Finding the best Super Nintendo games is like picking a favorite child. You love all of them; playing favorites is impossible.
The iconic Nintendo console saw a lot of great games. Somehow, we’ve chosen 25 of the best SNES games for our list. They’re presented in no particular order and are solely of the author’s opinion.
Super Mario World
The Super Mario Bros. games helped put Nintendo on the map. The first outing on the Super Nintendo may be the best in the series.
Introducing Yoshi and non-linear gameplay paths helped elevate the game over its predecessors.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
A game with so much charm and personality it oozes off the screen.
Yoshi’s Island is often regarded as one of the most important games ever released.
Chrono Trigger
Often regarded as the greatest JRPG ever made, Chrono Trigger is an unforgettable experience.
The Super Nintendo is no stranger to quality roleplaying experiences. However, none are as memorable and unique as Chrono Trigger.
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Before Paper Mario, there was Super Mario RPG.
The classic title set the foundation for the future roleplaying franchise and holds its own compared to other titans in the genre.
Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
This arcade beat ’em up is one of the best SNES games ever released.
The recently released Shredder’s Revenge pays homage to this old-school classic.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
One of the greatest games ever made, A Link to the Past is still a blueprint for many games made today.
Its bright colors, iconic soundtrack, and gameplay all have the look and feel of modern Zelda games today.
Super Metroid
Super Metroid walked so Metroid Prime could run.
It’s not every day that a title can help launch an entire genre of games, but that’s what Super Metroid does. It’s still the gold standard for Metoridvanias today.
Final Fantasy III
Photo Credit: Square Enix
Technically, the SNES release of Final Fantasy III is Final Fantasy VI. Either way, we’re not complaining. It’s a masterpiece and one of the best Super Nintendo games.
Many argue back and forth about the superior JRPG between this and Chrono Trigger.
EarthBound
Known as Mother 2 in Japan, the quirky RPG is one of the best SNES games played.
Many know Ness from his appearance in Super Smash Bros. However, his role as the protagonist in EarthBound is one for the ages.
Final Fantasy II
Photo Credit: Square Enix
Another RPG on our list of best Super Nintendo games? We’ve discussed a lot already, but there’s a good reason for it.
Final Fantasy IV (originally released as II for Western audiences)
Donkey Kong Country
The games that helped put Rare on the map as a developer.
Donkey Kong Country delivers impressive 3D visuals and offers a challenging platforming experience for those looking for something different than the Mario games.
Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
No one would complain if Rare just copied and pasted the formula for this sequel.
Instead, the studio delivers an exceptional follow-up that expands upon the original.
Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble!
We might as well finish up the trilogy here.
While Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble doesn’t always meet the expectations of its predecessors, it’s still one of the best looking games on the Super Nintendo.
Sunset Riders
The classic arcade game is also one of the best SNES games.
Sunset Riders offers a classic side-scrolling experience in a Western setting. The game remains as enjoyable and quotable as it did on release.
Killer Instinct
The 3D fighter impresses on the Super Nintendo and delivers a different yet still satisfying experience compared to other games in the genre.
Today, you can play the classic fighting game on the Xbox platform.
Street Fighter II
The iconic Capcom fighter saw many releases on the SNES, each as enjoyable as the last.
Street Fighter mania was a real thing during the Super Nintendo games. One minute with these classic games will show you why.
Super Mario Kart
It may not be the best Mario Kart, but it’s still one of the best SNES games you can play.
This now iconic franchise got its start with Super Mario Kart. Multiplayer racing games were never the same again.
Secret of Mana
What do you do when you combine a Square RPG with a Zelda-esque action adventure? You get Secret of Mana!
The action RPG style of gameplay lends well to the visual style of the era.
Star Fox
While the Nintendo 64 remake is regarded as the superior version, don’t sleep on the Star Fox’s SNES outing.
The revolutionary title brings satisfying space/aerial combat and launches another successful Nintendo franchise.
Mega Man X
The Capcom classic is undoubtedly one of the best Super Nintendo games.
The SNES release brings the series back to its glory days on the NES, capturing the magic that made games like Mega Man 2 so special.
Super Punch-Out!
While the original is more iconic, Super Punch-Out! is the superior release.
Expanding on everything that made Punch Out! successful results in a must-have game for the Super Nintendo console.
F-Zero
While the futuristic racing series has been sidelined since the GameCube, F-Zero was once a tentpole franchise for Nintendo.
The high-octane, fast-paced racing is as addicting today as it was upon release.
Super Mario All-Stars
It turns out that releasing a collection of fantastic Super Mario games is a great way to get one of the best SNES games of all time.
The original Mario games have never looked, or played, better than they do here.
Kirby Super Star
Like the Mario collection, Kirby Super Star delivers some of the best games in the Kirby franchise in one convenient collection.
With the recent resurgence of the Kirby franchise, those that have access to a Super Nintendo would do well to experience the original titles.
SimCity
The console port of the classic PC city-builder is a dream come true.
For those unable to experience the original, SimCity on the Super Nintendo is everything you could ever ask for.
Wrapping Up
That’s our list of the best Super Nintendo games. Do you agree with our list or disagree with the 25 SNES games discussed?
Please keep the conversation going and let us know in the comments below!
