News Classic Nintendo Source Code And Prototypes Allegedly Leaked
For SNES games and much more
News Super Mario All-Stars Is Now Available On Nintendo's Switch Online SNES Service
Featuring "enhanced 16-bit graphics"
Hardware Classics The Super Famicom Is 30 Today
Still super after all these years
SNES - News
November2020
Poll Box Art Brawl #68 - Super Mario World
It's a Mario, Mario, Mario, Mario World
Welcome back, you beautiful bunch, to Box Art Brawl — our regular poll to find out which of two or more vintage video game cover variants from around the globe is the best, better than all the rest (diew, diew, diew-diew, diew), better than anyone we ever met. Last time we watched F-Zero take itself to the...
Video A Look At Ocean Software's Cancelled SNES Game Green Lantern
That never got the green light
Green Lantern might not be remembered for much other than a failed movie starring Ryan Reynolds over the past decade, but long before this in the early '90s, British developer Ocean Software was working on a licensed Super Nintendo video game for the DC Comics hero. This unreleased project has been largely shrouded in...
Feature Best Super Nintendo (SNES) Games
As rated by you
A lot can happen in thirty years. To be fair, a lot can happen in one year (2020's been a stark reminder of that), but thirty?!? We've seen five-ish console generations in that time, and some incredible advances in the tech and design ideas behind video games, but there was something special about the 16-bit generation. Maybe it's...
Hardware Classics The Super Famicom Is 30 Today
Still super after all these years
Originally published way back in March 2013, we thought we'd re-share this feature on the Super Famicom to commemorate its 30th birthday today. To many, it's the greatest video game console ever made. The Super Famicom — or Super Nintendo Entertainment System as it is more commonly known outside of its native...
Poll Rate Your Favourite SNES Games
Help us assemble the top 50 Super NES games ever
It varies from person to person, of course, but your favourite console generation is often the one you played most in childhood — in that impressionable pre-to-early teen sweet spot where a foundation of gaming memories are formed. That's when you play the classics you return to later in life for...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Duel #67 - F-Zero
From zero to F-Zero
Welcome to Box Art Brawl, the weekly vote to find out which of two or more regional box art variants has what it takes to win your hearts and minds. Last time we boarded the Halloween train with a trio of Resident Evil 0 covers. While Japan and North America scarpered to lock themselves in the WC when the ticket man came, the...
October2020
News The SNES Encyclopedia Is An Exhaustive Resource For Nintendo Fans
Penned by Chris Scullion, no less!
As long-time readers of this very site will be aware, Chris Scullion really knows his stuff. That's why we get him to fill these hallowed pages with lovely words; he's something of a boffin when it comes to the world of Nintendo, having worked at Official Nintendo Magazine during its heyday. Scullion has been...
September2020
News Nintendo Shares Mario’s Super Picross Tutorial As The Game Arrives On Switch
Appearing for the first time in the US
One of the four new games available on the Nintendo Switch Online service next week is Mario's Super Picross, a puzzle game that launched for the Super Famicom back in 1995. This is actually the first time it's ever appeared in the US; European fans were lucky enough to try it out through the Virtual Console...
News Nintendo Switch SNES Controllers Are Back In Stock In "Limited Quantity" (Europe)
Get on it quick!
Update (10th Sep, 2020 15:05 BST): The SNES controllers for Nintendo Switch are available once again in Europe. Nintendo notes that it only has "limited availability", so make sure to act fast if you want one: Super Nintendo Entertainment System Controller for Nintendo Switch (£26.99 / 29.99€) Delivery is expected between the...
News Evercade's Next Two Cartridges Come Loaded With NES And SNES Titles
Fancy a brawl, bro?
The Evercade handheld console is getting two more cartridges soon, both packed with retro titles from back in the day. If you're a fan of Rival Turf – also known as Rushing Beat – then you're in for a treat. Jaleco Collection 1 is perhaps of most interest; it comes with Bases Loaded, Astynax, Brawl Brothers, City Connection,...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Duel #58 - Super Mario All-Stars
Super Mario 2D All-Stars
And welcome back, box art enthusiasts, to the latest entry in Nintendo Life's Box Art Brawl canon. Yes, this week we'll be taking another look at some retro game covers and it'll be up to you to pick the best of them. Last time we took a look at Blue Ninja Shadow of the Kage Dragon as Natsume's variously-named 2D...
News Super Mario All-Stars Is Now Available On Nintendo's Switch Online SNES Service
Featuring "enhanced 16-bit graphics"
One of the many Mario announcements during today's Super Mario Bros. 35th Anniversary Direct was that Super Mario All-Stars would be joining the Nintendo Switch Online SNES library. Well, it's now available! Yep, you'll actually be able to play something right away to celebrate Mario's 35th! It's worth...
August2020
Random Playing Super Mario Run With An Official SNES Mouse Looks Quite Fun, Actually
The smartphone game transformed
Super Mario Run was a pretty decent leap to smartphones for everyone's favourite gaming plumber, but even the great pulling power of Mario himself couldn't convince every Nintendo fan to give it a go. Perhaps more would have tried it out if a more traditional control setup were available? You know, like the official...
Random Finally, Sonic The Hedgehog Spins Onto The Super Nintendo
To be this good takes AGES!
Ah, the good old playground arguments of the '90s. Which camp were you in? Even if you were a dedicated Super Nintendo owner with all of the wonderful exclusives that the system offered, it was hard not to be a little bit jealous of the Sega Genesis / Mega Drive's impressive library of games. And of course, the Mega Drive...
Poll Box Art Brawl: Duel #55 - Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Crying in a bubble
And we're back for another edition of Box Art Brawl, the weekly poll where you vote for your favourite classic (or sometimes not-so-classic) retro video game box art variant from around the world. Last week we checked in with Dr. Mario on the Game Boy (and NES) 30 years on from
Guide The 35 SNES Games On Nintendo Switch Online, Ranked By Us
Which Super NES games should you start with?
It took a while but after months of rumours, speculation and player wishes, Nintendo eventually put SNES games on Nintendo Switch back in September last year. Since then it has been adding to the roster of Super NES games on the system. Just like
July2020
News Classic Nintendo Source Code And Prototypes Allegedly Leaked
For SNES games and much more
Following on from those "massive" Nintendo leaks earlier this year, it has now reportedly happened again. Alleged prototype versions of classic Super Nintendo titles such as Yoshi's Island, Super Mario Kart, and
Poll Box Art Brawl #51 - Super Aleste / Space Megaforce
A Megaforce to be reckoned with
Welcome to Box Art Brawl, our weekly contest that pits three box art variants from around the world against each other in a fight for your vote. Last week observed three versions of ActRaiser 2 locked in combat. While Japan trailed from the very beginning, it was an exceptionally close fight between North America and...
Random Rather Than Pay A Fortune For The Legendary SNES PlayStation, One Man Built His Own
The dream of the '90s is finally here!
The discovery of the SNES PlayStation sent shockwaves through the gaming community back in 2015. A collaboration between Sony and Nintendo, the unit was intended to meet the challenge of CD-based systems like the Mega CD and TurboDuo, but it was never released; Nintendo infamously left So
Feature Every Nintendo Switch Online SNES Game Ranked
All the SNES games, ranked by you
Update: Now includes Super Mario All-Stars, in addition to Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy's Kong Quest, Mario's Super Picross and The Peace Keepers — the latter trio are coming to Nintendo Switch Online
Poll Box Art Brawl #50 - ActRaiser 2
Raise your act
Welcome back to Box Art Brawl, the weekly contest between box art variants from around the globe to find out which is the best, better than all the rest. Last week Puzzle Bobble, or Bust-a-Move as it's known in North America, graced us with its presence. It wasn't a contest, really - Japan absolutely stormed it with over two thirds...
June2020
Random Turns Out NBA Jam Has Been Cheating The Chicago Bulls All This Time
"Make sure you pick the Pistons over the Bulls"
If you're a Netflix subscriber, you'll no doubt have seen the excellent basketball documentary series, The Last Dance. It charts the incredible story of Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls during one of the most exciting periods in the history of the sport. It also spends a bit of time covering the...
News Fan Turns Broken SNES Into A Working Switch Dock
Even the eject button (kind of) works
If you fancy a new project to take on while you're stuck at home, or if you happen to have a broken SNES already lying around, perhaps it's time to turn one into a custom, fully-working Switch dock? Remember last month when we shared Reddit user IMOKRUOK's work on a broken NES, which transformed the faulty...
Poll Box Art Brawl #49 - Bust-A-Move / Puzzle Bobble
Bust-a-Bobble
Welcome once again to Box Art Brawl, our weekly poll to discover which of three regional box art variants sits at the top of the tree. Last week we scrutinised Natsume's Wild Guns on Super NES. Following a classic Western-style gunfight, North America emerged from the smoke victorious, growling at second place Japan and third place...
Poll Box Art Brawl #48 - Wild Guns
Wild world
Welcome to Box Art Brawl, our weekly dust-up to find out which of three regional box art variants is the best. Last week it was Shadowrun's turn to battle itself. Japanese Shadowrun obliterated the competition with over 70% of your approval, leaving second-place North America and third-place Europe to mop up the remainder. This week...
News The Super Game Boy Is Now 26 Years Old
Only for Super Nintendo
If you're as old as some of us here are at Nintendo Life, you might have fond memories of the Super Game Boy. It was an adapter cartridge for the Super Nintendo that allowed you to play Game Boy and dual-mode Game Boy Color cartridges on the big screen - aka your television. Some games, like the Pokémon titles, even had...
Anniversary EarthBound Turns 25 In The USA, And A Whole Generation Feels Old
Mother!
As time continues to march on relentlessly, it's time for another significant video game anniversary - and today's is a particularly nostalgic one. It's 25 years to the day since Shigesato Itoi's lovely EarthBound first arrived on US shores and gamers in the West got to take on Giygas with Ness and his band of young heroes on the SNES. They...
Poll Rate Your Favourite Nintendo Switch Online SNES Games
Help us rank the 29 SNES games on Nintendo's online sub service
They might have taken a while to arrive, but the library of 29 SNES games available as part of Nintendo's Switch Online subscription service adds considerable value to Switch's online offering for many retro gaming fans. Throw in authentic-feeling wireless controllers that mimic the...
May2020
News Blimey, Donkey Kong Country 2 Looks Lovely In HD
The SNES classic gets a new lick of paint
Thankfully, fans of the Donkey Kong Country series have been treated rather well over the past few years, with Donkey Kong Country Returns and its sequel Tropical Freeze launching across all of Nintendo's latest systems. We can't sing the praises of Tropical Freeze enough - se
News Nintendo Expands The Switch Online SNES And NES Service With Four More Titles
Update: Out today!
Update: Here's your friendly reminder that these games are out today! Original Story [Fri 15th May, 2020 02:05 BST]: It's been quite a while since Nintendo updated its Switch Online service. Fortunately, it's now announced three SNES games and one NES game will be arriving next week, on 20th May. The three SNES titles include...
News Sega's Blast Processing? We Did It On The SNES First, Says Former Sculptured Software Dev
"That was before Sega adopted the slogan"
During the epic console war of the early '90s, Sega and Nintendo used every weapon in their arsenal to gain the upper hand on each other. Any feature or technique that was seen as an advantage was quickly turned into a marketing point, and when Sonic the Hedgehog arrived on the scene, Sega was quick to focus...
April2020
Video Secret Of Mana Fan Creates Stunning 2D Animation Tribute
Straight outta the '90s
If you've been following the Mana series ever since Secret of Mana came to the SNES in the early '90s, you might want to prepare yourself for a wonderfully nostalgic trip down memory lane. YouTube user Benoit Tranchet has created a lovely 2D animation based on the classic RPG, releasing it on the platform just as the series'...
News The Japan Retro Game Association Offers Super Famicoms To Avoid Lockdown Boredom
Donkey Kong Country saves the day
Despite all the difficulties presented by the COVID-19 pandemic, the situation has also brought out some amazing acts of human kindness. Now we can add the Japan Retro Game Association to our list of lovely people, as they have offered to loan out 100 slightly yellowing Super Famicom consoles to Japanese residents...
News Developer Creates New SNES Game In Just 10 Hours
And you can play it for free
It's not often you hear about developers working on new SNES games these days, and it's even rarer to hear about one that was fully created in just ten hours. 'Keeping SNES Alive' is a brand new game from developer Dr. Ludos, who recently released another game for the SNES called Yo-Yo Shuriken - which came on a...
Random Nintendo's Hotline Guided Super Metroid Players With This Forbidden Map
Featuring an extra room
Before we had the internet at our fingertips, players had to call up companies and ask for some assistance when they got stuck in a video game. One Nintendo game a lot of people found a little confusing at times was the 1994 title, Super Metroid. Back in the day of the Nintendo Power hotline, gameplay counselors were using a...
March2020
News The Winner Of The Nintendo PlayStation Isn't Oculus VR Founder Palmer Luckey After All
"I'm looking to not have this machine just buried in a closet somewhere"
As you might have heard, earlier this week the elusive Nintendo PlayStation was sold for $360,000 USD. A tad underwhelming after the owner previously knocked back a $1.2 million offer. Who ended up buying it, though? While it was believed to be Oculus VR founder Palmer Luckey,...
February2020
Review Pop'n TwinBee - Konami's Colourful 16-Bit Shmup Shines With Couple Mode Co-op
Colour me glad
The TwinBee series enjoyed relative success in Japan throughout the late ‘80s and early ‘90s. Pop’n Twinbee was the sixth game in the series, and the last proper shoot ‘em up entry before Konami took it in a different direction with things like spin-off platformer Rainbow Bell Adventures. Because it was never released in...
Reminder Four Classic SNES And NES Games Have Launched On Switch Today
Two for each system
Just in case you'd forgotten what with all the sudden Animal Crossing Direct excitement, today sees the launch of four new games on Nintendo Switch Online's NES and SNES apps. Pop'n Twinbee and Smash Tennis have now joined
Review Smash Tennis - One Of The Best Sports Games Of The 16-Bit Era
A stroke of genius
There have been plenty of underrated games over the years, but every now and then you get an entire series that hasn’t enjoyed the level of success and attention it deserves. That’s the case with Namco’s Smash Court Tennis franchise, which has consistently served up (ahem) some top-quality arcade-style tennis action, but –...
Reminder Nintendo's Wireless SNES Controllers Are Back In Stock (North America)
Get 'em while you still can
Arguably the best way to experience Nintendo's SNES library on the Switch is with one of the original controllers. Unfortunately, getting hold of one within North America in recent times has been quite tough due to ongoing demand. Now, though, after an update last week, the wireless Super Nintendo controllers designed...
News News On Nintendo Switch SNES Controller Stock Expected This Month (North America)
More on the way?
Update (Fri 14th Feb, 2020 16:30 GMT): After reappearing online for a terrifyingly short amount of time towards the end of last month, the official SNES controller for Nintendo Switch has once again been completely out of stock for the last couple of weeks. If you missed out last time, you might want to keep an eye on Nintendo's...
News Nintendo Expands The Switch Online SNES And NES Library With Four More Games
Arriving February 19th
The first update of the year for the Switch Online SNES and NES service has been announced and it will add four more games. First up, we have the classic cute-'em-up shooter Pop'n Twinbee and the 16-bit competitive sports title Smash Tennis. Both of these Super Nintendo titles have never been released in the United States...
January2020
News The Switch Has Overtaken The SNES In Lifetime Hardware Sales
It's now Nintendo's third-best-selling home console
The Nintendo Switch's robust performance over the Christmas 2019 period has given it the momentum to overtake the SNES in terms of total lifetime sales. Thanks to sustained demand and the timely arrival of the cheaper Switch Lite, the Switch enjoyed its strongest quarter so far during the festive...
Random Pixel Artist Imagines What Zelda: Breath Of The Wild Would Look Like On The SNES
...and now we want to play it
Zelda: Breath of the Wild redefined what we expect from a Zelda game, pushing the series forward in exciting new directions but also shedding some of the baggage the franchise has been saddled with since the '80s. Still, that doesn't mean we don't have a soft spot for Zelda's past glories, and it goes without saying...
Poll Box Art Brawl #26 - Castlevania: Dracula X
Whip it good
Welcome back for another edition of Box Art Brawl, the weekly vote to see who triumphs over the first and second losers in a box art beauty pageant. Three regional versions of the same game cover battle it out to see who is the sharpest looker. Last week we had a returning series in the form of Resident Evil 2. We looked at the N64...
News This New Handheld Wants To Heal The Scars Of Gaming's Most Infamous Console War
Say hello to the Super Retro Champ
Back in the early '90s, Sega and Nintendo were bitter enemies, with their respective consoles fighting for dominance of living rooms all over the globe. There may be some of you who still consider this battle to be unfinished business, even in 2020, which is why My Arcade's Super Retro Champ could be a remarkable...
December2019
News 23 Years On, And We Still Can't Believe This Classic SNES RPG Didn't Get A US Release
Time to celebrate with a new remix album
On December 19th, 1996, Terranigma was released in the west. Quintet's final SNES release and part of a loose trilogy which also includes the superb Soul Blazer and Illusion of Gaia / Time (and ActRaiser, if you're feeling generous), Terranigma ranks as one of the best RPGs to grace Nintendo's 16-bit system...
News Someone Has Already Offered $1.2 Million For The SNES PlayStation Prototype
Big money
The owner of what is believed to be the only remaining Super Nintendo PlayStation prototype (outside of Sony's archives) has decided to sell this extremely rare system early next year via Heritage Auctions, after knocking back a million-dollar offer previously. For the uninformed, this unreleased system is able to play both Super Famicom...
Random Reggie Probably Had A Bigger SNES Collection Than Most Nintendo Fans
"I had over 80 games on that system"
The former Nintendo of America president Reggie Fils-Aimé has always said he was a fan of the company and while we've heard many stories in the past about the time he spent with Mario and the other Nintendo mascots in his younger years, we don't ever recall him mentioning the sheer amount of games he actually...
Reminder Nintendo Switch's NES And SNES Library Gets Six New Games Today
Star Fox, Kirby and more!
Just in case it had slipped your mind over the last week or so, we thought it best to remind you that you can now get stuck into six new (well, old but new) games on your Nintendo Switch. Today sees the release of Star Fox 2, Super Punch-Out!!, Kirby Super Star, Breath of Fire II, Journey To Silius, and
Feature Jason Brookes Talks Super Famicom, Import Gaming And Super Play
"The feeling of being part of a club was endemic in Super Play"
Earlier this week, former Super Play, EDGE and Famitsu staffer Jason Brookes passed away after a long battle with cancer at the age of 52. We're running a proper tribute to the great man soon, but in the meantime, here's an exclusive interview conducted with Jason back in 2017, but...
News Nintendo Expands The Switch Online SNES And NES Service With Six Classic Games
Arriving next week
Well, what a surprise. The day after Nintendo told us to try out F-Zero and other classic SNES games, it has now announced it will be adding six – yes, six – games to the Switch Online service on 12th December. Four are for the SNES app and the other two are for the NES app. Arguably the most exciting of the lot is Star Fox 2
News Nintendo Reminds Switch Online Users To Check Out F-Zero And Other Classic SNES Titles
How about a service update?
When Nintendo launched the SNES digital library on the Switch in September, it also revealed that additional titles would no longer appear on a monthly basis. Since then, there have been no game updates to the service, and the last time we received an update for the NES digital library was in August. You'd be forgiven...
Gallery This Gorgeous SNES Pixel Art Book Will Make The Perfect Christmas Gift
272 pages of pixel-perfect goodness
Award-winning specialist publisher Bitmap Books has just announced an English-language version of Robert Bannert and Christine Bauer's Unofficial SNES Pixel Book – and you can order it today. Translated from the original German in collaboration with Elektrospieler, this 272-page tome is packed full of lovely...
Feature Jez San On Star Fox, Super FX And Teaching Nintendo How To Fly
"They’d never trusted a western company in that way before"
Jez San occupies a pretty unique place in the world of video games. He founded his company, Argonaut Software, while he was still a teenage schoolkid, and his free-roaming 3D shooter Starglider would become a critical and commercial smash-hit, paving the way for a relationship with...
November2019
News The SNES PlayStation Was Going To Have A Super FX Chip Built-In
"Then Sony and Nintendo fell out"
The Super FX chip was a groundbreaking piece of tech; a "console on a chip" which massively enhanced the SNES, allowing it to push polygons with aplomb. Created by Argonaut Software, a small UK-based firm, the chip was created when Nintendo enlisted the help of Argonaut's Jez San to assist the company in making 3D...
News Yo-Yo Shuriken Is A Brand New Action Game That's Just Released For The SNES
What year is it?
We're positively swimming in new Nintendo Switch releases every week at this point - our constantly overflowing inbox serves as a regular, major indicator of this (send help) - but we don't expect to see new games arrive for the nearly-30-years-old SNES. That's exactly what we've been treated to today, however, with the launch of...
Video Turns Out Zelda: A Link To The Past Features 12 Hidden Rupee 'Pull' Spots
Did you know about these?
Zelda games often contain hidden secrets and little treats for players to discover, and The Legend of Zelda: A Link To The Past is no different. One such secret found within the SNES classic is Link's ability to 'pull' on an object to receive rupees, the in-game currency. You may well be aware of this already, as one such...
Feature The Story Behind New Super Mario Land, The Homebrew Marvel Intended As A Christmas Gift
"As far as I'm concerned, the project is terminated already"
Yesterday's news that a talented modder had managed to 'update' (if such a term could be used) Super Mario Land in the form of New Super Mario Land – and get it working on a SNES, no less – caused quite a stir online. We've been lucky enough to not only play this incredible feat of...
News Playtonic's Steve Mayles Releases Special Donkey Kong Country Artwork To Mark Its 25th Birthday
As other staffers share mementoes from the period
Donkey Kong Country turned 25 yesterday, an event which is sure to have made many of us feel very old indeed. To celebrate the anniversary, Playtonic's Steve Mayles – who worked on the game during his tenure at Rare – has posted a special piece of artwork showcasing the game's heroes: Mayles...
Random Super Mario Land Has Been Ported To The SNES, And It Looks Amazing
If only it were official
Super Mario Land is one of the most beloved entries in the early Mario canon, despite the fact you can finish it in an evening and it has rather crude visuals, even by Game Boy standards. Still, it was, for many gamers, their first taste of 'Mario-on-the-move', and its gloriously oddball shooter levels, engaging soundtrack...
Random So, Someone Made A Portable SNES Out Of... A SNES
Because why not?
Over the past few years, we've seen hackers and modders create some pretty impressive pieces of hardware based on existing classic systems. Portable N64s, GameCubes and even Wii Us have come and gone, each one trying to turn a beloved platform into something subtly different.
News High-Quality Super Nintendo Poster Set Up For Grabs On My Nintendo (Europe)
And go in the draw to win a SNES Mini
Fancy some new Super Nintendo games for the Switch Online service? How about some themed posters instead? If you happen to be located in Europe, you can now redeem and order an exclusive set of posters from the My Nintendo Store. This poster set is priced at 300 Platinum Points and features three iconic SNES...
October2019
News Unreleased Super NES Prototype Tarzan: Lord Of The Jungle Emerges After 25 Years
Me Tarzan, you game
A playable prototype for a planned Super Nintendo game called Tarzan: Lord of the Jungle has been unearthed by Gaming Alexandria and a collection of assets and documents have also been made available on the site alongside an article detailing the game's history. The side-scrolling platformer was originally scheduled for release...
News Zelda: A Link To The Past's Map In LEGO Form Is A Sight To Behold
Spotted at BrickCon 2019
Setting off on a new adventure in The Legend of Zelda series is always pretty special, so much so that the maps and locations contained within each game are practically etched into our minds at this point (apart from Breath of the Wild, because that thing's huge). If you've played and loved Zelda: A Link to the Past, you're...
News Cripes, That SNES PlayStation Prototype Is Up For Sale Now
Time to remortgage the house, then
A few years back, a pretty incredible event occurred: a SNES PlayStation prototype was discovered in the wild. Owned by Terry Diebold (and discovered by his son in a box of junk that was about to be thrown out) the unit is the only known example outside of Sony's archives and dates back to the time when
September2019
Guide Where To Buy The Nintendo Switch Online Super NES Controllers
Update: "Currently unavailable"
Now that Super NES games have finally dropped on Switch for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers, you'll probably be wanting to play them with the controller they were designed for. Fortunately, Nintendo also announced that wireless Super NES controllers are available to purchase by anybody signed up to Nintendo's...
Review Pilotwings - 16-bit Flight Simulation, The Nintendo Way
Mode 7 is the wind beneath my Pilotwings
Now that SNES games are available on Nintendo Switch Online, we've decided to revisit each of them in a fresh review. Expect to see updated reviews for all of the titles currently available over the next few weeks. Upon introducing its new Super Famicom console in late 1990 it wasn't just critical for...
News The Wireless SNES Controller For Switch Unlocks Super Mario World Sound Effects
A nice surprise
The SNES Collection for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers has a lot of fancy built-in features such as the ability to rewind games, re-order games, play online with friends and save your progress at any time. If you were lucky enough to get your hands on one of the wireless Super Nintendo Controllers though, you may or may not have...
Review Super Mario World - Phenomenal Platforming Perfection
It's-a Mario masterpiece
Now that SNES games are available on Nintendo Switch Online, we've decided to revisit each of them in a fresh review. Expect to see updated reviews for all of the titles currently available over the next few weeks. Impressive software is vital for a console's launch, and the powerful one-two combination of the Mode 7...
Reminder Wireless SNES Controllers For Switch Online Can Now Be Purchased (North America)
Exclusive offer for members
Update: The wireless SNES controllers are temporarily out of stock on the Nintendo website. If you want to properly relive the glory days of the SNES on your Nintendo Switch, you must absolutely get the fancy wireless controllers Nintendo showed off during its most recent Direct broadcast. The good news is if you live...
Review F-Zero - The Game That Sold Us Mode 7
What a way to launch a console
Now that SNES games are available on Nintendo Switch Online, we've decided to revisit each of them in a fresh review. Expect to see updated reviews for all of the titles currently available over the next few weeks. At their very core, futuristic racing games should have visual flair, and there was already an early...
Poll So, Which SNES Games Have You Been Playing On Nintendo Switch?
Mario? Zelda? Star Fox?
Last week, Nintendo Switch Online subscribers were treated to a whole new bunch of retro delights in the form of the new SNES app. Available to download as we speak, the new collection lets players jump into 20 classic games on the go, and we're sure plenty of you have been enjoying your time with them. As such, we thought...
News Yoshi's Island On Switch Fixes The Glitch Found In The SNES Classic Version
All better now
If you've booted up the Nintendo Switch Online's fancy new SNES app, you may well have already given Yoshi's Island a fresh spin. The 1995 classic is now available at no extra cost to Switch Online subscribers - and we'd definitely recommend diving into it. Now, we wouldn't blame you for missing it
News Switch's NES And SNES Games Will No Longer Be Added Monthly
Mixing it up
SNES games have finally arrived on Nintendo Switch, joining the already existing NES library to create an ever-growing treasure trove of retro delights for Nintendo Switch Online subscribers. Previously, when we only had the NES games to enjoy, new titles were released (almost) religiously on the second Wednesday of every month, but...
Reminder The Super Nintendo App Is Out Today On The Switch
Includes 20 classic games
Today is an absolutely glorious moment for Switch Online members – with Nintendo finally making SNES games available. Provided you've got a paid subscription, you'll be able to head over the eShop and download this new library of classic games right away. Here's a tweet from the Nintendo of America Twitter account,...
News Nintendo Switch System Update 9.0 Is On The Way, Will Add SNES Controller Support
And stability?
We all love a good Switch system update here at Nintendo Life - so much so that the idea of system 'stability' has become something of an in-joke amongst our lovely reader community - and the latest of these appears to be just around the corner. Nintendo has confirmed the existence of Version 9.0, which will eventually take over from...
News SNES Games Headed To Switch Online, 20 Titles Release Today In North America
Friday if you're in Europe
Well, the months of rumours, speculation and player wishes have finally come true, as Nintendo has revealed that SNES games are indeed headed to Nintendo Switch. Just like the NES games already available on the console, this new SNES library will be available exclusively to Nintendo Switch Online members. The games will...
August2019
Feature Super Nintendo Games We’d Like To See On Nintendo Switch Online
You can never have enough ways to play SNES games
The discovery of an FCC filing showing a SNES controller with the model number ‘HAC-042’ (indicating it’s part of the Switch’s library of peripherals) has all but confirmed that Super Nintendo games are finally on their way to the Nintendo Switch Online service alongside their NES-based...
Random 1992 Nintendo Power Interview Reveals Will Smith's Obsession With Zelda
"He needs help"
Nintendo Power / @nbajambook Now this is a story all about how Fresh Prince himself, Will Smith, developed something of a fondness for Nintendo games - and especially The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - back in the '90s. In a 1992 issue of Nintendo Power magazine, both Will and music and TV partner DJ Jazzy Jeff spoke about...
News Switch SNES Controller Confirmed, Nintendo Switch Online SNES Games Next?
Just in time for the one year anniversary...
A SNES-style controller for the Nintendo Switch has been spotted thanks to a new FCC filing, which hints that we could see SNES games added to Nintendo Switch Online service sooner rather than later. The filing – spotted by Restera user
News Kirby's Super Star Stacker Receives English Fan Translation 21 Years After Japan-Only Release
Kirby's final Super Famicom appearance
Fans have released a western translation of Kirby's Super Star Stacker, a game which released on the Super Famicom just over 21 years ago. The game is a remake of Game Boy title Kirby's Star Stacker and was only ever released in Japan (the original Game Boy game did launch in North America and Europe). The...
News The Evercade Handheld's Latest Cartridge Features Several Rare SNES Games
More retro delights
Yet another wave of games set to be released on Evercade have been shared - the upcoming cartridge-based handheld system which can connect to your TV. You can read all about the new system here if you're not familiar, but for those of you who have seen our previous coverage, let's dive into the good stuff. This latest set of...
June2019
News A Forgotten (And Kirby-Free) HAL SNES Title Has Been Preserved For The Ages
Anyone for golf?
Some great news for retro gaming enthusiasts as the year of noteworthy Super Nintendo efforts continues unhinged. Reports of successful preservation of HAL Laboratory's Special Tee Shot prototype and subsequent public release means that we can all now enjoy the isometric mini-golf game that was meant to show up as a regular SNES...
Video The Making Of SNES Classic Star Fox And The Super FX Chip
And so, the Lylat System was born
Whether you're a diehard fan of the series, or even just familiar with the team thanks to the Super Smash Bros. games, Fox, Falco, Slippy, and Peppy hold a special place in the hearts of many Nintendo fans (yes, we're including Slippy here). The series' Lylat System was born in 1993, when Star Fox (known as Starwing...
News Super Famicom Exclusive Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 English Fan Translation Released
The epic tale of Prince Leif, twenty years later
You might have noticed that the first half of 2019 has been rather exciting for Super Nintendo fans worldwide – with several new hardware and fan projects ensuring that the old 16-bit powerhouse remains relevant to this day and age. This latest news will do very little to dimmish such a trend...
May2019
News Earthworm Jim 1 & 2 Getting A SNES Reprint Courtesy Of iam8bit
Woah, Nelly!
Recent news that the original team behind beloved 16-bit platformer Earthworm Jim is getting back together for a sequel on the Intellivision Amico confirmed that there's still an audience for the worm and his zany antics. His games on SNES and Genesis / Mega Drive were f
Random The Captivating Mystery Of Pilotwings’ Crashing Plane
And what it means for the art of emulation
These days, we’re used to games evolving over time; developers add content, patch out bugs and generally tinker with their creations for months (if not years) after their publication, subtly re-shaping them into a form which often differs quite wildly from the initial release. Even though this practice...
Random Someone's Working To Fix SNES Shooter Gradius III's Slowdown Issues
SA1 to the rescue!
As one of the earliest shmups to hit the Super Nintendo along with Super R-Type, it was hard not to love Konami's Gradius III. It remains an absolute luxury to have such a great exclusive home port, but reviewers at the time were unanimous in pointing out a single flaw which was somewhat common among earlier SNES releases. The...
News Super Nintendo Emulator Brings HD To Mode 7 Retro Classics
Beyond super, beyond 4:3!
There's no shortage of options when it comes to playing SNES games on a PC, but programmer Byuu's extensive work on bsnes throughout the years has ensured that it remains by far the most cycle accurate Super Nintendo emulator ever developed. While not as user friendly or CPU-light as other offerings, it remains an...
March2019
News Fans Are Remaking Zelda: Link's Awakening In The Style Of A Link To The Past
How long until Nintendo’s lawyers step in?
A fansite called ZeldaForce is currently hard at work on a remake of The Legend of Zelda: Link's Awakening, swapping its visual style to suit that of Zelda: A Link to the Past on the SNES. The project is called 'A Link to the Dream' and is planned to be released on platforms like AmigaOS, Windows, and...
News This 3D Model Of Super Mario World Is Breathtakingly Beautiful
We'll take ten, thanks
If you love Super Mario World anywhere near as much as we do, you're going to love this 3D model based on the game's overworld, too. Shared on Twitter by Matt Brailsford, this gorgeous little creation features all of the key areas seen on the game's famous map. Everything from the little world numbers, the Yellow Switch...
News Nostalgia Alert! James Pond Codename: Robocod Slips Onto Switch eShop
Cod help us
With the huge lists of new titles on eShop every week, it's sometimes easy for smaller games to slip thought the net as the bigger releases grab our attention. Eagle-eyed readers will have spotted a 16-bit classic that dropped onto Switch yesterday. Yep, James Pond Codename: Robocod is available to download on eShop as we write. For...
February2019
News The English Translation of Super Mario RPG Cut Many Japanese Pop References
Explains some of the oddness
That's Mallow Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was a grand departure from the Mario template when it launched back on Super Nintendo in 1996. Nowadays there's nary a genre the precocious plumber hasn't dipped his toe into, but his first foray with role-playing turned out to be a classic that still stands up...
News All Secret SNES Data Has Just Been Removed From Nintendo Switch Online's NES App
Suspicious...
You may remember that, just last month, a total of 22 SNES games were spotted in the Nintendo Switch Online - Nintendo Entertainment System app. Ever since, and especially with Nintendo's public commitment to "boost the appeal" of its Switch Online service, we've been practically convinced that SNES games will make it to the console in...
Feature Behind The Scenes On Sensible Software's Unreleased SNES Bomberman Beater
Da bomb
Sensible Software is a studio embedded in gaming history for many reasons outside of the admittedly immortal Sensible Soccer. Along with the Canon Fodder games – the destructive sibling of Sensible's popular football sim – the company's commitment to the 16-bit Amiga proved that, sometimes, you can achieve impossibly addictive gaming...
News Combined Sales Of SNES Mini And NES Mini Likely To Surpass Lifetime Wii U Sales
Retro power
If you need to be reminded just how miserable lifetime Wii U hardware sales were, Niko Partners analyst Daniel Ahmad has shared a number of charts on Twitter, comparing Nintendo system sales as of 31st December 2018. Noticeably, the combined sales of the SNES Mini Classic and the NES Mini Classic are expected to surpass Wii U lifetime...
News Gods Remastered Is Bringing The Bitmap Brothers' Classic '90s Platformer To Switch
From SNES to Switch
Hercules is well and truly on his way to Nintendo Switch, as a remaster of the classic '90s platformer Gods is on its way to the console. Fittingly called Gods Remastered, this new release has been developed by Robot Riot Games and actually released on Steam towards the end of last year. The remaster presents the original title...
Feature Playing God: How Peter Molyneux Hooked Japan With Populous
"One of the things I really wanted was a Japanese toilet"
When the Super Famicom hit Japanese store shelves at the end of 1990, it was accompanied by a host of particularly strong titles that did a superb job of communicating the power and versatility of Nintendo's new platform: Super Mario World, F-Zero, Pilotwings, Final Fight; these were arguably...
January2019
Rumour SNES Games Might Be Coming To Switch Sooner Than You Think
New datamining efforts reveal
Yesterday may well have introduced a few more NES games to play on your Switch, but it appears that they might not have been the only things added to the Nintendo Switch Online service in the update. Just a few days ago, datamining efforts uncovered a total of 22 SNES games listed in the NES online app's code, and...
SNES - Features
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