We’ve already talked about how Nintendo’s previous attempt to provide fans with nostalgia ended badly with the NES Classic Mini Edition. Although the game in itself wasn’t bad, it’s limited market availability became a major point of criticism. Moreover, the 8-bit console flew-off shelves pretty quickly and became a highly expensive buy on eBay.
Fans still clamored for an old-school gaming console in vein of NES Classic that is still nowhere to be found. Hence, the latest SNES Classic Mini Edition will provide the joy of good old 16-bit gaming to buyers. Although early reviews have been quite positive, it’s better to know about its shortcomings or strong points before buying it. Please check the below list to know everything about Nintendo’s 16-bit console.
1. Controllers
SNES controllers were a revolution in the gaming industry when it was originally launched back in the 90’s. NES Classic’s single controller with a laughably short cable upset a lot of fans and buyers. Thankfully this time, SNES Classic will be supplied with 2 controllers that will ensure its multiplayer capabilities and will have 5-foot long cables.
2. Price
A lot of market experts blame NES Mini’s giveaway price of $59.99 that resulted in it’s premature market extinction. It was picked by eBay scalpers who bought several units and started selling it for prices as high as $300. The Super Nintendo Classic Mini too is modestly priced at $79.99, despite of having a 33% increase compared to NES Mini.
3. Release Date
While some market experts and analysts speculated late October or November for SNES Mini’s launch, Nintendo have surprised everyone with a slightly early launch. They’ve listed the availability date as 29th of September this year on Nintendo homepage. This is certainly a good thing if you ask us, as a slightly early launch might save it from the loot during holiday season.
4. Versions
Nintendo are going totally bonkers with this launch unlike their experimental NES Classic. The reason we say this is because just like old times, Japan will get their own version known as Super Famicom Mini. The Japanese release will feature a much different looking console, which is basically a miniaturised Super Famicom. It will come with two controllers, with colored buttons as compared to the purple shaded North American controllers.
Also Read: 30 Games That Might Feature on SNES Classic Edition
5. Games List
Just like how North America and Japan will get two different consoles, there will also be a difference in games between the two versions. While both will come with 21 in-built games, each version will have 5 games exclusive to that region. Please refer to the list below for available titles for both North American and Japanese releases.
North American Release (SNES Classic Mini)
- Contra III: The Alien Wars
- Donkey Kong Country
- EarthBound
- Final Fantasy III
- F-ZERO
- Kirby™ Super Star
- Kirby’s Dream Course
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Mega Man® X
- Secret of Mana
- Star Fox
- Star Fox 2
- Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
- Super Castlevania IV
- Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts
- Super Mario Kart
- Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
- Super Mario World
- Super Metroid
- Super Punch-Out!!
- Yoshi’s Island
Japanese Release (Super Famicom Mini)
- Contra 3: The Alien Wars
- Donkey Kong Country
- F-Zero
- Final Fantasy 6
- Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
- Legend of the Mystical Ninja
- Kirby Super Star
- Mega Man X
- Panel de Pon
- Secret of Mana
- Star Fox
- Star Fox 2
- Super Soccer
- Super Ghouls n Ghosts
- Super Mario Kart
- Super Mario RPG
- Super Mario World
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
- Super Metroid
- Super Street Fighter 2: The New Challengers
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
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Apart from above details, there’s still one big question that remains unanswered for now. Will there be enough of these consoles in the market this time? Since Nintendo has announced that they do not plan to sell these in 2018, it’s sure gonna be a tight 3-4 month window when this console makes its appearance.