- Super Nintendo Classic Games List
- Super Nintendo Classic Mini Game Console
- Super Nintendo Classic Mini
Riding high on the success (and mind-boggling scarcity) of the NES Classic Edition, Nintendo surprised no one with the announcement of the SNES Classic Edition, a tiny version of the classic Super Nintendo console that comes with 21 of its greatest hits built in. But a few new features and departures from the original make it a distinct product — and one very much worth your $80.
At a glance
- 21 games built-in
- HDMI out
- USB powered
- Comes with two controllers
- $80, available September 29
All the bits
So. I’m an SNES guy.
I’ve had the same SNES since I was a kid — it’s all beat to hell, pieces missing off the back, bite marks on the controllers, and yellowed with age, and of course filthy. But it still works like a charm, and I still play it regularly. I love that thing, and I’m as familiar as one can get with the hardware and feel of the games.
I’m happy to say that the SNES CE (as we’ll abbreviate it) nails it, with a few mostly aesthetic exceptions.
First, let’s talk about the device itself. It’s a miniature SNES, obviously, and very like the original it is, though considerably smaller. But as with the NES CE, the imitation only goes so far. The power button is the same as the original, and the reset button also works.
But the eject button is fake, and the cartridge slot doesn’t actually open. I mean, why would either of those things work? Still, it’s a little disappointing that Nintendo didn’t think of some creative way to include them in the device’s function.
The only major problem I have is that the front of the device has to flip off in an awkward way to expose the controller ports. I suppose this was done to preserve the SNES shell, but what’s the point if it has to ruin that whole look any time you actually use it? Not only that, but it isn’t even properly hinged — just a plastic snap and a plastic strip that flexes and holds the front piece on.
I predict a wireless setup that fits here, replacing the front piece and connecting to both controller ports. If someone isn’t making it already… better start now.
Fortunately, the controllers aren’t subject to the same form-over-function criticism. The truth is you’d be hard pressed to tell them apart from the originals — they probably went back to the original molds. And like the NES CE’s controllers, the feel is spot-on: the buttons and gamepad have the same look and feel, although the latter is a bit stiffer on the new ones. Probably because it hasn’t been mashed for 20 years straight.
The only real difference is the cord, which is longer and thinner than the originals’ (6 vs 8 feet) — much better than the 3-foot cords on the NES CE. And, of course, you get two. Two. Two controllers in the box. This was a huge oversight with the NES CE and has been remedied here.
Playing with super power
If you’re not familiar with the device, here’s how it works. You plug it in, connect the HDMI cable, and turn it on — after a basic initial setup of language and time, you’re in.
Pick a game by sliding through the list and it launches immediately. Power off when done, or hit reset to return to the menu, where you can save the current state of the game down to the frame in one of four slots for each title. That way you can keep a save state of before you go into a dungeon and one you use right before a boss, and one before a part you want to play with a friend. They’re all independent of one another.
A new feature in the SNES CE is the “Rewind” function. Select a game suspend state (say the boss one) and instead of hitting start, hit X. The game will start up some amount of time before you hit reset. You can then skip forward and back in time with the R and L buttons. This is in case you want to go back to before an enemy encounter you messed up but don’t want to load up your save from half an hour back.
How much time you have to peruse, and the granularity of the jumps, differs by game. In Kirby Super Star and other action games, it gave me 40-50 seconds to skip through, 10 seconds at a time. But in Final Fantasy III and other RPGs, I had a full five minutes, and went through a minute at a time. Probably because mistakes play out at a slower pace in those games.
It’s a handy feature, but a bit cumbersome to activate if you’re just looking to redo the last minute or two. Those of us who have played on emulators for years are used to unlimited rewind and constant quicksaving, which Nintendo could probably do — but it kind of goes against the spirit of the thing. They want you to play these games like you did on the original, minus some headaches.
Speaking of emulation, I haven’t spotted any unusual artifacts, and those I did spot I could replicate on my original SNES — so it seems the emulator Nintendo has put together here is of equal quality to the NES CE. The palettes seem bright, and there are no changes to the games themselves (e.g. fixing glitches).
In comparing Mario Kart to its original SNES twin, I feel like I noticed a very slight difference in timing on the controls, but I couldn’t be sure. It’s possible I’m just not used to this TV or the high-def presentation. If there is a difference in, say, input lag, and I don’t have the equipment to test and be sure, it’s definitely very small.
As with its predecessor, the SNES CE gives you a choice between three graphics modes: 4:3, which is the ever-so-slightly wider view you likely experienced the games in originally; Pixel perfect, which doesn’t distort the view at all and shows the pixels as squares; and CRT filter, which adds scanlines to a 4:3 picture.
Now, on the NES CE, I preferred either 4:3 or Pixel Perfect, depending on the game. The analog TV filter on that console seemed to me overly heavy, degrading the signal more than was strictly necessary.
On the SNES CE, however, I find that both of those modes make the art look far blockier than I remember. I know it’s just an illusion, but the scanlines to my eye actually appeared to enhance detail rather than obscure it. I switched back and forth in a particularly rich scene in Final Fantasy III, and it was like night and day. I can’t really explain it; it may be as much the art styles used (more detail, more colors, more curves) but whatever the case, I urge you to at least try scanlines. Your mileage, of course, may vary.
There are also backgrounds you can choose, since no matter what you do, you can’t get an SNES game to fill a whole 16:9 TV. Some are static, and I wasn’t really into it. But others act like bias lighting, changing to reflect the dominant colors of the scene. For some games this might be distracting, but you should at least give it a try to see if it’s your thing. Since the games only take up a bright square (or 4:3 area) in the center of the screen, I thought it helped take the edge off (literally).
One last feature worth mentioning is Your Demo. If you let the console sit for a minute or so, it’ll switch to an attract mode showing off a game — in fact, your actual gameplay. While this is entertaining, it doesn’t have much logic, and you’re as likely to see yourself sitting in a pause screen while you looked up a FAQ as you are to see some triumphant boss fight. It would have been nice to be able to save the last 30 seconds as one of these demos when you hit reset.
Who is this for? Why not use the original SNES?
Here’s the thing. I have an SNES and I still use it. But the truth is that video output, even at its best, can’t really match a native 720p image. A composite cable just doesn’t produce a high fidelity image.
I ran into this when I was comparing Mario Kart controls. It just looks so much better in HD (with scanlines of course). And I’m the guy who fiddles with the video options in the emulator for 15 minutes getting the right weight of scanlines, blitter options, bloom and distortion, analog input simulation, and of course filter methods (honestly, bilinear is fine). The SNES CE has a good look that will work for most TVs out of the box.
And because it looks good, because it’s portable, because it has a variety of the most well-known games and a few I can work through over months or years, it’s likely going to replace my SNES except on special occasions, or at least until I can figure out how to get a nice signal processor for it. I think this is an easier, better way for most people to revisit these 16-bit classics. I care more about whether people experience Super Metroid in the first place than whether they’re seeing it truly as it was back in the day.
The games
I’m going to go over the games individually, because it’s fun — but let’s just get this out there: this is a fantastic selection of games, comprising hundreds of hours of fun in both single- and multi-player modes. While there are some high-profile absences (Chrono Trigger, Ogre Battle, Super Mario All-Stars), what’s here is more, much more than enough to justify the price.
Also, there’s obviously one standout here, and that’s Star Fox 2. Developed just after the original but never officially released (Nintendo focused its efforts on the N64 and Star Fox there), Star Fox 2 is an ambitious reinvention of the game.
Rather than a series of corridors through which you cruise at a set speed, defending your hapless teammates and taking down bosses, the sequel has you freely navigating the solar system map that previously was just a pretty progress indicator. You must defend your home planet by intercepting incoming missiles, eliminate their sources (battleships), and retake occupied planets (by converting into a clumsy but fun walking tank).
I don’t want to spoil it too much, but I can tell you that Star Fox 2 is a very interesting game, albeit one that runs smack up against the limitations of the console from the get-go. Don’t expect Star Citizen — but be ready to be pleasantly surprised at a game that was clearly ahead of its time.
That outlier dispatched, here we go through the rest, roughly by genre:
Platformers
Super Mario World
The Super Nintendo’s launch game, SMW is a flawless gem, combining simple gameplay elements with complex level and world design. Secrets are hiding everywhere, and the switch palaces even offer a sort of Metroidvania vibe.
Pro tip: Yellow dots on the map mean a straightforward level, while red ones indicate a secret exit or two. Use this to focus your exploratory efforts.
Super Castlevania IV
After the obtuse secrets of Simon’s Quest and the sprawling gameplay choice of III, Castlevania IV returned to its roots as a showcase action game. There’s much more nuance to the controls this time around, and your whip has more uses than just whipping fools.
Pro tip: You get a multiplier for your sub-weapon by killing 10 enemies in a row and then a candle with it.
Donkey Kong Country
The faux-3D graphics of DKC haven’t really aged well (though they have a certain strange charm), but the game’s legendary platforming is still amazing. The sequels may have added more gewgaws and whimwhams but the original is unimpeachable.
Pro tip: Play as Diddy for best results, and practice your roll-jump.
Mega Man X
While for purity of Mega Man gameplay 2 probably remains the best, X was a welcome change, bringing much-needed verticality and quality of life changes to the series.
Super Nintendo Classic Games List
Pro tip: Aim to get the dash first (Chill Penguin stage), both to speed up other stages and get out of bad situations.
Kirby Super Star
A collection of mini-games starring Nintendo’s hopeful new protagonist, Super Star is definitely a fun one to play with friends, but it’s not exactly a landmark of gaming. The stock action platforming is solid, the mini-games are a laugh, and 2-player has a fun twist. An easy pick up and play game for friends who might not be up to a match of Street Fighter 2.
Pro tip: The sword is the weapon of kings.
Yoshi’s Island
Probably the most technically advanced game on the console, Yoshi’s Island is a smorgasbord of gameplay ideas, creative level design, and showcases of the SNES’s graphical prowess. The art direction is ridiculously charming, as well. It’s technically the sequel to Super Mario World, but there’s waaay more going on here.
Pro tip: Switch your control mode to “hasty” and let fly the eggs of war.
Super Ghouls & Ghosts
Not gonna lie, I’m not a big fan of this one. The controls are restrictive, it’s insanely hard, and even with 9 lives and easy mode you’re going to have trouble getting far without a lot of practice.
Pro tip: Prepare to die.
Racing and sports (ish)
Mario Kart
Easily one of my favorite games of all time and perhaps the one I’ve spent the most time playing, the original Mario Kart is the Mode 7 racer that launched a dynasty. The controls are simple and surprisingly subtle; GPs are challenging (the computer cheats shamelessly); Battle Mode is endlessly entertaining — we’ve definitely played 100 matches in a row before. List of james bond actors.
Pro tip: Use Toad for GPs until 150CC, then switch to Bowser. Master the power slide or die.
F-Zero
An early SNES title, F-Zero isn’t exactly refined, but it is controller-throwing fun. The nature of the races means recovery from a critical mistake is nearly impossible — but leaving your opponents in the dust with a perfect run around a difficult course is exhilarating.
Pro tip: The red ship looks dorky but corners well and has the best top speed. Don’t forget to soften your landings by holding down!
Street Fighter 2 Turbo
Of all the games on this list, Street Fighter 2 is the one that needs the least introduction. This, I believe, is the best version of the game — Super added T.Hawk, Cammy and others but the original crew is more than enough.
Pro tip: Learning Ryu or Chun Li is a good start, but get to know an unusual character to mix it up and surprise an opponent expecting the usual.
Kirby’s Dream Course
Here’s an odd bird. It’s basically a mini-golf game with Kirby trappings and that inimitable Kirby charm. The 3D/isometric aspect is remarkably well done and the controls are straightforward — but the stages sure aren’t. Not for everyone, but a strange and fascinating break from the usual.
Pro tip: Soft touch to drop it in the cup.
Super Punch-Out!!
It’s a lot like the original, but of course with much better graphics and an expanded roster of punchable faces. If you liked the first, chances are you’ll love the second. I think it’s harder, too.
Pro tip: Suspend the game before each fight and burn a few rounds learning the opponent’s patterns. Better than losing and having to play through again.
Action and Adventure
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
ALttP was recently remade (kind of) for 3DS in the excellent A Link Between Worlds, but the original still counts among the very best of the Zeldas. A huge world (worlds, really) packed with secrets, an open progression structure, and challenging dungeons — it’s everything you want from a Zelda.
Pro tip: Get bottles ASAP and fill them with fairies for insurance.
Super Metroid
Another all-time classic, Super Metroid is the Alpha and the Omega of “metroidvanias,” a genre it essentially invented and still influences. The eerie atmosphere, intricate and carefully planned-out world, and precise controls make this game a true one of a kind masterpiece. Take your time and play it in the dark with the volume up.
Pro tip: You can (and will occasionally have to) turn various features of your suit on and off in the menu. Get the x-ray beam and shine it everywhere.
Star Fox Free nintendo eshop code generator.
Okay, the fact is Star Fox hasn’t aged particularly well: its 3D graphics, mind-blowing at the time, are now comically outdated. The controls, while far from bad, are hampered by the game’s 15FPS limit. You can and will die due to slowdown and weird collision detection. But come on. Star Fox is awesome.
Pro tip: Do a barrel roll! (Really, you’ll need to do it a lot, so practice)
Contra III: The Alien Wars
Exactly what it says on the tin. Savage, explosive 2-player action with totally strange top-down Mode 7 stages.
Pro tip: Spread still rules, but your default weapon is actually decent in this one.
RPGs
Final Fantasy III (VI)
Actually the sixth Final Fantasy but only the third released here in the US, this is still considered by many to be the pinnacle of the series. A world-spanning story; playable characters that are distinct in abilities, personalities, and motivations; secrets and side quests galore; pixel art that still amazes with its expressiveness. FFIII was revelatory when it came out and remains the sine qua non of 16-bit RPG era.
Pro tip: Don’t spoil anything for yourself! And do NOT leave the… let’s call it the magical island… until the very last moment. Like literally the last moment. You’ll know when it happens. Trust me on this.
Secret of Mana
The second of Square’s best-remembered SNES RPGs (Chrono Trigger would be the third), Secret of Mana was one of the first action-RPGs that truly deserved both titles. While its magic system is hilariously broken, the rest of the game is eminently lovable and super fun to play. Plus you can bring in a friend, which is great, because your companions’ AI is pretty bad.
Pro tip: Practice with all the weapons, because you never know which will be your most powerful during a given scenario.
Super Mario RPG
More light-hearted than Square’s fare, SMRPG tried something strange and new and became an instant classic. The active combat is fun and the world is a joy to explore.
Pro tip: Use Mario’s Jump “spell” as often as you can early on to power it up, and it’s a life-saver later.
Earthbound
Okay, I put this last on the list for a reason: this is where I lose my cred. The truth is I’ve been waiting for years to play Earthbound because I hoped it would get a decent official remaster. Now that I have the SNES CE, however, I’m just going to go for it — and you should too. I’ve always heard how wonderful this series is and I’m looking forward to it.
Pro tip: Tell Nintendo to bring the sequel over!
It’s over!
Did you scroll down here looking for a recommendation of whether or not to buy this thing? My recommendation is hell yes. There are hundreds of hours of amazing gaming here for just about every taste (as long as your taste is 16-bit Nintendo games). $80 for all this is a steal.
For those of us who grew up playing the original Super Mario, Zelda or Final Fantasy games, the current resurgence of retro games and consoles is a beautiful, pixelated delight.
Of course for anyone else all the retro game furore might either be fun or confusing as hell. However, it's the gamers who clearly remember those early titles that the SNES Classic Mini is really aimed at. This is a console unashamedly for those who miss the good ol' days of gaming.
Even before the Wii's 'Virtual Console' gave us the ability to buy and play select classics on new hardware, Nintendo has been consistently committed to bringing back many of its classic games. Until now, these have usually been through re-releases or bundled collections on new platforms.
But the SNES Classic Mini is a little bit different. It represents an all-in-one retro gaming experience along with the authentic, Nintendo-made hardware.
While the NES Classic Mini suffered from some annoying design quirks that got in the way of all the nostalgic Nintendo fun, the SNES Mini largely solves these problems, as well as throwing in some new features.
You can get a few key NES games on the Nintendo Switch Online service anyway – but for now the SNES Classic Mini is the place to get your hands on some straight-on SNES nostalgia.
- Not retro enough? Check out the NES Classic Mini review
- Really into retro gaming? Here's the best way to play the retro games you know and love
SNES Classic Mini FAQ: quick questions answered
What games are on the SNES Classic Mini? Right now the SNES Classic Mini has 21 games available to play, including StarFox 2, Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda, Final Fantasy III, Earthbound and Donkey Kong. Although 21 might not seem much for some people, it has pretty much every game on it that you’d bring up if you were reminiscing about how good the old version of the console was. If you don’t know where to get started, we've ranked all the SNES Classic Mini games for you.
Can you add games to the SNES Classic Mini? Yes, unofficially. As with the original NES Classic Mini, there's a tool for loading additional games onto the console. So if you’re not happy with the 21 selection of games, that’s a hack for you.
Does the SNES Classic Mini come with two controllers? Yes. There are two controllers out of the box and we found them to work well. The only bugbear is the wires could do with being a bit longer, but it didn’t hinder gameplay.
Design
The SNES Classic Mini comes in two distinct styles. Our review unit is the version that was released in Europe, Australia and Japan – it has a grey chassis and red, yellow, green and blue face buttons, while North Americans have to make do with a purple-accented model.
We're not going to wade into the 25 years worth of arguments about which version of the console is the better-looking one, but suffice to say the UK/Australia version looks better, and anyone who thinks otherwise is just plain wrong. Sorry (not sorry).
As you can see, the console itself is very similar in design to the NES Mini. It's compact and it's light, but it feels sturdy enough when placed in front of your TV.
On the top of the machine, the console has the same power and reset buttons found on the NES Mini. The power control is a sliding switch this time around, and there’s also a fake button labelled 'Eject'. Unsurprisingly, considering the console’s lack of cartridges, it doesn't do much.
So far, so NES Mini, which is to say it's a machine designed with all the love and respect in the world for its source material. Some people might find that ludicrous, but we reckon most Nintendo fans will lap it up.
Round the front of the machine, however, things take a turn for the worse, with a fake pair of controller ports which need to be removed to reveal the real deal behind them.
It's a minor point, sure, but having this fake front means the console looks a little untidy when you're using it – it's awkwardly pulled down by the controller lead, and the whole console just doesn't look as well put-together as its older brother.
Thankfully, with the controller, Nintendo appears to have made the single biggest improvement over the NES Mini.
When the first retro console came out in 2016 it was universally criticized for having a ridiculously short controller cable that was just 30 inches (around 76cm) long.
Thankfully the length of the cable on the SNES Mini controller has been upped to a much more respectable 56 inches (around 142 cm). In our home it's still not quite long enough to reach all the way to our couch, but it's much better than having to hover right in front of the television.
For comparison's sake, the SNES’s controller was around 90 inches (around 228 cm) long.
So the SNES Mini's controller is better, but in our ideal world its cord would be longer still. Maybe if Nintendo ever puts together a Nintendo 64 Mini it will finally reach parity with the original console..
The controller itself feels great, and has that Nintendo quality that's always missing from third-party gamepads. Compared to the ultra-clicky buttons on the Nintendo Switch you might find the SNES's controller buttons a little squashy, but they're still very usable.
People have pointed out that the controller isn't quite the same as the one that came with the original console, but the differences are minor enough to only be apparent if you place the two next to each other.
Thanks to its connector, you should also be able to plug the controller into a WiiMote and use it to play SNES games on the Wii or Wii U's virtual console, should you want to play any games that aren't included on the SNES Mini itself.
Two controllers come in the box, which means the machine is immediately ready for some multiplayer gaming. It's another key improvement over the original, and we're very thankful for it.
If you really don't like the controllers, we've got a simple fix – if you're willing to splash a bit more cash that is. 8bitdo released a wireless controller for the SNES, which looks almost like the native one but with a slightly grayer face. Just pop the accompanying wireless dongle into the slot where you'd place the standard controller wires and you're good to go!
Functionality and user interface
Boot up the SNES Mini and you're greeted with the same fantastic retro-styled user interface as the NES Mini has.
Scrolling left and right allows you to choose from your list of games, which can be sorted by name, number of players, how recently they were played, release date, or publisher.
Nintendo’s been emulating most of these games in some form or another for years, so it's no surprise that the SNES Classic MIni offers a pretty perfect recreation of them.
By default the games are emulated with a slight smoothing filter applied, to take the rough edges off the pixels that would have been smoothed out by CRT televisions of old, but you can also run them with 'pixel perfect' emulation if you choose, or else apply a slightly heavy-handed CRT filter for some real scanline goodness.
We were perfectly happy to leave the console set to its default mode, but if your personal preferences differ then these alternative options should have you covered.
Switching between games is handled by the console's 'Reset' button. It's a little annoying when you first get the console out of the box and you're gleefully switching from game to game to try everything out, but by the time you sink your teeth into a title, having to use the button is no more annoying than switching cartridges or discs in consoles before the days of downloadable games.
Although playing these games with the SNES Mini's controller feels like as authentic an experience as you're likely to get, Nintendo has allowed for a couple of modern conveniences with the updated hardware.
Making a return are save states, where you're prompted to use whenever you jump out of a game (a process that still, somewhat annoyingly, requires you to press the Reset button on the console itself). You can save up to four states, which should be more than enough for most people.
New to the SNES Mini, however, is the ability to rewind save states by up to 45 seconds. You do this by selecting a save state and hitting the 'X' button, and you can then scroll back through your gameplay to pick a moment to retake control.
Yes, you could absolutely use this feature to cheat your way through the harder games included on the console, but we'd be much more inclined to make use of it if we suddenly died at the end of an otherwise flawless run of a level in Contra III.
With saves often being much less convenient in these older games, the rewind feature ends up being a bit of a lifesaver. On one occasion we were having so much fun in Super Metroid that we forgot to save for almost half an hour – and being able to quickly rewind the game after death was far preferable to playing through the entire section again.
Yes, it's cheating, but you're free to not use it if it bothers you.
Games
With a starting library of just 20 games Nintendo is inevitably going to leave a few people disappointed (cough, Chrono Trigger fans, cough), but for our money we think the SNES Classic Mini has more or less every game on it that you'd bring up in a conversation about how great the old console was.
As we mentioned above, there is now a hack available if you want to get some more titles on the box through unofficial channels.
What's surprising is how well many of the games have aged. Super Metroid might be a 2D, 16-bit title, but it could easily be released today as a retro-styled indie title and you wouldn't bat an eyelid. It's tight, it's polished, and it's just as easy to understand and play today as it was over 25 years ago when it was first released.
- Don't miss:All the SNES Classic Mini's games, ranked from worst to best
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past continues to look absolutely incredible, with the level of artistry that goes into something as simple as Link's animation wondrous to behold. There's a reason why people continue to claim this is the best Zelda game, and the result is its utterly timeless appeal.
Oh, and then you've got Super Mario World and Final Fantasy III (known as Final Fantasy VI in Japan), which are both probably the best games ever released in their respective genres.
There's a reason these games have spawned entire genres, but what's incredible is that although more recent releases have added and tweaked them, the cores that are present in these originals are just as enjoyable and playable as ever.
There are a couple of games in here that haven't aged quite as well, not because of the way they look but because of their slightly dated design conventions. Super Ghosts and Ghouls and Contra III still look great, but we found them a bit of a slog to play through. Call us 21st century mollycoddled gamers, but they weren't for us.
Despite variations in how fun we found each of the games, almost every single one of them is a classic that in its own way went on to define the modern gaming landscape.
Of course, the most notable game included on the console is Star Fox 2, a game that until now has never actually been released. It was originally in development in the 1990s as a sequel to the original game, but was canceled close to release due to Nintendo shifting its focus towards the Nintendo 64 console.
You'll need to complete a portion of the original Star Fox to unlock it for play, but once you do so, you'll find it a fascinating look into a bygone era.
Its blocky polygonal graphics (which were only possible on the 2D-focused console thanks to the mythical Super FX chip that was built into the game's cartridge itself) are a little rough, but look past the dated exterior and there's still a fun shooter at its core.
It might not appeal to everyone, but its inclusion is a massive win for gaming history enthusiasts.
Yes, in an ideal world the SNES Classic Mini's game library would be limitlessly expandable, but we'd argue that at a certain point it would lose the charm of being a simple offline device, free from the firmware updates and DLC of modern gaming.
If you're desperate for more games to play, you can always use the controllers to play more games on the Wii’s virtual console, or you can take matters into you own hands and hack the console yourself..
Disappointed by the lack of games? Us too. Check out our rundown of the 10 classic games the SNES Mini is missing.
Final verdict
Although Nintendo could have gotten away with releasing a slightly modified NES Mini and updated controllers, the SNES Classic Mini feels like a much more complete package.
Including two controllers in the box is a great move, while the selection of games covers almost all of the classics – and the added rewind function means you should be able to make it through even the most unapproachable of the bunch.
With just 21 games it's inevitable that some are going to be disappointed, but the inclusion of Star Fox 2 is a win whichever way you look at it. An expandable games library would have pleased more people, but even then it's unlikely that every game would have managed to come along for the ride.
We have a couple of gripes with the console, and both are to do with the controllers. The first is the small plastic flap that covers the two controller ports. Having to leave this open while the controllers are plugged in makes the console look a little disheveled while in use.
The second is that the length of the controller cables still leaves a little to be desired. It’s better than the NES Mini, sure, but considering that Nintendo has tacitly admitted it was an issue, it's surprising that the company didn't go all the way and make the cables as long as the original's.
But beyond that, this is exactly what you'd want a retro console to be: lovingly designed, packed with classics, and functional for a modern audience. Whether you're looking to revisit the games of your youth, or get introduced to them for the first time, the SNES Classic Mini is a real treat.
- In case you missed it, here's our review of the NES Classic Mini
- Small but perfectly formed mini version of Super Nintendo Entertainment System console
- 21 games built in, including an unreleased game
- Teach an old dog new tricks with the Rewind feature
- Two controllers included so you can play with a friend
Small but perfectly formed
If you're a fan of the chunky 1990s SNES, then you'll love this tiny version. The Nintendo Classic Mini SNES looks just like it's older counterpart, right down to the cartridge slot and controller inputs, so you can bring a palm-sized bit of retro joy to your home.
21 games built in
There's a whole host of games pre-installed on the SNESMini, ready and waiting for you. There's some absolute classics like Super Mario World, Super Mario Kart and Final Fantasy III, so you'll be able to relive your favourite games.
There's a surprise in store too. As well as being able to do many a barrel-roll in StarFox (AKA StarWing), you'll also be able to play a previously unreleased game, StarFox 2. This sequel includes your favourite characters, including Fox, Falco and Slippy.
Teach an old dog new tricks
Super Nintendo Classic Mini Game Console
The Mini SNES has something it's bigger brother didn't have. The all-new rewind feature lets you rewind back through five minutes of gameplay from your last save - and you can save up to four suspend points for every game.
You can also frame your games with a variety of borders. Some of them even change colour based on the game you're playing.
Two controllers
If you've missed the feel of the SNES controller in your hand, you'll feel right at home with the controllers included with this console. Unlike the console, they're not mini, so you can enjoy all your retro games with a classic controller.
And because two controllers are included, you'll be all set for a Mario Kart battle with your friend.
Product Information
- Answering the calls of nostalgic adults pining for the video games of their yesteryears, the SNES Classic is a new console from Nintendo that is a miniature version of the famed system from the 90's. The original system played games that came on cartridges, but as these accumulate, they can take up a great deal of space. Unfortunately for those that already have a sizeable collection, the SNES Classic's mini interface does not include a cartridge slot. Instead, it comes pre-loaded with 21 games. It makes a great start for those that remember the Super Nintendo's offerings that are starting from scratch. The 21 pre-loaded games include a number of SNES classics from the platformer, racing, action, and RPG genres, such as the iconic Super Mario World, StarFox, and even the exceptionally rare Earthbound, the latter of which can go for hundreds of dollars all by itself. Buying all these titles in their original cartridge form could break your bank account. Additionally, the SNES Classic Edition comes with the previously unreleased StarFox 2, granting fans of the original the sequel they've been waiting decades to experience.One of the downsides of working with an original SNES console is that its original design is not compatible with many HD televisions. The SNES Classic comes with HDMI hookups, bringing you the retro games you love in gorgeous clarity. Each console comes with two wired, classic controllers with the same look and feel that you remember. Additionally, if you downloaded SNES titles to your Nintendo Wii or Wii U, you can connect these controllers and play them the way you remember playing them. The Wii's classic-style controller will also connect to your SNES Classic Edition if you happen to need a quick replacement.
Super Nintendo Classic Mini
Product Identifiers
- Nintendo
- CLVSSNSG
- 0045496590758
- 0045496590758
- Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition
- 238940552
Product Key Features
- HDMI
- Nintendo Super NES Classic Edition
- Gray
- Home Console
- Region Free
- 512MB
Additional Product Features
- Nintendo Super Entertainment System
- 4-Way CROSS Keypad
- Gray
- Nintendo Super Entertainment System
- September/29/2017
- Nintendo Super Entertainment System Classic Edition