Mega Man Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer
Mega Man 3
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 |
| Genre | Action, Platformer |
| Developer | Capcom |
| Publisher | Capcom |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Mega Man |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 21 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990, Mega Man 3 is an action game developed by Capcom. It blends action and platformer elements.
It landed about 5 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1990 include Final Fantasy III, Dr. Mario and Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers. Among the 164 NES action games in our database, it ranks #5 by legacy score.
It is part of the Mega Man series; on the NES you can also try Mega Man, Mega Man 2 and Mega Man 4. The series also appears on other systems with Mega Man X (SNES) and Mega Man 6 (PS1). Capcom also made Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers, DuckTales and Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers 2 for the NES.
This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Mega Man 3 is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
Mega Man 3 cheats & codes
164 codes on file (Game Genie, Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| 1 Life | AENKKAZA |
|---|---|
| 6 Lives | IENKKAZA |
| 9 Lives | AENKKAZE |
| 1 Life After Continue | PAOONPZA |
| 6 Lives After Continue | IAOONPZA |
| 9 Lives After Continue | AAOONPZE |
Mega Man 3 walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Mega Man 3.
If you like Mega Man 3, the Matrix also picks…
Mega Man 2 Classic
Mega Man 4 Classic
Mega Man 5 Classic
Mega Man 6 Classic
Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge Classic
Mega Man X Classic
Mega Man III Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Mega Man 3 FAQ
When did Mega Man 3 come out on the NES?
Mega Man 3 was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1990.
Who made Mega Man 3?
It was developed by Capcom.
Is Mega Man 3 multiplayer?
No. Mega Man 3 is a single-player game.
How long does Mega Man 3 take to play?
As an action game, Mega Man 3 typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Mega Man 3 on Wikipedia. Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.