Recommended Free Tools
There is no official ranked top 100 SNES list. This is an editorial selection of 100 Super Nintendo games, chosen to represent the system’s range of genres and play styles, newcomer accessibility, multiplayer value, and historical or series significance. Those are editorial lenses, not criteria endorsed by Nintendo. Use the list to find a starting point, not as a claim of universal consensus.
What are the best SNES games?
The games below are presented as an unranked selection, grouped by the kinds of experiences they offer. That makes it easier to choose a first game or explore a genre than a numbered ranking would. Nintendo’s official pages list games available through its services and a curated mini-console lineup; neither publishes a ranked top 100.
| # | Preview | Product | Price | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 |
|
Super Bomberman Collection - Nintendo Switch | $39.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 2 |
|
Super Smash Bros. Ultimate - US Version | $52.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 3 |
|
New Super Mario Bros. U Deluxe - US Version | $52.98 | Buy on Amazon |
| 4 |
|
900 in 1 Multi-Game Cartridge for SNES 16-Bit Game Console | $59.99 | Buy on Amazon |
| 5 |
|
Super Mario Galaxy™ + Super Mario Galaxy™ 2 | $64.99 | Buy on Amazon |
Platformers and action-adventures
- Super Mario World
- Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
- Donkey Kong Country
- Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
- Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong’s Double Trouble!
- Super Metroid
- The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- Super Castlevania IV
- Castlevania: Dracula X
- Contra III: The Alien Wars
- Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts
- ActRaiser
- ActRaiser 2
- Kirby Super Star
- Kirby’s Dream Land 3
- Super Mario All-Stars
- Goof Troop
- Aladdin
- Earthworm Jim
- Earthworm Jim 2
- Hagane: The Final Conflict
- Rendering Ranger: R2
- Super Turrican
- Super Turrican 2
- Blackthorne
Role-playing games and strategy
- EarthBound
- Final Fantasy VI
- Chrono Trigger
- Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
- Secret of Mana
- Trials of Mana
- Illusion of Gaia
- Terranigma
- Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
- Breath of Fire II
- Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen
- Fire Emblem: Mystery of the Emblem
- Fire Emblem: Genealogy of the Holy War
- Tactics Ogre: Let Us Cling Together
- Front Mission
- Romancing SaGa 3
- Live A Live
- Bahamut Lagoon
- Uncharted Waters: New Horizons
- SimCity
Racing, sports, and multiplayer
- Super Mario Kart
- F-Zero
- Axelay
- Top Gear
- Top Gear 2
- Rock n’ Roll Racing
- NBA Jam: Tournament Edition
- International Superstar Soccer Deluxe
- Super Punch-Out!!
- Kirby’s Avalanche
- Super Bomberman 2
- Super Bomberman 3
- Saturday Night Slam Masters
- Super Tennis
- Stunt Race FX
Fighting games and beat ’em ups
- Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting
- Super Street Fighter II
- Ultimate Mortal Kombat 3
- Killer Instinct
- Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time
- Final Fight 2
- Final Fight 3
- The King of Dragons
- Knights of the Round
- Sunset Riders
- Battletoads in Battlemaniacs
- Rival Turf!
- Captain Commando
- Saturday Night Slam Masters
- Power Instinct
Puzzles, exploration, and distinctive experiments
- Tetris Attack
- Dr. Mario
- Mario’s Super Picross
- Panel de Pon
- Kirby’s Dream Course
- U.N. Squadron
- Super R-Type
- R-Type III: The Third Lightning
- Gradius III
- Parodius
- Star Fox
- Star Fox 2
- Super Mario World: Super Mario Bros. 5
- Pop’n TwinBee
- Wild Guns
- Uniracers
- Clock Tower
- Front Mission: Gun Hazard
- Harvest Moon
- Metal Warriors
- Super Puyo Puyo 2
- Mario Paint
- Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen
- Assault Suits Valken
- DoReMi Fantasy: Milon’s DokiDoki Adventure
Which SNES games should you play first?
If you want a manageable first stop rather than a tour of all 100, choose based on what sounds fun. These are entry-point suggestions, not a separate ranking.
- For an approachable platformer: Super Mario World.
- For exploration and discovery: The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past or Super Metroid.
- For a long-form role-playing game: Chrono Trigger or EarthBound.
- For local multiplayer: Super Mario Kart, NBA Jam: Tournament Edition, or Super Bomberman 2.
- For quick arcade action: Contra III: The Alien Wars or Turtles in Time.
- For a strategy game: Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen.
How can you play SNES games now?
Nintendo currently offers the Super Nintendo Entertainment System – Nintendo Classics library on Switch. Its US catalog lists games including Super Mario World, Super Mario Kart, Super Metroid, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and describes online play features. The catalog can change, so check the current Nintendo catalog listing for availability.
#1 Best Overall
- Boss Rush: A challenge mode where you battle bosses from each game consecutively in a time attack!
- Save/Load Anytime: Save or load your game at any point during gameplay. Rewind Function: A handy feature allowing you to rewind and retry at any point
- Screen Filtering Function: Adjust resolution or apply screen filters to play with your preferred visual settings.
- BOMB Radio: Listen to original soundtracks from each title. You can also create your own playlists.
- Gallery: Browse art works and development materials. Over 200 items in total!
Nintendo Support says active Nintendo Switch Online members have ongoing access to the NES, Super NES, and Game Boy classic collections. Membership is required; the page does not state a price. See Nintendo Switch Online classic game libraries for the current access terms.
The Super NES Classic Edition is a separate mini console with a curated set of 21 games, including Super Mario World, Super Metroid, EarthBound, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past. Nintendo describes its selection as a diverse mix of popular and recognizable games; it is not the complete SNES library or a top 100. Current retail availability is not established by Nintendo’s Super NES Classic Edition game lineup page.
Rank #2
- New stages and fighters are joined by the combined rosters of every past Super Smash Bros. Game
- Challenge others anytime, anywhere, whether you're on the couch or on the go
- Play any way you want—locally, online, in TV mode, Tabletop mode, Handheld mode, or even with GameCube Controllers
- Fight faster and smarter with new and returning techniques, like the perfect shield and directional air dodge
- Face off in 2-4 player battles, or play against the computer
Nintendo Australia lists a wireless Super NES controller for Switch and says it is available to purchase only to Nintendo Switch Online members. That eligibility and availability are regional; consult Nintendo Australia’s controller page for current terms.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Why this list is editorial, not an official ranking
Nintendo’s Switch page describes the combined NES and Super NES libraries as having 100+ games; that figure does not mean the Super NES collection alone contains 100 or more titles. Its catalog is an availability list, not a ranking. Similarly, the 21-game Classic Edition lineup is a curated selection, not a complete representation of the console’s library. The choices here are intended to help readers navigate a broad system catalog, rather than claim a measured critical or player consensus.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesQuick Recap
Best Value
- Journey through space in two Super Mario adventures, now improved for the Nintendo Switch system!
- Travel the stars with enhanced resolution, improved UI, and additional content
- Learn more about the Lumas from additional Storybook chapters, groove to a bit of additional music
- Get additional Health and fall recovery in Assist Mode
- Join Rosalina and the Lumas to restore the Comet Observatory and rescue Princess Peach in Super Mario Galaxy.
Rank #4
- 900 IN 1 GAME CARTRIDGE: Includes 900 built-in classic games, offering endless entertainment in one convenient cartridge.
- COMPATIBLE WITH SNES: Designed specifically for 16-bit Super Nintendo consoles, ensuring seamless plug-and-play performance.
- MASSIVE GAME LIBRARY: Enjoy a huge variety of genres including action, adventure, sports, and puzzle games all in one package.
- EASY TO USE: Simply insert the cartridge into your SNES console and select from the on-screen game menu to start playing instantly.
- GREAT FOR RETRO GAMING: Perfect for fans of classic 16-bit gaming, bringing back nostalgic favorites and discovering new ones.
Rank #3
- A variety of playable characters are available, some with unique attributes that affect gameplay and platforming physics.
- Younger and less-experienced players will love playing as Toadette, who is brand new to both games, and Nabbit, who was formerly only playable in New Super Luigi U. Both characters offer extra assistance during play.
- Multiplayer sessions are even more fun, frantic, and exciting thanks to entertaining character interactions. Need a boost? Try jumping off a teammate’s head or getting a teammate to throw you.
- Features a wealth of help features, like a Hints gallery, reference videos, and a Super Guide in New Super Mario Bros. U that can complete levels for you if they’re giving you trouble.
- Three additional modes—Boost Rush, Challenges, and Coin Battle—mix up gameplay and add replayability, while also upping the difficulty for players who want to try something harder. Players can use their Mii characters in these modes.
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
