Super Nintendo dominated the 90s era of gaming consoles as it awed everyone with its groundbreaking capabilities and novel features. Also known as SNES, Super Nintendo quickly became one of the most popular video game consoles of all time.
Back in the day, SNES earned quite a reputation for its incredible graphics, innovative games, and timelessly classic design. And even today, after 3 long decades and still counting, it continues to be an unforgettable source of nostalgia for those who grew up playing it.
While time couldn’t subdue our love for the iconic Super Nintendo, it did, however, show no mercy to the poor retro console. Not bearing the tests of time, our old fellow’s hardware body started yellowing due to age. Undoubtedly, the discoloration has indeed affected its appearance as well as value by a big margin.
Coming to the rescue, we at RetroGamingStores are excited to announce a solution to the ever-yellowing of SNES consoles. Our shelves are soon going to be brimming with brand-new replacement SNES shells that are nothing short of being pulled out straight from the Nintendo production houses themselves!
In this article, we will take a little dive into the console itself and explore the reasons for introducing replacement shells. Also, we will talk about why the console is turning yellow and how to replace the worn-out shells with brand-new replacements. Lastly, we’ll see why replacing the yellowed shells is necessary.
About SNES
Super Nintendo Entertainment System, often referred to as the SNES, is a home video gaming console developed by Nintendo in 1990. It was first introduced in Japan and South Korea, before being rolled out in North America, Europe, Oceania, and South America in the next following years.
The Super Nintendo gaming console is also known by other names as well. In Japan, it is known as Super Famicom, while in South Korea, it is known as Super Comboy. Notedly, the difference in their naming convention has also been coupled with slight variations in their regional models.
Together with other consoles of the time, Super Nintendo is part of the fourth generation of video game consoles. Being a successor to NES, SNES mainly competed with Sega’s Genesis.
Despite joining the market later than its competitors, the SNES quickly became the king of the 16-bit video gaming era and continued to perform remarkably well even when the 32-bit era started.
By the time it was fully discontinued in 2005, Nintendo had sold about 50 million consoles worldwide. Its most popular game, Super Mario World, sold approximately 20.6 million copies, reinforcing the SNES's place as a beloved piece of gaming history.
How the Discontinuation Affected the SNES Console
Every tech product has a lifespan and Super Nintendo is no different. After being in the limelight for 6 straight consecutive years, the Super Nintendo console began phasing out. More particularly, when the N64 console was launched, the era of SNES was unofficially finished.
However, thanks to the soaring popularity of SNES, it continued to thrive for almost another 10 years. Europe and North America were the first to discontinue the Super Nintendo home video game console. The discontinuation was soon followed by Brazil, Korea, and Japan a couple of years later. Finally, when the UK gave up the support for SNES consoles a year later, Super Nintendo was officially discontinued globally.
As the console was no longer in production, the Super Nintendo quickly became a retro console but continued to be cherished by fans for its classic games and iconic design. Little did the fans know of the problems they were soon going to face.
Shortage of SNES Replacement Parts
First and foremost, the immediate impact of the discontinuation of the SNES console was noted when shelves started running out of replacement parts, such as shells. Dedicated stores that had previously ordered them in bulk began running out of stock.
Consequently, it became more and more difficult for people to find the parts they needed to repair, replace, or fix their SNES consoles with. As such, gamers who continued playing on their beloved Super Nintendo soon found themselves unable in keeping their consoles in good working condition.
Therefore, they had little reason to continue using them and had to put them back in their boxes.
Yellowing of SNES Shells
Moreover, as the replacement parts continued becoming scarcer, more and more SNES consoles found their final destination in safe boxes. Staying in there for decades has eventually rendered them yellow. Also, even those SNES consoles that were kept in usage also have taken on a yellow tint.
The collective reason behind this is the use of ABS plastic. Due to the oxidation effect happening in the air, the plastic body slowly but continuously takes on a yellowish tint. It is not evident initially but soon becomes noticeable after a couple of years.
This presents itself as a much nagging issue for those enthusiastic gamers who want to keep their consoles looking fresh. With seemingly no worthy solution in place, these retro players are internally forced to store their “ugly” consoles somewhere safe.
Irreparable Physical Damage
Since tech products are vulnerable to being damaged physically, a majority of SNES consoles have taken on a good deal of blows. As of today, you will be lucky to find any good SNES console that has not suffered any physical damage.
Hardware damages are a common issue with the Super Nintendo consoles due to their age and the wear and tear that inevitably comes with prolonged usage. And when compounded with its ugly yellowish shell, the broken SNES hardware casing makes the console pitifully unwanted.
With replacement parts becoming increasingly scarce, it has become challenging to repair these damages and keep the SNES consoles in working condition.
3 New SNES Replacement Shell Colors
Despite these challenges, many enthusiasts remain dedicated to preserving and repairing their beloved SNES consoles. At RetroGamingStores, as mentioned above, we are thrilled to announce the arrival of the much-desired Super Nintendo replacement shells.
In addition to their eye-catching designs, these SNES shells are also in ample supply and available at incredibly cheap prices. This means that you can easily and affordably upgrade the look of your Super Nintendo without spending a fortune. Furthermore, RetroGamingStores delivers these shells directly to your doorstep, making the upgrade process a very lucrative option!
The iconic SNES shells are available in 3 different colors as listed below:
- Original
The Original Color of the SNES shell does a remarkable job of providing a nostalgic look and feel that will transport you back in time. It will make it as fresh as just right out of the Nintendo production houses.
- Transparent Black
The Transparent Black, on the other hand, offers a sleek and modern take on the classic design. It is a perfect choice for those who want a more contemporary look for their SNES consoles.
- Clear
Lastly, the Clear color is unique in the sense that it allows for an understated look that still manages to show off the inner workings of the console. It is a great choice if you ever wished to show off your SNES hardware to your fellows.
SNES Shells Are Very Easy to Replace
If the very idea of replacing your console’s shell yourself makes you feel incapable, then we have good news for you! Thanks to the affordable and accessible tools available on the market today, replacing the SNES shells has never been easier.
Whether you want to change the ever-yellowing Super Nintendo or want to get rid of the broken hardware casing, the process of replacing SNES shells is now within reach for anyone who is down for the challenge!
The main tools include a small screwdriver and a plastic opening tool. Moreover, these tools are readily available at your local hardware and electronics, and that too, at a minimal cost. Or if someone you know already has these tools, you can also borrow from them as well!
The overall process of replacing SNES shells is pretty simple and requires only a few simple steps. Here, we only provide an overview.
Firstly, using the screwdriver, you need to remove the screws from the bottom of the console. Then, using the plastic opening tool, gently pry open the old/broken shell and remove the internal components. Now, place these components into the new shell, making sure they are securely in place. Lastly, screw the new shell back together firmly.
As is the case with all electronic equipment, there are a few precautions you need to take while replacing your console’s shell. First and foremost, make sure you are at ease and comfortable. You would not want to have trembling hands that might damage any sensitive component inside.
Also, be in an open well-lit place that has a hard surface such as at your study desk. This is, in case, if a small screw slips out of your hand, you can find it easily. Lastly, when handling delicate internal components, make sure to handle them carefully and avoid any rough movements that might cause damage.
As seen above, there is no rocket science here. You do not need to be tech-savvy in order to replace SNES shells. With a little bit of patience and attention to detail, you can easily replace your worn-out Super Nintendo hardware casing.
How the New SNES Shell Increase its Worth
So, after all, apart from the main reasons listed above, for what else justified reasons do we need still to replace our retro console with brand-new SNES shells? It turns out that the console’s worth is increased in all 3 aspects: emotionally, financially, and physically. Let’s see how!
- Emotionally
A replacement shell not only brings new life to a faded console but also provides a fresh, clean look that can bring back memories of playing your favorite games for the first time. Super Nintendo holds a special place in the hearts of many gamers, and by giving it a new look, you will feel like you're getting a piece of your childhood back.
The new and improved SNES will make you feel like you're living in the 90s all over again, and the new appearance will help you enjoy the games as if you were playing them for the first time.
- Financially
Also, not only will it vividly bring back that longing to play on your Super Nintendo console back in your childhood days but also give a boost to its value in financial terms. If you plan to sell your SNES console in the future, a new and improved Super Nintendo will get a higher price than a yellowed and damaged one.
Apart from making it look great, the new SNES shells will also protect your beloved Super Nintendo from further damage.
- Physically
Moreover, whether you plan on playing games on it or selling the console in the near future, your new and improved SNES will also attract the attention of everyone who enters the room where it is placed! It will rightfully act as an interior piece or your iconic collection.
Gone will be the days when your family members insisted on putting away that “rusty old worn-out damaged console” right in the heart of your basement’s darkest depths.
SNES Shells Are in Limited Production
As a matter of fact, even though the Super Nintendo was discontinued 3 decades ago, its demand is still high. Even though at RetroGamingStores we are bringing back the iconic SNES shells, it should be noted that these are in limited supply. In other words, you will need to act fast if you want to secure a new shell for your beloved retro buddy and breathe life into it.
As millions of SNES consoles were produced originally, it is not surprising that millions of customers will be interested in purchasing the replacement shells right away. With strong demand for the product and a limited supply, the competition for these SNES shells is fierce.
If you wait too long, you may miss your only chance as the replacement SNES shells’ product supply is forecasted to run out quickly. As said above, the new shells will not only rejuvenate their appearance, but also increase their worth in financial, emotional, and physical terms.
For you, the good news is that the RetroGamingStores support worldwide delivery. You can have your brand-new SNES shell delivered right to your doorstep!
Now is the time to act if you are a Super Nintendo owner. If you miss your chance, you may have to wait for a long time before you will be able to purchase again. Therefore, do not wait for the shells to run out. Make sure to secure your new shell whenever it is available and relive the magic of the 90s all over again!
Whether you are a die-hard retro gamer, or just looking to give your Super Nintendo console a fresh new look, these SNES shells are a perfect choice. With their stunning designs and cheap prices, the replacement SNES shells offer a unique and exciting way to upgrade your beloved console.