The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a video gaming console that has been on the market for a long time. Its popularity has crossed the border and reached every corner of the world. Without any doubt, Nintendo’s SNES is one of the greatest gaming consoles. SNES is at the top of most gamers’ wish lists, with dozens of gaming franchises and unique games. Still, after 28 years of its launch, SNES is the jewel of Nintendo’s crown.
That is why we decided to list the Top 50 SNES games. While making a list, we took quality, originality, and playability into consideration. We handpicked the games to ensure you have the best experience while enjoying this virtual console.
SNES: the Super Nintendo Entertainment System
SNES was first released in Japan in 1990 (Wednesday, November 21, 1990, for ¥25,000). And it was released in North America, the UK, and other countries in the following years. It is a video gaming console from the Nintendo Corporation. In Japan, it is known as Super Famicom. Currently, there are 1756 official releases on the console from Nintendo. These SNES classic games are all-time favorites. Some of the most popular games of SNES are Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Kart, and Street Fighter II: The World Warrior.
Best 50 Super Nintendo Entertainment Game
Here is the list of 50 of the best SNES games ever. The list from The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past to Yoshi’s Cookie has them all.
1. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1992
The original The Legend of Zelda was the game that set the structure for all the SNES games. The mechanism it showed was followed till the next half-century. From the beginning, players are thrown into chaos and action. From the first swing to the last hit, Zelda’s Legend: A Link to the Past incorporates the real SNES sense.
2. Super Metroid
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1994
Super Metroid is another successful title from Nintendo. This 2D adventure action game is arguably one of the most influential. The game was placed on this list because of its impeccable design, engaging story, and smooth gameplay.
3. Final Fantasy VI
DEVELOPER: Square
RELEASED: 1994
The list won’t be complete if we skip Final Fantasy VI. This game is one of the best addictive action RPGs you can play on the SNES console. It was a game that crossed all the limits that the other competitors feared to cross. As a result, it is the best SNES game of its time.
4. Chrono Trigger
DEVELOPER: Square
RELEASED: 1995
Chrono Trigger was not the first Japanese RPG title, and won’t be the last. But it is the best SNES game offered by Square. The game features an action-packed quest of a boy through the history of humanity.
5. Super Mario World
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1991
I don’t think there is a soul who doesn’t know about Super Mario World. It was the successful successor of Super Mario Bros 3. It was tasked to deliver a perfect game based on the Super Mario Bros theme, and boy, it was successful! The gameplay is smooth with all the graphics, sound, and gameplay.
6. Super Street Fighter II Turbo
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1993
You might have played Super Street Fighter II Turbo in your childhood. When I was a kid, I used to play this one all day long. It was the best fighting game on the Nintendo gaming console at that time.
7. Super Mario Kart
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1992
Super Mario Kart is one of the SNES games that started the success of the gaming console. With action and racing, Super Mario Kart was not just a game. It was an icon of that period. You can’t find anyone who is not familiar with this fantastic game.
8. Final Fantasy IV
DEVELOPER: Square
RELEASED: 1991
Final Fantasy IV is a great SNES game on Switch. It resembled its predecessors from Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). Though the original game on NES followed the traditional RPG approach, Final Fantasy IV took its mechanism and introduced a new way of Role-Playing Games. The game focused more on character development, and that is what made it more fun to play.
9. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1996
After Super Mario World’s massive success, Nintendo released Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island in 1996. It was also a great game to play on the SNES. The sequel plays differently from other games of the franchise, and that makes it more awesome. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island featured great puzzles and helpful power-ups with mesmerizing graphics for a 1996 game.
10. Star Fox
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1993
With fast-paced action and frantic gameplay, Star Fox is one of my favorites. Not only that, it featured the early simulation module that was pioneering on the SNES console. Additionally, it was the first Nintendo game that had 3D graphics.
11. Secret of Mana
DEVELOPER: Square
RELEASED: 1993
The Secret of Mana is the game that shook up the RPG genre with its fun and engaging battle mechanism. You have to be aware and know when to kill and when to evade the battle. There are many characters to choose from in the game. It gives you a highly satisfying RPG experience similar to Final Fantasy VI.
12. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
DEVELOPER: Rare
RELEASED: 1995
We cannot skip this game if we are listing the top 50 SNES games. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest took the previous Donkey Kong Country approach but boosted it up a notch with Gorilla on Steroids.
13. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1996
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is another legendary Super Mario franchise hit. It is a role-playing game that gives you the command and some in-game platforming. It is treated as one of Nintendo’s all-time favorites.
14. Mega Man X
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1993
Mega Man X is an inspirational SNES game of all time. This game was an evolutionary game that changed the mechanism of overall gameplay. The hero’s dashing and wall-climbing ability made it appealing to the then gamers. Fast-paced gaming, killer final bosses, and a well-built foundation made it the most-played game of that time.
15. EarthBound
DEVELOPER: Ape, HAL Laboratory
RELEASED: 1995
EarthBound is an underrated SNES game that deserves its place on our list. It was a game released by an American Company and met with a downward sales curve in the USA. But soon, it was a game everybody enjoyed playing. American culture met a new psychedelic premise with a unique perspective on EarthBound.
16. Tetris Attack
DEVELOPER: Tetris Attack
RELEASED: 1996
Tetris Attack is an early puzzle game that became popular after its release in 1996. The game was initially available in Japan, but the publishers soon rolled it out for others worldwide.
17. Super Mario All-Stars
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1994
Another great game from the house of Nintendo; Super Mario All-Stars. It is honored as one of the greatest hits of Nintendo’s SNES. It happened to be the updated version of previous Super Mario games. The game’s graphics have been boosted, and the gameplay is smooth.
18. F-Zero
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1991
F-Zero is the game that set the standards for racing games when other racing games were struggling for the spotlight. The game was hard to play, and that is what made it challenging for the players. It is a retro racing game that won the heart of millions.
19. Super Castlevania IV
DEVELOPER: Konami
RELEASED: 1991
Super Castlevania IV is a great online SNES game combining horror and action. There has been an anime adaptation of the game titled Castlevania.
20. Mortal Kombat II
DEVELOPER: Midway
RELEASED: 1994
Mortal Kombat II was the game that every 90’s kid played. The very pinnacle of the series took the gaming community by storm. The cast and characters of Mortal Kombat II are just excellent.
21. The Magical Quest Starring Mickey Mouse
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1992
Disney’s ever-loving Mickey Mouse appeared with its magic and excitement in The Magical Quest, starring Mickey Mouse—a fun game for the kids.
22. Tetris & Dr. Mario
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1994
If you merge the two most iconic games, you get Tetris & Dr. Mario. It first appeared in the simple 16-bit console. The classic brick-falling game was a great way to pass your leisure time.
23. Super Punch-Out!!
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1994
Super Punch-Out!! It is a fighting SNES game that features fighting like Mike Tyson. The exaggerated characters and surreal action made it one of the best of its class.
24. Contra III: The Alien Wars
DEVELOPER: Konami
RELEASED: 1992
Contra III: The Alien Wars is a game from the memory of the past. I can’t remember how many days I have spent playing this action-packed retro game on my SNES console.
25. Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
DEVELOPER: Neverland
RELEASED: 1996
With fantastic character design and storyline, you can not fall in love with Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals. The beautiful protagonist of the game and her action will make you go challenging about the game.
26. Donkey Kong Country
DEVELOPER: Rare
RELEASED: 1994
Donkey Kong Country is the game that saved Super Nintendo from losing its crowd. When this game was released, it helped Nintendo to keep up with Sony’s PlayStation. Donkey Kong Country is a great classic game with good 3D graphics and visual effects.
27. Wario’s Woods
DEVELOPER: Nintendo R&D1
RELEASED: 1994
Wario’s Woods was the first iconic puzzle game known for its distinction from the NES console. Wario’s Woods gave you actual control in the puzzler category for the first time.
28. Super Star Wars: Return of the Jedi
DEVELOPER: LucasArts
RELEASED: 1994
Super Star Wars: The Jedi’s Return is an adaptation of the Hollywood film of the same title. This was the most successful among the three installments released on the Super Star Wars SNES platform.
29. The Lost Vikings
DEVELOPER: Blizzard
RELEASED: 1992
The Lost Vikings is another retro game from the SNES that everyone enjoyed playing. It is one of the early games by Blizzard Entertainment. An alien emperor has captured the Vikings. The Vikings must escape before the aliens turn them into a part of the intergalactic zoo.
30. SimCity
DEVELOPER: Nintendo EAD
RELEASED: 1991
Sim City was the first and early city simulation game that was great to play. Though the graphics were not up to the mark, it was the first of its kind during the ’90s.
31. Legend of the Mystical Ninja
DEVELOPER: Konami
RELEASED: 1992
Legend of the Mystical Ninja is the best rare SNES game. With tacky feudal lords’ clashes and mystical powers, this one was a great game of that period.
32. Mega Man X2
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1995
Mega Man X2 gave a futuristic feel for a 1995 game. There were some memorable bosses like Overdrive Ostrich. Wheel Gator and Bubble Crab in Mega Man X2. It brings another iconic game character, Zero, back to life.
33. ActRaiser
DEVELOPER: Quintet
RELEASED: 1991
With scary-looking evil bosses, ActRaiser was an adventurous hack-and-slash game. It was one of those few simulation games that came before PC simulations. It was the best simulation game before the PC games till it was a sandwich between retro and modern vibes.
34. Metal Warriors
DEVELOPER: LucasArts
RELEASED: 1995
After taking a break from the Star Wars franchise, Luka’s Art released Metal Warriors. This game was a classic science fiction game that you can play for hours.
35. Mario Paint
DEVELOPER: Nintendo
RELEASED: 1992
Though the SNES mouse peripheral didn’t take off in the grand scheme, it gifted us with Mario Paint. It is a DIY-style game where the most minor things from the franchise appear.
36. NBA Jam
DEVELOPER: Midway
RELEASED: 1993
If you enjoy playing Basket games, then NBA Jam is the perfect SNES for you. It is a fantastic sports retro game to play. NBA Jam is one of the best retro games you can enjoy. You should try out these fantastic sports games.
37. UN Squadron
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1991
UN Squadron was an early flying simulation game. This fantastic air force game was the best airborne game that kids could play in the ’90s. This game is an adventurous side-scrolling flying game that has fantastic shooting in it. The graphics are amazing, and the game itself runs smoothly.
38. Earthworm Jim 2
DEVELOPER: Shiny Entertainment
RELEASED: 1995
Earthworm Jim 2 is a futuristic worm battle in cybersuits. In this game, our worm hero Jim has stuck in a sticky situation. In this game, Jim has a sidekick, too, which was not present in the previous game. You will surely enjoy playing this iconic game on the SNES gaming console.
39. Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen
DEVELOPER: Quest
RELEASED: 1995
Ogre Battle: March of the Black Queen is an in-depth tactical game that tests your strategic skills. Before this one, no game has this much complexity and well-built game design. Truly a masterpiece from Quest.
40. EVO: Search for Eden
DEVELOPER: Almanac
RELEASED: 1993
EVO: Search for Eden is one of the brilliant original games. This game was one of the most popular games back in the day. EVO: Search for Eden has thousands of characters to choose from. The game starts as a lowlife form and gradually evolves into a powerful being.
41. Kirby’s Dream Course
DEVELOPER: HAL Laboratory
RELEASED: 1995
No matter what you say, Kirby’s Dream Course is the best one on this list. This 16-bit console game had all the fun features you could ask for. After the success of Kirby Super Star, this one was the massive hit game of this franchise.
42. Gradius III
DEVELOPER: Konami
RELEASED: 1991
Gradius III is another hit SNES game of the ’90s. It is called the industry’s best first-person shooting game. The game was first released on NES and later on the SNES. Gradius III is the best shooting game on SNES with incredible graphics and a captative story.
43. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
DEVELOPER: Konami
RELEASED: 1992
I bet you have heard about the Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles. They are part of a comic book, but you can enjoy playing with them in the superb fantastic game Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. If you wish to experience the Turtle power, try Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time. It’s one of the fantastic new SNES games.
44. Demon’s Crest
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1994
Demon’s Crest was the game where Capcom’s favorite devil character Firebrand appeared first. The game was not that successful on the market. It is not because it was a bad game. Otherwise, we wouldn’t feature it. For whatever reason, its sale was bombed. One reason may be that the game was too tough on the players.
45. Harvest Moon
DEVELOPER: Pack-in-Video
RELEASED: 1997
Harvest Moon is a great SNES game for kids. In the game, you must wake up early and farm. It may sound boring, but it is not a boring game. You can spend hours playing Harvest Moon.
46. Breath of Fire
DEVELOPER: Capcom
RELEASED: 1994
Breath of Fire is an anime-styled game that is fun to play. Breath of Fire has action, adventure, surprises, and thrill—a must-play game on the legendary gaming console. There is a sequel to this successful game too. The game features a legendary fighter from Dragon Clan. The main character is a hybrid of animals and human beings. With a turn-based battle system, Breath of Fire is a great game.
47. Zombies Ate My Neighbors
DEVELOPER: LucasArts
RELEASED: 1993
As the title is hilarious, the game Zombies Ate My Neighbors is also fun. This zombie shooting game is a great way to entertain yourself. Use different weapons and tools to finish the undead. The game is presented to the players in a goofy B-grade movie style. The gameplay is hilarious, and we here on Fossguru enjoyed playing it together.
48. Kirby Super Star
DEVELOPER: HAL Laboratory
RELEASED: 1999
Why limit yourself to one Kirby game when you can 9 at once? Yes, Kirby Super Star is a compilation of all the Kirby-featured games. It comprises Spring Breeze, DreamLand, and all the series’ other games. It is a mix-up hybrid that is exciting to play.
49. Super Bomberman
DEVELOPER: Hudson
RELEASED: 1993
Super Bomberman is another classic fun-to-play SNES game. This game is a first-person four-way shooting and bombing game from Hudson. It has a sequel named Super Bomberman 2. But this one is much more fun to play than that one. The game offered a large box of rare goodies that overwhelmed the young players back in the day. Overall it is a great game to play with family and friends.
50. Yoshi’s Cookie
DEVELOPER: Nintendo R&D1
RELEASED: 1993
Yoshi’s Cookie is another successful game from Nintendo’s R&D team. We are halfway through our list, and this is the perfect game to place at the milestone. You will enjoy this fantastic interactive puzzler.
Final Thoughts
SNES gaming consoles were always a part of gaming history. It has introduced many new things to gamers still used in many games. No matter what one says, games are the industry’s cornerstone without SNES. We felt there should be a list of all the top SNES games, and here it is.
We hope that you found this list helpful. Comment down and share your thoughts about the list. Share the article with your friends if you find it worthy of your time. Happy gaming!!!