Topps Nintendo Game Packs

[The following article and content was curated from TrsRockin.com . The website closed down in 2011, but had a huge collection of Pokemon and NES content. The founder of TRsRockin has since launched a new endeavor called MeowAbout Cosplay]

Released in 1989, the Nintendo Game Packs was a series from Topps that consisted of 60 scratch-off game cards and 33 stickers from six NES games: Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 2, The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link, Punch-Out!!, and Double Dragon. Each of the stickers had a “top secret tip” for one of the games on the back. The cards were sold as individual packs of 5 cards (3 scratch-offs and 2 stickers per pack). The packs depicted Mario, Princess Toadstool, and Link, and the box showed a Mario scene with a small picture of Link on the side. There was no representation of Punch-Out!! or Double Dragon anywhere on the packaging.

Each series of the scratch-off cards followed a particular game, with 10 cards per set. The goal was to uncover certain symbols (a K.O in Punch-Out!!, a sword strike in Zelda, etc) while avoiding enemy symbols. The cards were designed to look like older TV screens (hence the rounded edges) and used early official artwork for the pictures. The cards were numbered 1 to 10, and seemed to loosely follow the basic plot of each respective game. There was no prize for winning a card, and the stickers seem like the more desirable collectible from the set.

33 Secret Tips:

1-SUPER MARIO BROS.
Hit the flagpole when the timer ends in 1, 3, or 6 and you will get fireworks for extra points.

2-THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Some of the labyrinths in ZELDA have hidden doors. Press the middle of each wall and you may find one.

3-PUNCH-OUT!!
Between rounds, press the Select Button rapidly to recover lost energy.

4-DOUBLE DRAGON
Since you are dealing with a variety of enemies, kicks and punches should be thrown in different combinations.

5-SUPER MARIO BROTHERS 2
After you’ve gathered up a certain number of cherries, a star will appear. Picking up the star makes you invincible (For a short time).

6-ZELDA II: THE ADVENTURE OF LINK
Patience is a virtue! Prolong your playing time by discovering the best way to deal with your foes and learning your way around the screens.

7-SUPER MARIO BROS.
To make Mario jump extra high, hold the B button down while you run and jump.

8-THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Push on every tombstone in the graveyard. One of them hides the entrance to a secret cave!

9-PUNCH-OUT!!
King Hippo has a real weak stomach. Punch repeatedly at his face and he will try to guard it. Then, land many blows to his big belly.

10-DOUBLE DRAGON
Mission 1: instead of fighting the third opponent, simply push him off the conveyor belt.

11-SUPER MARIO BROS. 2
Pull up five large vegetables and you earn a stopwatch that freezes all the action on the screen for a few moments.

12-ZELDA II: THE ADVENTURE OF LINK
When you defeat a Bot (or a Bit, his red cousin) you win two points. Touch the items they leave with your sword and pick them up.

13-SUPER MARIO BROS.
Even if it says “Game Over” you can hold A and press Start. You’ll continue on Level 1 of the last world you were on.

14-THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Cemetery: use your White Sword to hit a Ghini four times. Touching each of the graves will turn them into Ghini; then hit the original Ghini again & they’ll disappear and leave gifts.

15-PUNCH-OUT!!
Bald Bull charges with the power of a locomotive. Wait until his third jump and then clobber him with a body blow.

16-DOUBLE DRAGON
As Mission 2 draws to a close, go back down ladders you’ve already ascended. At least one foe will vanish.

17-SUPER MARIO BROS. 2
Whenever you pick up a key, Phantos will relentlessly pursue you; when you drop it, he departs. Pick up the key continually and keep throwing it down till he’s gone for good.

18-ZELDA II: THE ADVENTURE OF LINK
Upon entering the villages in Hyrule, you should talk to everyone you meet. Get close to them and press A.

19-SUPER MARIO BROS.
In every world, within invisible blocks, one extra life is concealed (possibly more). Keep your eyes peeled!

20-THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
A Dodongo can be defeated wtih two bombs, one set in front of the other. The 1st he will eat; the 2nd will go off and stun him. While he is tunned, defeat him with your sword and you’ll win 4 bombs.

21-PUNCH-OUT!!
Sometimes a star appears above your antagonist’s head after you hit him. When this happens, give him a fast uppercut by pressing the Start button.

22-DOUBLE DRAGON
In Mission 3, after you’ve reached the deep woods, grab members of the gang and toss them over your shoulder.

23-SUPER MARIO BROS. 2
There is a good deal of quicksand in World Two (notice that the grains move in a wave motion). Keep jumping and you won’t get sucked under!

24-ZELDA II: THE ADVENTURE OF LINK
It’s always risky business entering caves. Be on high alert for a sinister bat named Ache!

25-SUPER MARIO BROS.
If you’re Super or Fiery Mario, a nifty way to bypass dangerous enemies is to let them hit you! For a brief time you’ll be invincible and can slip by.

26-THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Blow your whistle if a bubble takes your sword away. It will stop play for a second; when the game resumes, your sword will be back (First quest only).

27-PUNCH-OUT!!
Listen closely to what the fighters say to one another before the actual fight. They reveal valuable clues to help you win!

28-DOUBLE DRAGON
Enemies of all sorts lurk in the woods. Many are martial arts experts, and several carry knives. Beware!

29-SUPER MARIO BROS. 2
Scampering up and down vines is the amazing Hoopster! If you manage to jump onto his head, you’ll win a free ride.

30-ZELDA II: THE ADVENTURE OF LINK
Inside the castle mazes are a series of locked doors. You’ll need keys, but you’ll have to fight Stalfos for them. Good luck!

31-SUPER MARIO BROS.
You’ll gain more points the higher you jump on a flagpole. Try accelerating first, then jump for all you’re worth!

32-THE LEGEND OF ZELDA
Press the Select button quickly after giving the Goriya your bait. Then hit Up, A, and Continue; you’ll beat the Goriya and still have the bait in your inventory.

33-SUPER MARIO BROS. 2
The way to defeat Birdo is to first, jump on the eggs he shoots at you, and second, pick them up and hurl them back at him

Super Mario Bros.

Super Mario Bros 2

Legend of Zelda

Adventure of Link

Punch-Out

Double Dragon

Stickers

Source: TRsRockin