Mega Man 2: all version differences
7 documented differences between the releases of Mega Man 2, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | NES (NA/EU) | NES (NA) | Famicom (JP) | PS1 (JP) Complete Works | Virtual Console |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Difficulty | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Cover | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Title | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Text | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Gameplay | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Content | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
| Graphics | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Version differences
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DifficultyNES (NA/EU)
The Western releases added a Normal mode in which the Mega Buster and boss weapons do double damage and enemies drop more energy; the Japanese original only has the mode called Difficult in the West.1
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CoverNES (NA)
Marc Ericksen's North American box art shows Mega Man holding a pistol instead of his arm cannon, which the artist says Capcom USA requested.2
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TitleNES (NA/EU)
The international title screen has a larger logo, which pushes the building in the background lower and moves the copyright notice to a separate screen.3
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TextFamicom (JP)NES (NA/EU)
The Japanese version names the robot master Clash Man and writes "Pass Word"; the international releases use Crash Man and "Password" and fix typos in the staff roll.3
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GameplayFamicom (JP)
In the Japanese version the large fish in Wily Stage 3 does no contact damage, while in the international versions touching it costs 10 units of health.3
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ContentPS1 (JP) Complete Works
The 1999 PlayStation Complete Works release adds a beginner navi mode, an encyclopedia, image galleries and arranged music; the Mega Man Anniversary Collection is based on this version.2
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GraphicsVirtual Console
The Virtual Console releases darken the screen and tone down flashing effects.1
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13