SNES Classic vs. NES Classic: Which Retro Console Is For You?

Publish date: 2024-06-04

Nintendo's coveted SNES Classic Edition is launching very soon, and its previous mini retro console, the NES Classic Edition, is coming back next year after months of selling out.

So which one should you get? We're glad you asked.

What's a NES? What's a SNES?

The NES, or Nintendo Entertainment System, was Nintendo's first home console, which launched in 1985. The SNES, or Super Nintendo Entertainment System, released in 1990 with improved graphics.

The Classic Editions are miniaturized versions of these systems, each with a set number of pre-installed games that you can't add to.

Which has better games?

Ah, the most important question. The NES Classic Edition includes 30 games, (you can find the full list here) including Super Mario Bros., Castlevania, Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda. The SNES Classic Edition has 21 games, (full list here), with heavy hitters like Earthbound, Super Metroid, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past and the previously unreleased Star Fox 2.

NES Classic

Balloon Fight
Bubble Bobble
Castlevania
Castlevania II: Simon's Quest
Donkey Kong
Donkey Kong Jr.
Double Dragon II: The Revenge
Dr. Mario
Excitebike
Final Fantasy
Galaga
Ghosts 'N Goblins
Gradius
Ice Climber
Kid Icarus
Kirby's Adventure
Mario Bros.
Mega Man 2
Metroid
Ninja Gaiden
Pac-Man
Punch-Out!! Featuring Mr. Dream
StarTropics
Super C
Super Mario Bros.
Super Mario Bros. 2
Tecmo Bowl
The Legend of Zelda, Zelda II: The Adventures of Lin

SNES Classic

Contra III: The Alien Wars
Donkey Kong Country
Earthbound
Final Fantasy VI
F-Zero
Kirby's Dream Course
Kirby Super Star
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 Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Super Metroid
Super Punch-Out!!

While it's a matter of personal preference, I think it's an easy choice: the SNES Classic Edition has a stronger collection of games that will keep you playing for hundreds of hours on end.

What about multiplayer?

Both systems support multiplayer for applicable titles, but the SNES Classic Edition sure makes it easier. That system comes with two controllers in the box, so you're ready to plug and play with a friend right away. The NES Classic only includes one controller, so you'll have to dig out (or buy) a Classic Controller or Classic Controller Pro from your Wii U to be the second player.

How much do they cost?

The NES Classic wins on cost. It's just $60, while the SNES Classic Edition is $80. But with the SNES Classic, you're getting a second controller and better games, so you might consider it a better value overall.

So which one should I get?

If you have to pick one, get the SNES Classic Edition. You're going to get fewer games, but they're a better collection overall. The package includes a second controller for some throwback multiplayer experiences, and you'll get to play Star Fox 2 for the first time ever.

That being said, each is a monument to a separate part of Nintendo's (and gaming's) history, and if you can afford both, you'll have miniature testaments to some of the best classic games ever. That is, if you can find either of them in stores. Nintendo hasn't had a great track record with that so far.