A community member has discovered that the Super Nintendo classic Super Punch-Out hides a secret two-player multiplayer mode that remained unnoticed for nearly 28 years. By using specific button inputs entered on the console's second controller, any player can take direct control of the opposing boxer in the ring.
This discovery was shared by Unlisted Cheats, an account dedicated to cataloging bizarre and obscure cheats across retro video games. According to the researcher, the find occurred while conducting routine testing on Nintendo's boxing game, uncovering functionality that was never documented in official strategy guides or gaming magazines of the era.
The hidden system consists of two fully functional steps that work on any version of the title, whether on an original 16-bit cartridge or through the Nintendo Switch Online library. First, players can access an unrestricted opponent selection menu to set up single exhibition fights. Second, an additional input combination lets a second participant control that opponent, turning a traditionally single-player arcade title into a legitimate head-to-head competitive fighter.
How to activate the fighter select and versus mode
Accessing these hidden modes does not require any hardware modifications or external ROM patches. The first step requires sitting at the main title screen. At that point, the player must hold down the Y and R buttons simultaneously on controller two. While holding them, the player must press either the A button or the Start button on controller one.
Executing this sequence successfully bypasses the regular game menus and opens a free match screen where players can select any fighter in the game. Even the difficult opponents from the Special Circuit are available right away, making it an incredible practice tool to learn attack patterns against end-game bosses.
However, the biggest competitive surprise happens during the next step. Once the chosen opponent is selected and their character profile screen appears, a second command must be entered. On that fighter info screen, hold down the B and Y buttons on controller two, and then press A or Start on controller one.
Once the bout begins after entering that input, controller two takes direct control of the rival boxer. The second player can freely maneuver the character and unleash their signature moves, allowing two human opponents to battle in real time in a manner that Nintendo fans had no knowledge of since the title released in 1994.
A surprise that revitalizes a retro classic
This finding is especially notable due to how easily accessible it is today. Because Nintendo's official retro emulators run the untouched original code, active subscribers on Nintendo Switch Online can perform the exact same button sequences as long as two controllers are connected to the hybrid console. This offers a completely fresh perspective on an iconic sports title that is almost three decades old.
For years, dedicated Super Punch-Out players assumed the only notable secrets were a hidden sound test menu or Japanese name entry options. Uncovering a fully playable competitive versus mode proves that 16-bit game cartridges still harbor undocumented features left behind by developers for debugging or as ultimate Easter eggs for the gaming community.