The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), known as the Super Famicom in Japan, revolutionized the gaming landscape upon its North American release in 1991. Following the success of the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES), Nintendo sought to advance gaming technology with a 16-bit console that boasted enhanced graphics, sound, and gameplay capabilities. The SNES not only delivered on these promises but also established new standards for console gaming, pushing the boundaries of what was thought possible in the home entertainment space.
The impact of the SNES extended far beyond its technical specifications. It served as a platform for some of the most beloved and influential video games of all time, many of which continue to be celebrated today. The console's innovative controller design, featuring shoulder buttons and a diamond-shaped button layout, became a standard in the industry. The SNES faced stiff competition from the Sega Genesis, sparking the legendary "16-bit console war," which ultimately benefited gamers by driving innovation and creativity on both platforms. The console's legacy endures through its enduring library of games, its influence on console design, and its lasting impact on video game culture.
1991
NINTENDO
SUPER NINTENDO (USA)
📜 History & Legacy
⚙️ Specifications
- ❖ CPU: Ricoh 5A22 16-bit processor, running at 3.58 MHz
- ❖ GPU: Custom video processor capable of displaying 256 colors simultaneously from a palette of 32,768
- ❖ RAM: 128KB of main RAM, 64KB of video RAM
- ❖ Storage: Cartridge-based games
- ❖ Media: ROM Cartridges
🎮 Top 10 Games
- ★ Super Metroid
- ★ The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- ★ Super Mario World
- ★ Chrono Trigger
- ★ Street Fighter II Turbo
- ★ Super Mario Kart
- ★ Donkey Kong Country
- ★ Final Fantasy VI (III)
- ★ EarthBound
- ★ Mega Man X
🎥 Video Review
💡 Curiosities
- ? Curiosity 1 (Did you know?) The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was originally going to be called the "Nintendo Entertainment System 2" or "NES 2."
- ? Curiosity 2: The iconic Mode 7 graphics allowed for pseudo-3D effects, revolutionizing the visual experience.
- ? Curiosity 3: The SNES controller design, with its four face buttons and shoulder buttons, became a standard for future console controllers.
- ? Curiosity 4: The SNES was the first console to feature built-in digital stereo sound.
- ? Curiosity 5: The "Super Game Boy" accessory allowed players to play Game Boy games on their SNES.
- ? Curiosity 6: Several games had enhanced versions released later with improved graphics or added features, often on different platforms.
- ? Curiosity 7: The SNES saw a resurgence in popularity with the release of the SNES Classic Edition in 2017.
- ? Curiosity 8: The SNES had a built-in lockout chip to prevent unlicensed games from being played, leading to various workarounds and legal battles.
- ? Curiosity 9: The Super Scope, a light gun peripheral, was a popular accessory for certain games.
- ? Curiosity 10: The SNES's color palette and graphical capabilities allowed for detailed and vibrant sprite-based games.