Nintendo of America had planned to release this game in 1991 under the title "Earth Bound." However, the release was canceled when the game was deemed unprofitable (the Super NES had already been released, and NOA didn't think gamers would pay attention to a new NES game). In 1998, a prototype cartridge surfaced, and the ROM file was made available (illegally) on the Internet. This version is referred to by fans as "Earthbound Zero," a reference to its sequel ('Mazâ 2: Gîgu no gyakushû (1994) (VG)') being released in the United States as "Earthbound."
In the original Famicom version, after Gyiyg is defeated, the Mother Ship flies away as Ninten, Ana, and Lloyd face the player as the credits roll behind them. In the English version, an "extended" ending is featured where the adults are free (already assumed in the Japanese version because one of the prisoners told the party to free them once Gyiyg is defeated), Lloyd is declared a hero at Twinkle Elementary, Ana promising she'll meet Ninten again, and after the credits, Ninten's dad calls Ninten with some urgent news.
In the Japanese version of the game, towns that are named after holidays (Mother's Day, Thanksgiving, Halloween, and Valentine) by Shigesato Itoi to make them "sound friendly" were changed (Podunk, Merrysville, Spookane, Youngtown, and Ellay) by Phil Sandhop as an attempt to suit American audiences.
This NES game Earthbound: Beginnings is now available on the Nintendo Wii U Virtual Console Channel for download.
Itoi's name makes an appearance as a location of a mountain named Mt. Itoi. In the original Japanese release, it was called Holy Loly Mountain. There is even a letter from him hidden in the Yucca Desert.