Micro Machines: all version differences
6 documented differences between the releases of Micro Machines, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | NES | Mega Drive/Genesis | Game Gear | NES (Aladdin Deck Enhancer) | NES (US original) | NES (EU) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Gameplay | 1 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| Graphics | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
| Bug fix | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
Version differences
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GameplayNES
The NES original has drifting handling and shows two-player races on one shared screen, since split-screen was hard to do on the hardware.1
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GameplayMega Drive/Genesis
The Mega Drive version switched to a more on-rails feel, added more rotation frames for the vehicles and used a cartoon colour style.1
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GraphicsGame Gear
The Game Gear version was programmed from scratch to run at 60 frames per second, with the camera pulled back to show more of the track; two players can share one console, each holding one end.1
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GameplayNES (Aladdin Deck Enhancer)
The Aladdin Deck Enhancer cartridge makes the secret three-extra-lives cheat easier: it is entered on controller 1 after finishing the qualifying race in any place.2
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Bug fixNES (US original)
The original US cartridge is dated 1991 and freezes at the title screen on PAL consoles because of a timing error; later releases are dated 1992.2
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GraphicsNES (EU)
The European NES release swaps the problematic 'blacker than black' colour for a safer black everywhere except gameplay sprites, and still shows Camerica logos.2
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13