SNES Classic Review

Brady Meyers Avatar

Written by:

Updated 11:25 pm

Expert Rating

90

The Super Nintendo was a gamer-changer back in the day. And it still commands generations of gamers because of games like Super Mario World and Final Fantasy III. Unfortunately, getting your hands on original SNES games is tough and the console itself. To experience the best gaming console of that era, Nintendo crammed 21 of the best games into the SNES Classic Edition, a miniaturized SNES.

Why We Like It – SNES Classic Review

Bring back some of the greatest SNES classics like Super Mario Cart and Street Fighter II, plus 19 more titles into a miniaturized SNES look alike, with two controllers so you and a friend can enjoy.

Pros
  • Comes bundled with 21 games
  • Includes two controllers
  • Video is cleaned up with HDMI
Cons
  • Can’t add more games
  • Controllers lack modern conveniences

Performance

While this might be considered a “SNES,” it doesn’t actually run like the original Super Nintendo; instead, this console is nothing more than an emulator. As it suggests, it emulates where the Super Nintendo was, which comes with its own benefits. The games themselves run just as well as they did back in the ‘90s. In fact, the SNES Classic Edition adds additional performance options. For example, video exports through HDMI for the highest video quality available. But if that isn’t your thing, you can apply borders and filters like a CRT filter for the sake of nostalgia.

Design

Nintendo went with a nostalgic streak in the way the SNES Classic is handled. You look at the controller and don’t see a home button like the PlayStation 4 Slim, Microsoft Xbox One S, and Nintendo Switch gaming console. To switch games every time, you have to get up and hit the Reset button. As retro as that is, it isn’t convenient. The controllers themselves—yes, there’s two—are wired like the original console, and that’s awesome, but the cords are still too short at 4 feet and a few odd inches. To enjoy immersive games, fitness, and more, check out the Oculus quest gaming console review.

Value

The SNES Classic has a lot to offer and certainly a large portion of that value is emptied into nostalgia. Compared to the NES Classic Edition, the SNES has fewer games bundled inside, but quality superseded quantity. The NES Classic has some excellent games, but a sizable chunk were pretty bad choices. You can also play your NES and SNES games in the system featured in the Retroduo 3 0 nessnes game console review.

Inside the SNES you’ll get games such as: Donkey Kong Country, Street Fighter II Turbo, Super Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Super Mario Kart, Super Metroid, Kirby Super Star, Super Castlevania, Super Punch-Out, and the unreleased sequel to Star Fox, Star Fox 2, plus 12 more. With so many good games, you’re getting a great deal. What would’ve been better is having the option to add more. There isn’t an online store built in, unfortunately.

SNES Classic Review Wrap Up

The SNES Classic Edition is hard to pass on—especially with unattainable SNES titles, including an unreleased Star Fox sequel. Two controllers and 21 excellent games is a nice deal, and its video options enhance performance.You’ll just have to consider the lack of modern controller conveniences and the inability to add more games worth it.

Brady Meyers Avatar