The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is one of the most iconic and beloved consoles in gaming history. Released in the early 1990s, the SNES brought gamers some of the most memorable and enduring experiences of all time. With a library of over 700 games, narrowing down the best SNES games of all time to a top 100 list is no easy feat. However, after careful consideration and a healthy dose of nostalgia, we're proud to present our definitive ranking of the top 100 SNES games of all time.
Introduction
The SNES was more than just a console – it was an experience. Its 16-bit processor and innovative controller design set a new standard for gaming, and its library of games was unparalleled in terms of quality and diversity. From the early days of Super Mario World and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past to the later years of Donkey Kong Country and Final Fantasy VI, the SNES was the console of choice for gamers of all ages.
In this article, we'll count down the top 100 SNES games of all time, highlighting the best of the best and giving you a glimpse into what made the SNES so special.
The Criteria
So, how did we come up with our top 100 list? We considered several factors, including:
- Impact: How much of an impact did the game have on the gaming industry as a whole?
- Innovation: Did the game introduce new mechanics, genres, or features that changed the gaming landscape?
- Popularity: How well did the game sell, and how much did it resonate with gamers at the time?
- Replay Value: How much replay value did the game offer, and how many times could you play it before getting bored?
- Timelessness: How well does the game hold up today, and is it still enjoyable to play?
Using these criteria, we compiled a list of the top 100 SNES games of all time, and we're excited to share it with you.
The List
Here's the list of the top 100 SNES games of all time, ranked in order of their greatness:
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991)
- Super Mario World (1990)
- Super Metroid (1994)
- Final Fantasy VI (1994)
- Donkey Kong Country (1994)
- Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1992)
- Chrono Trigger (1995)
- Secret of Mana (1993)
- Mega Man X (1993)
- Earthworm Jim (1994)
- Contra III: The Alien Wars (1992)
- Pilotwings (1990)
- ActRaiser (1990)
- Kirby Super Star (1996)
- Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars (1996)
- Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest (1995)
- Castlevania IV (1991)
- The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening (1993)
- F-Zero (1990)
- Super Castlevania IV (1991)
- SimCity (1991)
- NBA Jam (1993)
- Tecmo Bowl (1991)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time (1992)
- Contra Force (1992)
- Final Fantasy: Mystic Quest (1992)
- ActRaiser 2 (1993)
- Illusion of Gaia (1993)
- Secret of Evermore (1995)
- Super R-Type (1991)
- Axelay (1992)
- Cybernator (1992)
- The Addams Family (1992)
- The Simpsons: Bart's Nightmare (1992)
- Tiny Toon Adventures: Buster Busts Loose! (1992)
- Bubsy the Bobcat (1993)
- E.V.O.: Search for Eden (1992)
- Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals (1995)
- Terranigma (1996)
- Krusty's Super Fun House (1992)
- Young Merlin (1994)
- Wing Commander (1992)
- X-Men: Mutant Apocalypse (1994)
- The Ren & Stimpy Show: Buckaroo$! (1995)
- Aero the Acro-Bat 2 (1994)
- Disney's Aladdin (1993)
- Dinosaurs for Hire (1993)
- Ghouls 'n Ghosts (1990)
- Bubble Bobble (1990)
- The Jetsons: Cogswell's Caper! (1993)
And the list goes on...
51-75
- Road Runner's Death Valley Rally (1992)
- The Great Circus Mystery Starring Mickey & Minnie (1994)
- Sparkster: Rocket Knight (1993)
- Universal Soldier (1992)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Tournament Fighters (1993)
- Full Throttle (1995)
- The Incredible Crash Dummies (1993)
- Big Sky Trooper (1995)
- Skyblazer (1994)
- Frank Thomas Big Hurt Baseball (1995)
- Wizardry V: Heart of the Maelstrom (1992)
- Earthworm Jim 2 (1995)
- The Flintstones: The Treasure of Sierra Madrock (1994)
- Super Baseball Simulator 1.000 (1991)
- Plok (1993)
- Mario Paint (1992)
- Kirby's Avalanche (1995)
- Metal Warriors (1995)
- Spider-Man and the X-Men in Arcade's Revenge (1992)
- Super Mario All-Stars (1993)
- The Legend of the Mystical Ninja (1992)
- Kid Klown in Crazy Chase (1994)
- Daze Before Christmas (1994)
- Bram Stoker's Dracula (1993)
- Captain Commando (1991)
And the list goes on...
76-100
- The Blues Brothers (1993)
- The Mask (1993)
- Demolition Man (1994)
- Twisted Metal (1995)
- Congo's Caper (1992)
- Smart Ball (1991)
- Gremlins 2: The New Batch (1990)
- Wayne's World (1993)
- Barney's Hide and Seek (1993)
- Rocko's Modern Life (1994)
- Alien 3 (1992)
- Super Chase H.Q. (1993)
- Skuljagger: Revolt of the Westicans (1992)
- Shadowrun (1993)
- Mega Man 7 (1995)
- Plok (1993)
- Ninja Gaiden Trilogy (1995)
- Disney's The Jungle Book (1994)
- The Lawnmower Man (1993)
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Hyperstone Heist (1992)
- Garfield Labyrinth (1993)
- Noah's Ark 3D (1995)
- Super Off Road (1991)
- RoboCop 3 (1992)
- Killer Instinct (1995)
And there you have it – the top 100 SNES games of all time, ranked in order of their greatness. Whether you're a nostalgic gamer or just discovering the wonders of the SNES, this list is sure to bring back memories and inspire new gaming adventures.
What is the best SNES game of all time?
+The best SNES game of all time is The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Released in 1991, this action-adventure game is widely considered one of the greatest games of all time, and its influence can still be felt in modern gaming.
How many SNES games were released during its lifespan?
+During its lifespan, over 700 SNES games were released, including some of the most iconic and beloved games of all time.
What is the most expensive SNES game?
+The most expensive SNES game is Stadium Events, which was recalled due to a lawsuit over its packaging. As a result, only a handful of copies exist, making it extremely rare and valuable.
We hope you've enjoyed this trip down memory lane, and we invite you to share your favorite SNES games and memories with us in the comments below.