The Original Super Nintendo - What is the Super Nintendo Console?

Released in the 16-bit era of gaming, Super Nintendo (SNES) is one of the most influential video game consoles of all time.

This retro console had many features that made it stand out from its competitors and also introduced some of the most beloved franchises in the history of video games, such as Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Even today, SNES games are still widely regarded as some of the best games ever, and many of them have been re-released on various platforms or remade with modern graphics.

As such, Super Nintendo was not only a commercial success but also a cultural phenomenon. Its advertisements were memorable and catchy, featuring celebrities like Paul Rudd, rap songs, and slogans like “Now you’re playing with power. Super Power.”

So huge was its popularity that the Nintendo console is still sought after by collectors and retro gamers globally. Some enthusiasts even mod their SNES consoles to play games from different regions or enhance their performance.

And thanks to the power of the internet, Super Nintendo is still available in stock from many dedicated sites where you can buy the original console, its games, and accessories, as well as custom-made SNES-themed products.

If you are interested in learning more about this retro console, its origins, its technical specs, its games, and its legacy, then you have arrived at the right place! In this article, we will explore everything you need to know about this original Super Nintendo that changed the world of gaming forever. And if you want one, you can always buy a top-quality SNES console at Retro Gaming Stores.

Without further ado, let’s get started!

Super Nintendo (SNES) Origins

The Super Nintendo was the result of Nintendo’s vision and ambition to create a console that could deliver a cutting-edge gameplay experience. The development of the SNES began in 1986 when Nintendo realized that its NES was becoming outdated by the emerging 16-bit technology.

Nintendo wanted to create a console that could surpass its rivals in terms of graphics, sound, speed, and memory. To achieve all this, Nintendo partnered with several companies to design and manufacture the hardware and software components of the SNES, such as Ricoh and Sony.

When the work officially started on the Nintendo Console, the project was codenamed "Project Reality," which was a fitting name considering the ambitious goals they had in mind.

Super Nintendo made its debut in Japan on November 21, 1990, under the name "Super Famicom." The launch was met with astounding success, and the demand for the console surged, sparking electrifying anticipation in other regions.

On August 23, 1991, North America witnessed the SNES's grand arrival, where it instantly won the hearts of gamers with its vibrant graphics and immersive gameplay experience. Europe had to wait a bit longer, as the SNES reached its shores on April 11, 1992, igniting a gaming revolution on the continent.

The Super Famicom launched in Japan with a price tag of ¥25,000, while the North American release carried a retail price of $199.99, making it a competitive offering against rival consoles. The European launch price varied across countries, but it generally ranged between £150 to £200, depending on the region.

The Super Famicom and the Super Nintendo featured some design variations, each tailored to suit regional preferences. The original Super Famicom boasted a colorful and angular design, reflecting the bold aesthetics of Japanese gaming culture.

When the SNES made its way to North America and Europe, it underwent a makeover to cater to the tastes of these markets. The purple and gray color scheme, along with a sleeker appearance, endeared itself to Western gamers.

Throughout its production, various redesigns and variations emerged, offering different form factors and features. Notable examples include the SNES 2 (also known as the SNES Mini or SNES Jr.), a compact version released in North America in 1997.

As such, the '90s marked an intense period of rivalry between Nintendo and SEGA, ushering gamers into an era of "console wars." SEGA's Genesis (also known as the Mega Drive) was the main contender against the Super Nintendo and SEGA aggressively marketed it as the edgier and cooler choice, boasting faster processing and edgier titles like "Sonic the Hedgehog."

Nintendo, on the other hand, leveraged its reputation for family-friendly gaming experiences and a stellar library of exclusive titles like "Super Mario World," "The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past," and "Donkey Kong Country." These games showcased the SNES's technical advancements and were instrumental in tipping the scales in Nintendo's favor.

Technical Specs of the Super Nintendo Console

The Super Nintendo, a gaming behemoth of its time, revolutionized the gaming industry with its top-notch technical specifications that pushed the boundaries of home entertainment.

From its powerful CPU to its state-of-the-art sound system, every aspect of this iconic retro console was meticulously designed to deliver an unparalleled gaming experience.

Developed by Ricoh, the Super Nintendo featured a custom-designed 16-bit CPU, known as the Ricoh 5A22. This processor was based on the 65C816 chip from Western Design Center, which was a 16-bit extension of the 6502-chip used in the NES. The Ricoh 5A22 had a variable clock speed that ranged from 1.79 MHz to 3.58 MHz depending on the operation. The processor also had several custom features that enhanced its performance, such as a fast DMA (direct memory access) controller, an interrupt controller, a multiplication/division unit, and a memory mapper.

In addition, the Nintendo console was equipped with 128KB of general-purpose RAM, a substantial improvement over the NES's limited memory. This increase in RAM facilitated faster data processing and allowed developers to create more intricate and expansive game worlds. The added memory also contributed to reduced loading times and smoother transitions between gameplay elements. There was also a dedicated 64 KB VRAM in SNES.

Moreover, the Super Nintendo's audio system was developed by Sony and was equally impressive. The console featured a custom 8-bit S-SMP audio chip that supported up to 8 channels of sound. The chip also had a built-in DSP (digital signal processor) that could apply effects such as echo, reverb, pitch modulation, and frequency modulation to the sound output. Besides this, the audio chip also incorporated 64 KB of RAM for storing sound samples and instructions. This allowed for rich, multi-layered soundtracks and immersive sound effects that heightened the gaming experience. Consequently, the console's audio chip could produce stereo sound, enveloping players in a world of auditory delights.

Unlike modern gaming consoles with built-in storage, the Nintendo console relied on game cartridges to store game data. These cartridges, also known as game carts, came in various sizes, ranging from 2 MB to 48 MB. The cartridges allowed for fast access to data, resulting in minimal loading times during gameplay.

However, the most distinctive feature of the SNES was its graphics chip, or PPU (picture processing unit). The PPU was designed by Nintendo’s own engineers and manufactured by Sharp. The PPU consisted of two separate chips: PPU1 and PPU2. While PPU1 handled the background graphics and scrolling effects, PPU2 handled the sprites (moving objects) and color calculations. Together, these chips could produce stunning visuals that surpassed anything seen before on a home console.

The PPU had several capabilities that gave it an edge over its competitors. For example:

• It could display up to 256 colors on screen at once from a palette of 32,768 colors.
• It could support up to four background layers with different scrolling speeds and priorities.
• It could manipulate the background layers using effects such as scaling (changing size), rotation (changing angle), mosaic (reducing resolution), windowing (masking parts of the screen), clipping (hiding parts of sprites), and mode 7 (creating pseudo-3D perspective).
• It could handle up to 128 sprites on screen at once with different sizes (from 8x8 pixels to 64x64 pixels) and attributes (such as flipping horizontally or vertically).
• It could perform sprite-to-sprite priority sorting (determining which sprite appears in front or behind another sprite) and sprite-to-background priority sorting (determining which sprite appears in front or behind a background layer).
• It could apply transparency effects to sprites and background layers using color math (adding, subtracting, or blending colors).

And because the PPU was also designed to be expandable, various enhancement chips could be integrated into game cartridges. These chips boosted the performance of the PPU or added new features to it. Some of the most notable enhancement chips were:

• The Super FX chip: enabled 3D polygon graphics and advanced 2D effects. It was used in games such as Star Fox, Stunt Race FX, and Yoshi’s Island.
• The SA-1 chip: increased the clock speed of the processor and added extra RAM and ROM. It was used in games such as Super Mario RPG, Kirby Super Star, and Kirby’s Dream Land 3.
• The DSP chip: improved the mathematical calculations of the processor and added extra sound channels. It was used in games such as Pilotwings, Super Mario Kart, and Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island.
• The Cx4 chip: enabled fast vector graphics and wireframe models. It was used in games such as Mega Man X2 and Mega Man X3.
• The S-DD1 chip: enabled data compression and decompression. It was used in games such as Star Ocean and Street Fighter Alpha 2.

And that’s not the end of the picture yet!

Nintendo consoles were also technically different in their regional models. The concept of regional locking played a significant role in Super Nintendo's game distribution strategy. Regional locking prevented games from one region from being played on consoles from another region. In essence, games were tied to specific geographical areas.

Super Nintendo employed a combination of hardware and software measures to implement regional locking. Each game cartridge contained a region code, which the console would check before allowing the game to run. If the region code on the cartridge did not match that of the console, the game would not be playable.

As such, game cartridges were instrumental in enforcing regional locking because they carried the necessary data to identify their origin. This allowed game publishers to control the release and distribution of their titles in different markets, ensuring that games were tailored to specific regions if necessary.

Super Nintendo Commercials

Game cartridges were not the only clever marketing strategy employed by Nintendo. Super Nintendo commercials also played an important yet creative part in the console’s marketing strategy.

They aimed to showcase the console’s features, games, and accessories, as well as to appeal to different types of gamers and audiences. There are tons of SNES commercials out there and can be easily found on YouTube.

Here are some examples of the Nintendo console commercials and what they were about:

SNES with Paul Rudd

This commercial featured a young Paul Rudd, who would later become a famous actor and comedian, playing Super Nintendo games on a giant screen in a parking lot. The advertisement highlighted the console’s 16-bit graphics, sound, and speed, as well as some of its popular games such as F-Zero, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Pilotwings. It used the slogan “Now you’re playing with power. Super power.” to emphasize the console’s superiority over its competitors. Check this video link and the commercial will automatically start at the selected time.

Super Mario Kart Animated

This commercial used animation to depict the characters and gameplay of Super Mario Kart, one of the most successful and influential racing games of all time. The advertisement showed Mario, Luigi, Yoshi, Princess Peach, Bowser, Donkey Kong Jr., and Koopa Troopa racing on various tracks and using items such as shells, bananas, and mushrooms to hinder their opponents. It used the slogan “The race is on!” to convey the excitement and fun of the game. Check this video link and the commercial will automatically start at the selected time.

Donkey Kong Country

This commercial promoted Donkey Kong Country, a groundbreaking platformer game that featured pre-rendered 3D graphics that looked realistic and impressive for its time. The advertisement showed a Nintendo executive visiting Rare, the developer of the game, and being amazed by the game’s visuals and gameplay. It used the slogan “The best-looking video game ever made” to boast about the game’s quality and appeal. Check this video link and the commercial will automatically start at the selected time.

Mortal Kombat

This commercial advertised Mortal Kombat, a controversial fighting game that featured violent and gory moves such as fatalities. It showed a crowd of people chanting “Mortal Kombat!” as they ran towards a store that sold the game. The advertisement also showed some gameplay footage of the game’s characters and moves, such as Sub-Zero’s spine rip and Scorpion’s spear. It used the slogan “Nothing can prepare you” to warn about the game’s intensity and challenge. Check this video link and the commercial will automatically start at the selected time.

Admittedly, these are just a few of the Super Nintendo commercials. The same video link has over 100+ dedicated creative SNES advertisements that combine to give a complete 1 hour of wholesome nostalgic moments. If you have time, we highly recommend to check them all out!

Super Nintendo Console Games

As there were different regional models for the Super Nintendo console, there were different numbers of games released for each region.

Although there is no confirmed list for the exact number of games released in each region, there are several approximations as per independent sources across the internet. The good thing is, all these approximations do not deviate much from each other and hence can be considered true.

The United States:

Total SNES Games Released: Approximately 700 games

Exclusive Titles: Around 100 games

Japan:

Total SNES Games Released: Approximately 1,400 games

Exclusive Titles: Around 900 games

PAL Regions:

Total SNES Games Released: Approximately 500 games

Exclusive Titles: Around 30 games

Some examples of regional exclusive Nintendo console titles are:

US exclusives: Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, Final Fantasy III, Kirby’s Dream Land 3, and Super Mario RPG.

Japanese exclusives: Dragon Ball Z: Hyper Dimension, Fire Emblem: Thracia 776, Front Mission: Gun Hazard, Seiken Densetsu 3, and Terranigma.

PAL exclusives: Adventures of Tintin: Prisoners of the Sun, Cannon Fodder, Daze before Christmas, Lucky Luke, Sensible Soccer, and Waterworld.

As seen above, every region has its own list of exclusive games. The use of regional lockout chips prevented games from being played on consoles from different regions. It was done to protect Nintendo’s market share and control over its products in different territories. However, this also meant that some games were exclusive to certain regions and could not be played by customers from other regions without using adapters or modifying their consoles.

After manufacturing, when the game cartridges were finally prepared for distribution, they were loaded with ROM chips containing the game's data. Each cartridge contained a region code, which the console would check before allowing the game to run. If the code did not match the console's region, the game would not be playable.

The Best Super Nintendo Games

Super Mario World

Super Mario World is a legendary 2D side-scrolling platformer that was released in 1990 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was both developed and published by Nintendo.

Super Mario World is both a single-player and multi-player game that follows Mario on his quest to save Princess Toadstool and the inhabitants of Dinosaur Land from the evil Bowser and his Koopalings. The story begins with Mario and Luigi taking a vacation to Dinosaur Land, where they discover that Bowser has kidnapped Princess Toadstool and her loyal subjects. It is up to Mario now to travel through different worlds, defeat Bowser's Koopalings, and save the princess.

Super Mario World's gameplay mechanics are both familiar and innovative. Mario can run, jump, and stomp on enemies as usual, but he also gains new abilities such as the ability to fly with the help of power-ups like the Cape Feather. Moreover, players also get to explore secret areas and hidden paths, collect power-ups and coins, and ride on Yoshi, a friendly dinosaur who helps Mario on his journey.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a beloved action-adventure game that was released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was both developed and published by Nintendo.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is a single-player game that follows the protagonist Link on his quest to save the land of Hyrule from the clutches of the evil wizard Agahnim and his dark forces. The game also introduces a parallel world called the Dark World, where Link must rescue seven maidens who are descendants of the Seven Sages. The story begins with Link waking up in his uncle's house, and hearing strange noises coming from the nearby castle. Upon investigation, Link finds his uncle mortally wounded, and he decides to take up his sword and shield to save the princess and restore peace to Hyrule. The journey takes Link through different lands and dungeons, where he gains new abilities, finds powerful weapons, and battles fierce enemies.

The gameplay features of A Link to the Past are a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. Players can explore Hyrule's vast overworld, find secret areas, and uncover hidden items. In the dungeons, players must solve puzzles to progress and defeat bosses to obtain valuable items, such as Master Sword.

Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart was released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo.

Super Mario Kart is a racing game that can be played in both single-player and multiplayer modes. In single-player mode, the player races against the computer, while in multiplayer mode, two players can race against each other. The plot of Super Mario Kart is simple. The player chooses one of eight characters from the Mario franchise to race against other characters on different tracks. The ultimate goal is to win all the races and become the champion.

Super Mario Kart was the first game in the Mario Kart series, and it introduced many gameplay features that have since become staples of the series. The game features eight playable characters, each with their unique attributes. The tracks are filled with obstacles and power-ups that players can use to gain an advantage over their opponents. One of the unique features of the game is the Mode 7 graphics, that allowed for 3D effects on the tracks. This effect made the game feel more realistic and immersive than other racing games of the time.

Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country was released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed by Rare and published by Nintendo.

Donkey Kong Country is a platform game that can be played in single-player mode or with a second player controlling Diddy Kong. The plot of Donkey Kong Country centers around Donkey Kong and his sidekick Diddy Kong's quest to reclaim their stolen banana hoard from the evil King K. Rool and his Kremling army. The player controls Donkey Kong through various levels in different environments, including the jungle, caves, and mines, facing different enemies along the way.

The game’s gameplay mechanics features innovative pre-rendered 3D graphics that were groundbreaking for the time. It also features a wide range of enemies, challenging bosses, and various hidden secrets in the levels. Donkey Kong Country introduced a unique mechanic where the player can switch between Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong, each with their own abilities, such as Diddy's cartwheel or Donkey's ground pound.

Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting

Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting was released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. The game was developed and published by Capcom and was released worldwide on different dates.

Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting is a one-on-one fighting game and can be played in both single-player and multiplayer modes. There is no plot as such in Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting. The game is a sequel to the original Street Fighter II and features the same cast of characters with the addition of four new characters. The game is set in a worldwide martial arts tournament where fighters from different parts of the world compete to become the world champion.

Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting features some exciting gameplay features that make it stand out from other fighting games. The game allows players to choose from twelve playable characters, each with their unique moves and combos. The game also introduced the turbo feature, which allowed players to increase the game speed by selecting a higher turbo level, making the game even more fast-paced and exciting. Additionally, the game features new moves and combos for each character, as well as an improved AI for computer-controlled opponents.

Super Metroid

Super Metroid is a classic action-adventure game that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994. It was developed by Nintendo R&D1 and Intelligent Systems and published by Nintendo.

Set after the events of the previous installment, Metroid II: Return of Samus, Super Metroid is a single-player game that follows the protagonist Samus Aran on her mission to retrieve a stolen Metroid specimen from the planet Zebes. Samus receives a distress signal from the scientists on the Ceres space colony, where they have discovered a stolen Metroid specimen.

Samus travels to the colony and defeats Ridley, one of the Space Pirates who stole the Metroid. However, the Metroid is taken by the evil Mother Brain, and Samus must travel to the planet Zebes to stop the Space Pirates and retrieve the Metroid.

The gameplay features of Super Metroid are a mix of exploration, puzzle-solving, and combat. The game takes place in a vast interconnected world, where players must use Samus's abilities and weapons to overcome obstacles and defeat enemies. As players progress through the game, they gain new abilities, such as the ability to run, jump, and shoot in multiple directions.

Star Fox

Released in 1993 and developed by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, Star Fox is a shoot-'em-up game that was played from a third-person perspective.

The game is primarily single-player, but there are two-player modes available as well, including a cooperative mode where two players can team up to tackle the game's various levels. In Star Fox, players control Fox McCloud, the leader of the Star Fox team, as they try to stop the evil Andross from taking over the Lylat system. Andross, who had been exiled from the system many years ago, has returned and has begun to take over the planets in the Lylat system with his army of robots and minions. With the help of his team, which includes Falco Lombardi, Peppy Hare, and Slippy Toad, Fox must pilot his spacecraft, the Arwing, through various levels and battle Andross's forces to save the galaxy from his evil plans.

Star Fox's gameplay was revolutionary for its time, thanks to the use of 3D polygon graphics that made the game feel more immersive and realistic than other games of the time. The player controls the Arwing spacecraft, which is equipped with lasers and bombs to defeat enemies and can also perform barrel rolls and other maneuvers to dodge incoming fire. The game consists of several levels, each with its own set of enemies and obstacles, and the player must defeat a boss at the end of each level to progress. There are also hidden paths and alternate routes on some levels, adding to the game's replayability.

Chrono Trigger

Chrono Trigger is a classic role-playing game (RPG) that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1995. It was developed and published by Square in Japan and by both Square and Nintendo in North America.

Chrono Trigger is a single-player game that follows the time-traveling adventures of a group of heroes who must prevent a catastrophic event that threatens to destroy the world. The plot is set in a fictional world where time travel is possible. The story follows a young boy named Crono, who is joined by a cast of characters from different time periods as they journey through time to prevent the end of the world. The game features multiple endings, depending on the player's choices and actions throughout the game.

The gameplay mechanics of Chrono Trigger are a combination of turn-based and real-time combat, with the ability to see enemies on the field before engaging in battle. The game also features a unique battle system that allows players to combine attacks and abilities from multiple characters, creating powerful and unleashing devastating combo attacks.

Super Castlevania IV

Super Castlevania IV is a classic action-adventure platform game that was released for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991. Developed and published by Konami, it was one of the first SNES games to feature 16-bit graphics, which were a significant improvement over the previous 8-bit era.

It is a single-player game and follows the story of Simon Belmont, a member of the Belmont clan, who is on a mission to defeat Dracula and his army of monsters. Set in Transylvania, the game takes players through a series of levels, each with its own unique enemies and obstacles. Along the way, players collect power-ups and upgrades to enhance Simon's abilities and help him in his quest.

The gameplay in Super Castlevania IV is similar to other games in the series, with players navigating through levels and battling enemies using a whip and various sub-weapons such as axes, holy water, and boomerangs. The game also introduces new mechanics such as the ability to whip in eight directions, making it easier to defeat enemies from different angles. Additionally, players can use a button to hold Simon's whip in place, allowing for more precise attacks and maneuvering.

Final Fantasy VI

Final Fantasy VI, also known as Final Fantasy III in North America, was both developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1994.

Final Fantasy VI is a single-player role-playing game. It belongs to the Japanese-style RPG genre, which lays an emphasis on character development, exploration, and storytelling. Final Fantasy VI takes place in a world called the World of Balance, where a powerful empire, the Gestahlian Empire, has gained control over most of the world's resources, including magic.

The player takes control of a group of rebels called the Returners, who seek to overthrow the Empire and restore magic to the world. Along the way, they must also confront the mysterious and powerful villain, Kefka.

The game features a unique cast of characters, each with their own distinct abilities and storylines. The game's combat system is turn-based, allowing players to choose actions for their characters during each round of battle. The game also introduces the concept of "Espers," magical beings that can be equipped with characters to grant them new abilities and spells.

Super Punch-Out!!

Super Punch-Out!! is a boxing game that was first released in 1994 by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It is the fourth game in the Punch-Out!! series and a sequel to the popular NES game, Punch-Out!!

Super Punch-Out!! is a single-player game with a genre of sports, specifically boxing. The game has a total of three modes: the single-player mode, time attack mode, and practice mode. The single-player mode is where you play through the game's story mode, while time attack mode is a speed run of the game, and practice mode is where you can practice your boxing skills. The game has a simple yet exciting plot. You play as Little Mac, a young and ambitious boxer who wants to make a name for himself in the boxing world. As you progress through the game, you will face a series of tough opponents, each with its own unique fighting style and moves.

The gameplay of Super Punch-Out!! is fast-paced, intense, and requires skill and strategy. The game features a total of 16 opponents, each with their own unique fighting style and moves. The player must learn the opponent's moves and counter them accordingly to win. The game also features a special meter that fills up as the player lands punches, and once full, allows the player to unleash a powerful "super punch."

EarthBound

Earthbound was released in 1994 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed by Ape Inc. and HAL Laboratory, and published by Nintendo.

Earthbound is a single-player, role-playing game (RPG) that is known for its quirky and offbeat humor. Players control a young boy named Ness, who must team up with other characters to battle enemies and save the world. The plot of Earthbound is centered around a group of four children - Ness, Paula, Jeff, and Poo - who are tasked with saving the world from an alien invasion. The story is set in a fictional version of 1990s America and is filled with strange and surreal characters and settings. Along the way, the group must battle a variety of bizarre enemies, including hippies, robots, and aliens.

Earthbound's gameplay features turn-based battles with a unique rolling HP meter, which allows players to recover health by timing their button presses correctly. The game also features a wide variety of weapons, armor, and items that players can use to help them in battle. One of the most notable features of Earthbound is its emphasis on humor and quirky characters, which sets it apart from other RPGs of its time.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is a 1996 game developed by Square and published by Nintendo for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

Super Mario RPG is a single-player role-playing game. It is a unique hybrid of the Mario and RPG genres, where players control Mario and his friends as they explore the Mushroom Kingdom and battle enemies in turn-based combat. The game begins with Mario receiving a letter from Princess Toadstool, inviting him to the Mushroom Kingdom. Upon his arrival, he discovers that the evil Smithy Gang has stolen the seven Star Pieces from Star Road, causing wishes to no longer come true. Together with his new friends Mallow and Geno, as well as old allies like Princess Toadstool and Bowser, Mario sets out to retrieve the Star Pieces and restore peace to the land.

Super Mario RPG features traditional RPG elements such as leveling up, equipment upgrades, and turn-based battles. However, it also incorporates platforming and action sequences in the exploration and puzzle-solving parts of the game. The game also introduces timed button presses during combat to enhance attacks and defense. Additionally, Mario can recruit other party members along the way, each with their unique abilities and strengths.

Contra III: The Alien Wars

Contra III: The Alien Wars was released in 1992 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed and published by Konami.

Contra III: The Alien Wars is a run-and-gun game that can be played either in single-player or cooperative two-player mode. The plot revolves around two soldiers, Bill and Lance, who are on a mission to save the world from an alien invasion. The game is set in the year 2636, and the aliens have taken over the world's largest cities, leaving the world in chaos. The soldiers must fight their way through the aliens' forces to reach the alien mothership and destroy it.

The gameplay features various weapons and power-ups that the players can collect along the way. The weapons range from machine guns to flamethrowers, and the power-ups include shields and rapid-fire. The game has six levels, each with its own unique enemies and bosses. The levels include a cityscape, a jungle, and an alien spacecraft.

F-Zero

F-Zero was released in 1990 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System and was developed and published by Nintendo.

F-Zero is a racing game and has both single-player and multiplayer modes. The game is set in the future, and players can choose from four futuristic hovercars to race in. The game takes place in the year 2560 when a group of wealthy businessmen creates a new racing tournament called the F-Zero Grand Prix. The tournament features the most advanced hovercars and the best racers from all around the galaxy. The player takes on the role of one of these racers and competes in a series of high-speed races.

F-Zero features fast-paced gameplay with smooth and responsive controls. The game has a unique mechanic called the "G-Diffuser System," which allows players to control their hovercars' speed and maneuverability by managing their energy levels. Players can also collect power-ups that give them a temporary boost in speed or help them recover from collisions.

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is a classic platformer game that has been enjoyed by gamers for generations. Developed and published by Capcom, the game was first released in 1991 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System.

It is a single-player game with a focus on fast-paced, challenging gameplay. The plot follows the brave knight Arthur as he sets out to rescue his princess from the clutches of an evil demon lord. Along the way, he battles hordes of monsters and demons through various levels, including forests, caves, and graveyards. One of the unique features of Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts is its punishing difficulty level. The game is infamous for its high level of challenge, with many obstacles and enemies that require quick reflexes and precise platforming skills to overcome. Arthur's armor can also be stripped away, leaving him vulnerable to attacks and forcing him to start from the beginning of the level.

Super Ghouls 'n Ghosts features a wide variety of enemies, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Arthur has access to various weapons, including swords, axes, and lances, as well as magic spells that can help him defeat the toughest foes.

Mega Man X

Mega Man X was released in December 1993 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed and published by Capcom worldwide, with Nintendo publishing it in Europe.

Mega Man X is a single-player action-platformer game. The game's primary mode is the single-player story mode, where players control Mega Man X in his mission to stop the rogue Maverick robots. The story takes place in the year 21XX, 100 years after the events of the original Mega Man series. The world is now inhabited by both humans and advanced robots known as Reploids. However, some Reploids have turned rogue and become Maverick, causing chaos and destruction. The government has established a special task force, the Maverick Hunters, to combat the Maverick threat. The game's protagonist, Mega Man X, is a new type of robot, designed by Dr. Light to be able to think, feel, and make decisions on his own. He joins the Maverick Hunters to help stop the rogue robots and their leader, Sigma.

The gameplay in Mega Man X features several new elements compared to the original Mega Man series. The game introduces new gameplay mechanics, such as dashing, wall climbing, and charging Mega Man X's primary weapon, the X-Buster. The game also features a new armor system, where players can collect armor pieces to improve Mega Man X's abilities. The game's eight main stages can be played in any order, and at the end of each stage, players face a Maverick boss. Each boss has its unique abilities and weaknesses, making the game's combat more strategic.

Secret of Mana

Secret of Mana was developed and published by Square for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 1993.

It is a single-player action role-playing game that takes place in a fantasy world. The game allows players to control three different characters and switch between them on the fly, which was a unique feature at the time of its release. The game is set in a world where an ancient civilization used a powerful tool called the Mana Fortress to control the power of Mana. However, they lost control of the Fortress, causing it to unleash a massive amount of Mana into the world, which resulted in monsters appearing all over the world. The player takes on the role of a young boy who is entrusted with the task of finding the eight Mana seeds to restore balance to the world and prevent the Mana Fortress from being used for evil purposes.

The game features real-time battles that take place in a side-scrolling perspective. The player can use a variety of weapons, magic spells, and items to defeat enemies and progress through the game. The game also features a unique Ring Command menu system that allows players to select spells, items, and weapons quickly.

Super Street Fighter II

Super Street Fighter II was first released in 1993 for the arcade and then later on for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. It was developed and published by Capcom.

Super Street Fighter II is a fighting game that can be played in both single-player and multiplayer modes. It features a roster of twelve characters that the player can choose to play with. The game's plot revolves around the Street Fighter tournament, where fighters from all around the world gather to compete against each other to become the ultimate champion. This tournament is organized by M. Bison, the leader of the criminal organization Shadaloo. As the player progresses through the game, they must defeat a variety of opponents to reach the final boss, M. Bison.

Super Street Fighter II's gameplay features a unique combination of special moves, combos, and super moves that allow players to execute devastating attacks. The game also introduced the "Super Combo" system, which allows players to perform a powerful combo attack after filling up their super meter. The gameplay is fast-paced and requires quick reflexes and strategic thinking to outsmart opponents.

Yoshi's Island

Yoshi’s Island is a classic retro game that is still loved by many gamers to this day. Developed by Nintendo and released in 1995 for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, this game took the platformer genre to new heights with its unique art style, charming characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. Yoshi’s Island was developed by Nintendo EAD and published by Nintendo.

Yoshi’s Island is a platform game that can be played in single-player mode. The game story takes place before the events of the Super Mario Bros. series. The player takes control of Yoshi, who must protect Baby Mario and Baby Luigi from the evil Kamek and his minions. The game’s levels are filled with obstacles and enemies that Yoshi must overcome in order to keep the babies safe and progress through the game.

One of the game’s most unique features is the ability to play as Yoshi, who has the ability to swallow enemies and turn them into eggs that can be thrown at other enemies or used to solve puzzles. Yoshi also has the ability to flutter jump, which allows him to stay in the air for a short period of time and reach higher platforms. The game also introduces new power-ups and abilities, such as the ability to transform into different vehicles or animals.

Super Nintendo Is Still Sought After

Decades have passed since the initial release of the Nintendo Console; however, the retro console still continues to hold an unwavering grip on the hearts of gamers worldwide. This 16-bit marvel stands as an iconic symbol of the golden age of gaming, and for good reasons:

Iconic Popularity and Nostalgic Value:

Super Nintendo's popularity during its heyday was unrivaled, one that successfully captured the imagination of millions of players across the globe. Selling over 49 million units, the console’s groundbreaking games and innovative graphics enchanted a generation, and subsequently, left an indelible mark on their gaming experiences.

Today, those who grew up with the Super Nintendo yearn to relive the magic of their childhood, evoking fond memories of gaming sessions with friends and family. The console's nostalgic value not only sparks joy in veteran gamers but also piques the curiosity of younger generations, eager to explore the roots of modern gaming.

Pure Fun and Creative Challenges:

At its core, the Super Nintendo is a celebration of pure fun and creative gameplay. Unlike modern gaming consoles that boast photorealistic graphics and complex mechanics, the Super Nintendo embraced simplicity and elegance.

Games like "Super Mario World," "The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past," and "Super Metroid" epitomized this philosophy, immersing players in whimsical worlds filled with imaginative puzzles and thrilling adventures. The console's limitations inspired developers to think creatively, resulting in innovative gameplay mechanics that have stood the test of time.

Timeless Legacy and Cultural Impact:

The impact of Super Nintendo on popular culture cannot be understated. Its characters and franchises, from Mario and Link to Donkey Kong and Samus Aran, have become household names and cultural icons.

The console's timeless legacy has transcended gaming, seeping into various forms of media, merchandise, and even theme park attractions. Super Nintendo's influence echoes in the hearts of gamers and extends to the broader world of entertainment.

Enduring Community and Collectors' Passion:

The passion for the Super Nintendo extends beyond mere nostalgia; it thrives in a vibrant community of collectors, enthusiasts, and retro gaming fans. Collectors seek to preserve the console's history by acquiring original hardware and games.

Super Nintendo's allure lies not only in its gaming library but also in the unique physicality of its game cartridges, making it a tangible connection to the past. The community's dedication ensures that Super Nintendo's legacy remains alive and cherished.

Bridging Generational Gaps:

The Super Nintendo has the remarkable ability to bridge generational gaps, uniting parents who once played the console with their children who are now discovering its magic. Parents passing down their beloved SNES consoles and games to the next generation creates a beautiful cycle of shared experiences and familial bonds.

The timeless charm of Super Nintendo games fosters a shared language of joy, allowing families to come together in the pursuit of gaming adventures and nostalgia.

Evoking a Sense of Adventure and Wonder:

In a fast-paced and ever-changing world, the Super Nintendo offers an escape to simpler times, where adventure and wonder await at every turn. The console's games transport players to fantastical realms, encouraging them to explore, discover, and overcome challenges.

The sense of wonder that the Super Nintendo inspires extends beyond the virtual world, serving as a reminder that gaming can be a portal to boundless creativity and joy.

Modded or Region Free Super Nintendo Consoles

The Super Nintendo was one of the first consoles to use region locking, a practice that prevented games from being played on consoles from different regions.

In the golden age of gaming, Super Nintendo enthralled players worldwide with its captivating library of games. However, regional locking was a double-edged sword. Although it served Nintendo's interests but also caused an uproar among the global gaming community.

Enthusiasts yearned to explore every possible SNES game, but the barriers imposed by region locking made this dream seem unattainable. Nevertheless, the fervent passion of SNES enthusiasts could not be suppressed by these limitations.

Enterprising SNES enthusiasts, therefore, embarked on a quest to free their consoles from the shackles of regional restrictions. They sought ingenious solutions to make their Super Nintendo consoles region-free, enabling them to play games from any part of the world.

Modding, short for modification, emerged as a beacon of hope for gamers yearning for regional freedom. Modding involved altering the console's hardware or firmware to unlock its potential and bypass region locking.

One of the most popular mods for the Nintendo console is the SuperCIC mod, which replaces the original lockout chip with a custom chip that can detect and switch between regions automatically. The SuperCIC mod also allows the console to run at 60 Hz regardless of the region, which improves the gameplay speed and smoothness. The SuperCIC mod can also be combined with other mods, such as the uIGR (universal in-game reset) mod, which adds a reset button to the controller, or the Borti4938 boards, which add dual frequency oscillators (DFOs) and RGB bypasses to improve the video quality.

Creating a region-free Super Nintendo often required ingenuity and creativity. Some enthusiasts resorted to crafting custom-designed shells for their consoles. These unique shells housed the modded components and, in some cases, allowed for additional features like RGB output, enhancing the visual experience. As such, the process of crafting a new shell was akin to an artistic endeavor, as gamers designed and assembled a bespoke casing to house their “liberated” console.

While hardware mods like mod chips were popular, software-based mods also emerged as viable alternatives. Enthusiasts devised software patches or modified game cartridges that tricked the console into believing it was playing a game from the correct region. This ingenious approach offered a simpler solution for those hesitant to tamper with their console's hardware.

Moreover, some creative modders even incorporated physical switches into their Nintendo consoles, allowing them to toggle between different regions effortlessly. This innovation gave gamers the freedom to choose the region they wanted to play, all without the need for internal modifications.

Additionally, cartridge adapters were also designed to overcome region locking, enabling gamers to play imported games on their region-specific consoles. Using an adapter involves inserting a device between the game cartridge and the console that tricks the console into thinking that the game is from the same region. This can be done by using a simple pass-through adapter that connects the pins of different regions or using a more advanced adapter that has its own lockout chip or enhancement chip.

Some of the most popular adapters for the SNES are the Fire Converter, which allows playing Japanese games on a US console; the Super UFO Pro 8, which allows playing games from any region as well as backup games from an SD card; and the SD2SNES Pro (or FXPAK Pro), which allowed playing games from any region as well as games that use enhancement chips such as Super FX or SA-1.

Unsurprisingly, the region-free Super Nintendo consoles created a new realm of gaming possibilities. Cult classics and obscure gems from far-flung regions became accessible, fostering a sense of community and cultural exchange among gamers worldwide.

Where to Buy Super Nintendo

Now, if you are looking for a Super Nintendo, you have two options: you can either visit a physical store or shop online.

However, finding a physical store that sells Nintendo consoles is like finding a needle in a haystack. The Super Nintendo is a retro console that was released in the early '90s, and most physical stores do not carry it anymore. You might have some luck in specialty stores, thrift shops, flea markets, or garage sales, but you will have to spend a lot of time and effort searching for them. You will also have to check the condition and functionality of the console before buying it, as well