Castlevania: all version differences
6 documented differences between the releases of Castlevania, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | FDS (JP) | NES | Famicom cartridge (1993) | GBA (Classic NES Series) | Anniversary Collection (JP) | Virtual Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Difficulty | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Title | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Audio | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Text | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Content | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 1 |
Version differences
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GameplayFDS (JP)NESFamicom cartridge (1993)
Only the Disk System original can save, with up to three slots. Every cartridge version dropped saving, so the castle must be finished in one sitting.1
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DifficultyFamicom cartridge (1993)
The 1993 Famicom cartridge adds an Easy mode: you start with 30 hearts instead of 5, take less damage and aren't knocked back when hit.2
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TitleFDS (JP)NESFamicom cartridge (1993)
Each version has its own title screen. On the Disk System the logo scrolls in from the left; the NES shows it at once with an animated bat; the 1993 cartridge fades it in with grey shading and skips the Konami logo screen.1
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AudioFamicom cartridge (1993)
The 1993 cartridge has the same content as the Disk System game but a different sound source.2
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TextGBA (Classic NES Series)
The Game Boy Advance release cut the original end credits, which were puns on the names of horror-film actors.3
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ContentAnniversary Collection (JP)Virtual Console
The Japanese Anniversary Collection uses the 1993 Famicom cartridge, while the Virtual Console releases used the Disk System original.3
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13