Mortal Kombat: all version differences
7 documented differences between the releases of Mortal Kombat, each with a source. Back to the main page for names, releases and where to play.
Category × version
| Category | SNES | Genesis / Mega Drive | Game Gear | Sega CD | Game Boy | Arcade revisions | SNES (EU Rev. 1) |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Censorship | 1 | 1 | 1 | 1 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| Content | 0 | 0 | 1 | 0 | 1 | 1 | 0 |
| Bug fix | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 0 | 1 |
Version differences
-
CensorshipSNES
Under Nintendo's content policy, the SNES port replaced red blood with grey "sweat" and softened most Fatalities into milder finishing moves.1
-
CensorshipGenesis / Mega Drive
On the Genesis/Mega Drive the code A-B-A-C-A-B-B unlocks red blood and the uncensored Fatalities, which gave Sega's version an edge over the SNES port; the game was rated MA-13.1
-
CensorshipGame Gear
The Game Gear version stays censored unless the code 2, 1, 2, Down, Up is entered.1
-
CensorshipSega CD
The Sega CD version needs no code, since blood and Fatalities are on by default; it was rated MA-17.1
-
ContentGame BoyGame Gear
The secret fighter Reptile does not appear in the Game Boy and Game Gear versions.1
-
ContentArcade revisions
The arcade game was updated several times in 1992: revision 2.0 allowed both players to pick the same fighter and added more blood, revision 3.0 introduced the secret character Reptile, and revision 4.0 added hints on how to find him.2
-
Bug fixSNES (EU Rev. 1)
The European SNES Revision 1 has bugs: switching the console off and on quickly, or pressing Reset on the title screen, can leave a blank screen or keep the game from starting.3
Sources
Checked: 2026-10-13