North American editions. This port is essentially identical to the original.
Dedicated Handheld
1) Handheld edition of the original arcade version (NTSC-U) by My Arcade Gaming. Super Contra is featured as an additional title, with the main game being the original arcade Contra (also NTSC-U version). Therefore, this is a compilation. This version is identical to the original and even features simultaneous 2 player mode through a cable to link 2 of the handheld units together.
Top of page
Contra Encyclopedia 
Leave a comment