I've been pondering that for some time now. I've actually never owned one, but looking at the easy availability of so many classics from the likes of ebay it makes me think that it might be a more worthwhile investment to go retro instead of investing in a PS3/Xbox360, specifically since the gameplay in most of these older titles appeal to me more. Newer two-in-one NES/SNES systems have been cropping up lately. Are those worth it or should I try going with original hardware instead?

Some games I've been looking at: Lion King, Aladdin, Earthworm Jim, Zombies Ate My Neighbors, Super Mario All-Stars, Star Fox, Super Star Wars...

So, what do you think?

Do NOT buy those cheap piece of s**t SNES/NES clones. Get a mini-snes deck and enjoy it! It's the greatest game system ever created, IMO. I own 4.

Why on earth would you need four of them? ... I didn't think those knock-offs were anything special. Besides, they probably can't replace the same feel as the original either.

there are a lot of good games that were released for the SNES. if you're feeling the retro itch, and your wallet can handle it, i say go for it if that's what you want.

you'll probably want to consider the fact that many games with battery save features may not reach you in full saving order. here's a YouTube video of a dude showing you how to replace a SNES cartridge's game-save battery. it's dry and boring, but it's a pretty informative video, and he provides links to where you can get the stuff you'll need.

I've heard (from the guys at screwattack) that the 2-in-1 systems also have a problem playing certain games. I'm not sure if there is a "type" but I wouldn't want to take the chance.

I just got a SNES from an old friend that I have to fix up, but I already have a large library of games that I can play on it. The only problem with collecting original SNES games can be the cost. NES tends to be cheaper all around, even for the really popular ones (like Contra goes up around $20 sometimes) but the SNES had a lot of rare classics like Ogrebattle or Chrono Trigger that will run you $60+.

For that reason alone I am so grateful for the VC. I'll take Orgrebattle for $8 over $70 any day!

I have my original Super NES, original Super Famicom, my current mini SNES deck, and a brand new backup mini SNES deck. And I reviewed the crappy Retro Duo for super-nes.com and it's garbage. The other one has trouble playing the game's that use special chips.

You mean like Starfox or Yoshi's Island?

Yep and Star Ocean, Super Mario Kart, Super Mario RPG, etc. It's best to stick with the real deal or reap the consequences. Besides the control pads on the clones feel like junk.

there's a list toward the bottom of this page of the SNES games that use enhancement chips, if you're interested in seeing what you wouldn't be able to play on that clone.

Nah. I'm just curious. I new that it was a piece of crap to begin with. If I can't play Starfox on it then it is of no use to me.

yeah, Star Fox would be a deal-breaker for me too. Super Mario RPG and Yoshi's Island would be too much to lose as well.

That's right. It's almost like thowing most of your old school games out the window and saying that you never cared.

Star Fox and Yoshi's Island were both birthday presents the years they came out... no way i'd want to not be able to play 'em on an SNES i bought, lol.

I also had a LOT of trouble getting NES games to keep from wobbling in the Retro Duo. If you even slightly bumped it in the least, the game would freeze. I even barely pulled on the controller at one point and froze my game of Zelda.

A dead uncle told me to keep them once. I never knew he was dying. I think about him every time I play them. Of course I was 5.

For the price you pay for a Snes now i would say definitely pick one up. I can only see the price going up as they become more rare. I am in the process of buying all the classic consoles i want and managed to pick up a Mega drive off of E-bay for £12 inc P+P not too long ago. My disk drive on my Amiga 600 has died + it is actually cheaper to buy another Amiga than replace the disk drive so that will be my next purchase.

I'm getting a "dead" SNES off of my old neighbour soon. He says the problem with it is that the light doesn't go on when you flick the power switch. Sounds like a problem with the power supply. Anyone know what I could do to fix this? Any tutorials you know of?

I own a Retro Duo. Personally I have never had any problems with the SNES side. Every SNES game I've tried has worked perfectly. Now the NES side is a different story. Sound and color is a little off on most NES games.

its better to get the original or free emulation if you want accuracy.