Nintendo has unveiled the SNES Classic Edition, a retro console based on the popular Super Nintendo Entertainment System launched in 1991 and a follow-up to the always-sold-out NES Classic Edition.
Here is everything that we know so far about the SNES Classic Edition, including its price, list of games included, and release date.
SNES Classic Edition Price, Release Date
Nintendo will launch the SNES Classic Edition on Sept. 29, with a price tag of $79.99.
Similar to the NES Classic Edition, the new retro console will be preinstalled with a selection of SNES titles, allowing players to relive the experience of classic games.
However, the SNES Classic Edition is $20 more expensive than the retail price of the NES Classic Edition, partly because it comes with two wired controllers. Its predecessor only came with one wired controller, with the second controller sold for $10 each. In addition, the controllers for the SNES Classic Edition have cords that are 2 feet longer than those of the NES Classic Edition, fixing one of the major complaints against the retro console.
SNES Classic Edition Games
While the NES Classic Edition is loaded with 30 titles, the SNES Classic Edition only comes with 21 games.
The games that will be preinstalled in the SNES Classic Edition are: Contra III: The Alien Wars, Donkey Kong Country, EarthBound, Final Fantasy III, F-ZERO, Kirby Super Star, Kirby's Dream Course, 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 Metroid, Super Punch-Out!!, and Yoshi's Island.
The list is packed with fan favorites, but one of the highlights is Star Fox 2, a never-before-released game. Unfortunately, the massively popular RPG Chrono Trigger is not among the titles that will be included in the SNES Classic Edition.
SNES Classic Edition Supply
The biggest question surrounding the SNES Classic Edition is whether Nintendo will be able to release sufficient supply for what would likely be another heavily demand device.
Its predecessor, the NES Classic Edition, sold 2.3 million units before it was discontinued. That number would have been much higher if Nintendo was able to keep up with the demand for the retro console, as its supply shortage severely frustrated gamers.
For the SNES Classic Edition, Nintendo said that it will produce "significantly more units" of the upcoming retro console compared to the NES Classic Edition. This should come as good news for gamers who are already looking forward to purchasing the console.
However, Nintendo's statement also came with the announcement that the SNES Classic Edition is planned to be shipped only until the end of the year, with no plans yet on extending shipments into 2018. This means that, while the supply could be greater, there will be less time for gamers to track down and purchase an SNES Classic Edition.
SNES Classic Edition Preorder
Perhaps the best way to secure an SNES Classic Edition is to preorder the device. However, while preorders have already launched and sold out in the United Kingdom, no preorders have gone up for the retro console in the United States.
Gamers should keep their eyes peeled for SNES Classic Edition preorder listings from reputable sellers such as GameStop, Amazon, and eBay. Sending in a preorder is definitely a must for the SNES Classic Edition, as all signs point to massive demand for the upcoming retro console.
