Why Super Nintendo is the Retro Gaming Gold?

​The 16-bit era of gaming was a time of pure magic. Titles ranging from Super Mario World to The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, all carved a special place in the hearts of many gamers. In other words, the 90s were simply a period of innovation and creativity that saw the birth of iconic characters, new gameplay mechanics, and the evolution of the gaming industry as we know it today.

But because this era is long gone now, it's easy to become nostalgic for a simpler time when games were just about having fun. Many millennials yearn for the days of their youth when they could spend hours exploring fantasy realms without a care in the world. It seems like only yesterday that we were lost in the jungles of Donkey Kong Country, but the reality is that time has mercilessly flown by in the blink of an eye!

Since the modern gaming industry is becoming increasingly demanding, both in terms of hardware requirements and price, it's no surprise that many players are looking for a way to escape the never-ending cycle of upgrades and expenses. Consequently, modern gaming has lost some of its charms, with many players feeling like games have become a burden on their wallets and minds.

And this is why the world of retro gaming has become a haven for those seeking a simpler, more enjoyable gaming experience. As such, Super Nintendo is the retro gaming gold that stands the test of time, and it's not hard to see why. From its iconic library of games to its satisfying gaming experience, Super Nintendo remains a fan-favorite among retro gaming enthusiasts. So, let's take a trip down memory lane and explore why Super Nintendo is the ultimate retro gaming console!

What is Super Nintendo?

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System was a home video game console released in 1990 by Nintendo. It succeeded the original Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and was part of the fourth generation of home video game consoles. It is commonly referred to as the SNES or Super Nintendo for short.

The SNES console was known by different names in different regions. In Japan, it was called the Super Famicom, and in South Korea, it was called the Super Comboy. Moreover, in North America, Europe, and the rest of the world, it was known as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). The console was launched with a range of exciting games, including Super Mario World and F-Zero, and had an introductory price of $199.99.

The SNES improved on its predecessor in many ways, including enhanced graphics and sound capabilities, faster processing speeds, and improved controllers. Its specs included a 16-bit processor, 128 kilobytes of RAM, a 15-bit RBG color palette, and a 64 KB VRAM.

It primarily competed with the SEGA Genesis, which was released two years earlier than the SNES. However, Super Nintendo ultimately won the console war, selling over 49 million units worldwide!

Moreover, the SNES had a huge library of games, with many classics still enjoyed by gamers today. Some of the best-selling titles on the SNES include Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Kart, Street Fighter II, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. These games have left a lasting legacy and continue to be celebrated by fans worldwide.

As such, the SNES was hugely popular during its lifespan and was ultimately succeeded by the Nintendo 64 in 1996. As of today, the SNES is no longer in production and was discontinued in the early 2000s. However, you can always buy the Super Nintendo at Retro Gaming Stores.

How Super Nintendo Outshined Its Competition?

During the 16-bit era of gaming, there were a few consoles that competed with the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES). These included the SEGA Genesis, NEC's TurboGrafx-16, and the Atari Jaguar. However, the SNES stood out from the rest in many ways.

It had an impressive unit sale of over 49 million units worldwide, making it one of the most popular consoles of all time. Its competition, in comparison, did not fare well. SEGA’s Genesis sold 35 million console units worldwide while NEC’s TurboGrafix-16 managed to sold about only 7.6 million console units. Atari Jaguar, however, did not even manage to reach 150K unit sales.

Nintendo had a clear advantage over the competition during the 16-bit era. The SNES had a vast library of games, including many exclusive titles, which drew players to the console.

For example, the arcade hit title Street Fighter II was quickly ported to the SNES while it took more than a year for it to be ported to the SEGA Genesis. This allowed the SNES to establish itself as the go-to console for arcade-style fighting games. The release of Donkey Kong Country also played a significant role in the SNES's dominance over the competition. The game was a technical marvel for its time, showcasing the SNES's capabilities and ultimately helping establish the retro console's prominence in the market.

Moreover, the SNES's unique controller design was also a standout feature, with its directional pad and four face buttons becoming the standard for many future console controllers. The SNES controller was highly praised for its responsiveness and ease of use, providing a highly satisfying console gaming experience overall.

As such, the SNES's impact on the gaming industry was significant and continues to be felt today. Many classic SNES games have been remastered or re-released on modern consoles, while spiritual successors to popular SNES franchises have also been developed.  

10 Best Super Nintendo Games

Ah, the best part of this article! The 16-bit era was a time when games were all about fun, creativity, and imaginative storytelling. Super Nintendo had a huge library of games with unique plots, soundtracks, and gameplay that still hold up today. So, without further ado, let's dive into the top 10 Super Nintendo games!

1.    Super Mario World: Developed in 1990 by Nintendo, this classic platformer game introduced Yoshi and featured vibrant levels, hidden secrets, as well as power-ups that still feel satisfying to this day.

2.    The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past: Developed by Nintendo in 1991, this open-world game is the third installment of the iconic Zelda series, introducing a parallel world mechanic, an epic story, and creative puzzles that challenge players to this day.

3.    Super Metroid: Developed by Nintendo in 1994, this game set the bar for 2D platformers with its non-linear exploration, puzzle-solving, and rewarding combat mechanics.

4.    Chrono Trigger: Developed by Square in 1995, this game is a time-traveling RPG with multiple endings, stunning visuals, a memorable soundtrack, and a cast of characters that players still adore to this day.

5.    Donkey Kong Country: Developed by Rare in 1994, this game revolutionized the platformer genre with its stunning graphics, catchy music, and innovative use of pre-rendered graphics.

6.    Super Mario RPG: Co-developed by Nintendo and Square in 1996, this game features a unique blend of turn-based combat, platforming, and an engaging story with classic Mario characters.

7.    Street Fighter II: Developed by Capcom in 1991, this game popularized the fighting game genre with its memorable characters, combo mechanics, and competitive multiplayer modes.

8.    Super Castlevania IV: Developed by Konami in 1991, this game set a new standard for the Castlevania series with its haunting music, intricate level design, and challenging boss fights.

9.    EarthBound: Developed by Nintendo in 1995, this quirky RPG takes place in a modern setting with a unique sense of humor and a heartwarming story that still resonates with fans.

10. Super Punch-Out!!: Developed by Nintendo in 1994, this game vastly improved on the original Punch-Out!! with faster gameplay, more characters, and memorable animations.

As seen above, each of these games brought something unique to the Super Nintendo console and the gaming industry as a whole. From platformers to RPGs to fighting games, there was something for everyone. Hence, it is no wonder that these games have stood the test of time and continue to be loved by gamers of all ages.

Present Day and Super Nintendo

As of today, it has been over two decades since the discontinuation of the Super Nintendo. The console that once brought joy to millions of gamers worldwide is now a distant memory, a relic of the past. While the world has moved on, the charm of this retro console still lingers on in the hearts of its fans.

Finding a Super Nintendo console today is no easy task. It has become increasingly rare and expensive, and those who do own it usually store it away for fear of damaging it due to a lack of replacement parts. As such, this console has become a coveted collector's item, a testament to the impact it had on the gaming industry.

However, despite its discontinuation, the games of Super Nintendo still have a strong presence in the gaming world. They continue to be played and enjoyed by gamers of all ages, thanks to the power of emulation and the availability of ROMs. However, nothing can match the experience of playing these games on the original console with its unique controller, the way it was meant to be played.

While the days of Super Nintendo may be long gone, the passion of retro enthusiasts is keeping its legacy alive. Efforts are underway to bring back replacement parts to revive old consoles, and retro gaming stores are popping up to cater to those who yearn to relive the good old days of gaming.

As such, if you need one, you can always buy a durable SNES Replacement Shell at Retro Gaming Stores.

Final Thoughts

In conclusion, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System was more than just a console. It was a gateway to a world of adventure, joy, and nostalgia that captured the hearts of a generation. Its unique controller design, its huge library of games, and its impact on the gaming industry make it a timeless classic that will always be remembered. The 16-bit era was a golden age of gaming, and SNES was its shining star.

Do you have any fond memories of playing SNES? Share your thoughts with us and let us know what made this console so special for you in the comments below!