Nintendo SNES Classic Edition: Everything you need to know!

Nintendo's retro version of its most popular console, SNES, is full of your favorite 16-bit games from the early 1990s!

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES, and to some, Super NES, came out in the early 1990s as a major system upgrade from the company's previous console. It was the only device for playing such titles as Donkey Kong Country, Super Mario Kart (the original), and Super Mario World. Nintendo decided to bring back our joy of retro 16-bit gaming with the release of the SNES Classic Edition, which packs 21 of the top games from the heyday of SNES into one tiny console. We've got everything you need to know about SNES Classic Edition right here.

What's new with SNES Classic Edition?

August 1, 2017

Nintendo officially announced on its Facebook page that the SNES: Classic Edition will be available to preorder from participating retailers later this month. We don't have an official date or which retailers will be participating, but we have been assured that we will be able to preorder the console. Additionally, Nintendo noted that a significant amount of systems will be shipped to retailers at launch. Hopefully, there wont be a shortage of the tiny boxes of joy like the NES: Classic Edition.

We appreciate the incredible anticipation that exists for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition system, and can confirm that it will be made available for pre-order by various retailers late this month. A significant amount of additional systems will be shipped to stores for launch day, and throughout the balance of the calendar year.

June 26, 2017

Well, as of this moment, everything! The SNES: Classic Edition was just announced by Nintendo. It's coming out September 29 and will retail for $79.99. This mini version of the original comes with 21 games pre-installed so you don't have to collect a bunch of dusty old cartridges. It also comes with two wired controllers and the exclusive, never before launched game, Star Fox 2.

So what is this mini classic console again?

Similar to Nintendo's previous Classic Edition release, the SNES Classic Edition is a miniature version of the original. I say miniature because it is small enough to fit in one hand. It doesn't have a cartridge slot, but it does have two proprietary ports for your wired controllers. It looks nearly identical to the original console launched in the early 1990s. It's adorable.

Instead of playing cartridges (Remember blowing into the processor chip area when your game wouldn't load properly?), the Classic Edition has all the games pre-installed. You simply select the game you want to play from the Home screen menu.

SNES Classic Edition comes with 21 games. Unfortunately, you can't add any more games without hacking it. Nintendos has not revealed plans to update the Classic Edition's operating systems with an online shop. So 21 games is all you get.

The good news is that, at retail, SNES only costs $79.99. One of the great things Nintendo has done is to keep the price of these Classic Edition consoles at rock-bottom prices.

What games does it come with?

I know, this is what you've been wanting to know since you first found out that SNES Classic Edition existed. What are these 21 classic titles?

• 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

Take note that Star Fox 2 has never been released. This is an exclusive launch, only available on SNES Classic Edition. Pretty sweet incentive.

What hardware does it come with?

If you're worried that a 25-year-old game console won't work with your 5K TV, you can put those worries to rest. SNES Classic Edition comes with an HDMI cable for connecting to a screen, an AC adapter with a USB charging cable, and two wired controllers.

Nintendo has not clarified whether SNES Classic Edition supports Bluetooth, but if it's anything like the NES Classic Edition, you'll be able to switch out your wired controllers with a wireless-compatible version.

When can I get one?

SNES Classic Edition goes on sale September 29. We don't have any confirmation as to what time of day you will be able to get your hands on one, but we do know that you'll be able to preorder one sometime in August.

Where can I get one?

You'll be able to pick up a SNES Classic Edition at the usual haunts, like Amazon, Target, Best Buy, GameStop, Walmart, and Toys R Us. Some, if not all, of these retailers will also offer preorders sometime in August.

Where to get the Super NES: Classic Edition in the U.S.

What about accessories?

We don't have any official information about accessories at this time, but if its anything like the NES Classic Edition, we'll be seeing them pop up in no time.

Any questions?

Do you have any other questions about the SNES Classic Edition? Put them in the comments and we'll help you out.