Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
The 16-bit legend that defined gaming's golden age
Quick Facts
- Released
- 1990 (Japan, as Super Famicom)
- 1991 (North America)
- 1992 (Europe)
- Discontinued
- 2003 (worldwide)
- Units Sold
- 49.1 million worldwide
- Best-selling Game
- Super Mario World (20.6 million)
Overview
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) represents the pinnacle of 16-bit gaming, featuring revolutionary graphics, sound capabilities, and some of the most beloved games ever created. Known as the Super Famicom in Japan, it expanded upon its predecessor's success with advanced features like Mode 7 graphics and revolutionary game design.
Technical Specifications
CPU
- Ricoh 5A22 @ 3.58 MHz (NTSC)
- 3.55 MHz (PAL)
- Based on 65C816 core
Graphics
- Resolution: 256 × 224 to 512 × 448
- 32,768 available colors
- 128 sprites on screen
- Mode 7 plane rotation & scaling
Audio
- Sony SPC700 @ 1.024 MHz
- 8 channel ADPCM
- 16-bit stereo sound
- 96 KHz sample rate
Memory
- 128 KB Main RAM
- 64 KB Video RAM
- 64 KB Sound RAM
- Game Pak: Up to 6 MB ROM
Iconic Games
Super Mario World
1990A masterpiece of platforming design that introduced Yoshi and set new standards for the genre.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
1991Perfected the Zelda formula with its dual-world mechanic and intricate dungeon design.
Chrono Trigger
1995A groundbreaking RPG featuring multiple endings, unique battle system, and unforgettable story.
Super Metroid
1994Defined the exploration-based action-adventure genre with its atmospheric world and precise controls.
Final Fantasy VI
1994Epic RPG featuring a large cast of characters and revolutionary storytelling.
Donkey Kong Country
1994Revolutionary platformer with pre-rendered graphics and atmospheric music.
Street Fighter II Turbo
1993Definitive version of the revolutionary fighting game that popularized the genre.
Super Mario Kart
1992The first entry in the iconic kart racing series, featuring Mode 7 graphics.
EarthBound
1994Quirky RPG set in modern times with unique humor and memorable characters.
Legacy
The SNES era is often considered the golden age of gaming, introducing numerous innovations that influenced the industry:
- Mode 7 graphics capabilities
- L and R shoulder buttons on controllers
- Advanced sound chip for orchestral music
- Revolutionary game design concepts
Many of the franchises born on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) continue to be major forces in gaming today, demonstrating the lasting influence of this revolutionary console.