MOTHER first released exclusively in Japan in 1989 on the Family Computer as a cartridge-based game for the console. Though it was considered for an overseas release on the Nintendo Entertainment System and prototypes exist for this game titled “Earth Bound,” it was ultimately shelved by Nintendo until its first overseas release in 2015.

MOTHER 1+2 was another Japan exclusive that compiled both MOTHER and MOTHER 2 into one playable package on the Game Boy Advance. To make both games playable on the console, some limitations were implemented to them though, resulting in versions of MOTHER and MOTHER 2 that might be considered “lesser” by most. Despite that, they were both fully playable and, for the first time, handheld versions of the games!

MOTHER was rereleased in mostly its original form for the first time on the Wii U in 2015! There are a few small differences between the original and the Wii U version that seem to have been made for ratings purposes, though. And, for the first time overseas, MOTHER was released as EarthBound Beginnings on the Wii U Virtual Console, which used the originally leaked “Earth Bound” prototype that was shelved way back when. All versions are unavailable on the Wii U eShop as of March 27, 2023.

After half a decade of waiting, the Wii U version of MOTHER was rereleased again on Family Computer Online and EarthBound Beginnings was officially rereleased for the first time on Nintendo Entertainment System Online. MOTHER and EarthBound Beginnings are playable on Nintendo Switch Online, which is still available with both games now!