What is the Super Nintendo?
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a home console by Nintendo, released in 1990 in Japan and 1992 in Europe. With more than 49 million units sold, it was the dominant home console of the early nineties — and one of the most beloved consoles in retro gaming circles.
The SNES library is renowned for its extraordinary quality: Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger — all games that are still considered masterpieces today. That’s also why original SNES cartridges have risen in price; demand is high.
Technically the SNES is simple: robust hardware, cartridges that almost always still work, and parts that remain widely available after more than thirty years. Yellowed plastic is a common issue, though.
Editions of the Super Nintendo
| Edition | Year | Region | Size | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Super Famicom (SFC) | 1990 | Japan | Rounded design | Import fans, cheaper |
| SNES (PAL) | 1992 | Europe | More angular design | European collections ✅ |
| SNES (NTSC) | 1991 | North America | More angular design | American titles |
| SNES Mini (Classic) | 2017 | Worldwide | Mini (modern re-release) | Beginners without soldering |
Advice: For retro gaming: go for the PAL SNES. It runs at the right frequency for modern TVs (50Hz). The Super Famicom is cheaper but some PAL games won’t work on it without an adapter.
Getting started {#getting-started}
Here’s what you need to play today:
- Power adapter — The SNES uses its own adapter; note that PAL and NTSC versions have different plugs
- SCART or AV cable — The SNES has excellent RGB output via SCART. On modern TVs use a SCART-to-HDMI converter
- Games — Original PAL cartridges work straight away; watch the battery in RPG saves
The SNES has one of the best RGB outputs of its generation. Invest in a good SCART cable — the picture is much sharper than composite. An upscaler like the RetroTINK gives even better results on modern screens.
Most popular games
Super Mario World
The perfect platformer, bundled with the console.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
Everything a Zelda game should be.
Super Metroid
Atmospheric masterpiece — the foundation of a genre.
Chrono Trigger
Arguably the greatest JRPG ever made.
Donkey Kong Country
A graphical marvel and a great game to boot.
Super Mario Kart
Where it all began.
F-Zero
Blazing fast racing — Mode 7 at its finest.
Where to find games?
Physical
- Second-hand marketplaces — Largest selection; popular titles have become pricey
- Thrift stores — Less common than PS2 games, but worth keeping an eye out
- A specialist retro game shop — Reliable stock
- Retro gaming fairs — A goldmine for SNES collectors
Many SNES RPGs (like Zelda and Chrono Trigger) save your progress via a small internal battery in the cartridge. After thirty years that battery is often dead. Replacing it is a small job — but don't forget to check before you lose hours of progress to a disappearing save.
Digital: Everdrive or SD2SNES
An Everdrive (or SD2SNES) is a cartridge that loads games from an SD card. Handy for trying out titles or for the extensive Japanese library that never came to Europe.
SNES games on AmazonCommon problems & fixes
- No picture or grey screen on startup → Dirty cartridge connector. Clean with isopropyl alcohol. → Clean the connector
- Save game disappears → Internal cartridge battery is dead. Cheap fix. → Replace cartridge battery
- Housing yellowed/brown → Yellowed plastic. Retrobright removes it. → Remove yellowing
- Buttons sticky or unresponsive → Rubber membranes worn out. → Replace membranes
- SNES won’t start → Check the power adapter or fuse
Mods & upgrades
- Install an Everdrive or SD2SNES — Play the entire SNES library via a single cartridge. → Set up Everdrive
- Region mod — Make your PAL SNES compatible with Japanese and American cartridges. Requires a small modification to the cartridge slot
- RGB cable upgrade — Get the most out of your retro setup’s display
- Remove yellowing — Retrobright treatment restores the original colour
Homebrew
The SNES has an active homebrew community. Via an Everdrive or SD2SNES you can run homebrew games and demos directly. New SNES games are still being released today — made by fans with a love for the system.
Over thirty years old, and the SNES library is still at the top of every list. There’s a reason everyone wants one.