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The SNES did not have one worldwide release date. Nintendo lists the Super Famicom’s Japanese release as November 21, 1990; its histories place the U.S. release in 1991 and the European launch in June 1992.
SNES release dates by region
| Region | Name used by Nintendo | Release timing |
|---|---|---|
| Japan | Super Famicom | November 21, 1990 |
| United States | Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super NES) | 1991 |
| Europe | Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom) | June 1992 |
What the dates mean
Japan: November 21, 1990
Nintendo’s Japanese hardware listing gives the Super Famicom’s release date as November 21, 1990. Nintendo’s Japanese hardware page is the source for the exact day.
United States: 1991
Nintendo’s U.S. history says the 16-bit Super NES was released in the United States in 1991. It gives a year, not an exact launch day. Nintendo’s history supports the year-level date.
Europe: June 1992
Nintendo’s worldwide hardware history places the system’s European launch in June 1992. That source gives a month and year, not a separate date for every European country. Nintendo UK’s hardware history also describes the Japanese release as taking place in autumn 1990.
#1 Best Overall
![Nintendo Super Entertainment System SNES Classic Edition with Two 6-ft. Extension Cable [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517MdbK-cqL._SL160_.jpg)
- Comes with 21 games pre-installed.
- Mini, classic edition. Will not play original SNES cartridges. Games come pre-installed on console.
Why the SNES has different dates
Nintendo launched the console in different markets at different times and used different names. In Japan it was the Super Famicom; in the United States it was branded the Super NES. The dates therefore depend on which region a question means by “the SNES.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes everything needed to play
Rank #4
- 16-bit Core Video Game Console
- Stereo sound
- For up to 2 players
Rank #3
- Includes 1 controller and required cables.
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