Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment SystemFrom real comments

Verdict distilled from 45 mentions across 13 aspects in comments under product review videos.

Positive sentiment57%
PROS 57%
CONS 43%

Rank based on 45 mentions across 13 aspects

View the verdict as

Buy this if...

  • You want access to legendary 16-bit classics like Super Mario World and Earthbound
  • You value the SNES's distinctive sound chip and Mode 7 graphics
  • You're nostalgic for childhood gaming and want rewind/save-state convenience on the Classic Edition

What users love

Skip this if...

  • You live in a region where scalpers and shortages inflate the price far above retail
  • You want to play original cartridges rather than a preinstalled game selection
  • You prefer the Genesis's synth-heavy sound or certain game ports like Mortal Kombat

What users complain about

Compare in seconds

Based on user comments

Best choiceBest value
1
Sega Genesis
Beloved game libraryStrong nostalgic valueSuperior versions of multiplatform gamesInitial unfamiliarity or low expectationsOvershadowed by SNES in some areasController reliability over time
Sega Genesis
Beloved game library
Strong nostalgic value
Superior versions of multiplatform games
Initial unfamiliarity or low expectations
Overshadowed by SNES in some areas
Controller reliability over time
2Mid
Nintendo 64
Groundbreaking 3D gameplayLegendary first-party game libraryStrong emotional and nostalgic valueCartridge format limitations and costLimited third-party and overall library sizeHardware and memory bottlenecks
Nintendo 64
Groundbreaking 3D gameplay
Legendary first-party game library
Strong emotional and nostalgic value
Cartridge format limitations and cost
Limited third-party and overall library size
Hardware and memory bottlenecks
3Mid
PlayStation 2
Massive, acclaimed game libraryNostalgic and emotional valueBuilt-in DVD playerDisc Read Errors on launch unitsLaser burnout on slim modelsLoud fan noise
PlayStation 2
Massive, acclaimed game library
Nostalgic and emotional value
Built-in DVD player
Disc Read Errors on launch units
Laser burnout on slim models
Loud fan noise
4Mid
PlayStation 1
Iconic startup sound and nostalgiaDeep and beloved game libraryFormative personal and family memoriesWarped, wobbling texturesDisc read failures and load anxietyHardware cost-cutting compromises
PlayStation 1
Iconic startup sound and nostalgia
Deep and beloved game library
Formative personal and family memories
Warped, wobbling textures
Disc read failures and load anxiety
Hardware cost-cutting compromises
5Premium
PlayStation 3
Iconic Startup SoundBackward CompatibilityStrong Game LibraryHigh Launch PriceLost Backward Compatibility in Later ModelsDisastrous Launch
PlayStation 3
Iconic Startup Sound
Backward Compatibility
Strong Game Library
High Launch Price
Lost Backward Compatibility in Later Models
Disastrous Launch
6Mid
Sega Saturn
Exceptional 2D and arcade game library
Sega Saturn
Exceptional 2D and arcade game library
7Budget
Sega Master System
Standout RPG and platformer libraryStrong nostalgic first-console valueSuperior graphics and colour paletteLost the US console war despite strong hardwareInconsistent or inferior sound in some gamesMissing start/pause button
Sega Master System
Standout RPG and platformer library
Strong nostalgic first-console value
Superior graphics and colour palette
Lost the US console war despite strong hardware
Inconsistent or inferior sound in some games
Missing start/pause button
8
Sega Dreamcast
Outstanding game libraryPioneering online connectivityArcade-quality graphics for its eraShort commercial lifespanLacked a DVD playerRetailer and marketing pressure from Sony
Sega Dreamcast
Outstanding game library
Pioneering online connectivity
Arcade-quality graphics for its era
Short commercial lifespan
Lacked a DVD player
Retailer and marketing pressure from Sony
9Budget
PlayStation 4
Legendary Game LibraryIncredible Value for MoneyLong-Term DurabilityDated Hardware and GraphicsJailbreak and Cracked Game RisksPS5 Backward Compatibility Makes It Redundant
PlayStation 4
Legendary Game Library
Incredible Value for Money
Long-Term Durability
Dated Hardware and Graphics
Jailbreak and Cracked Game Risks
PS5 Backward Compatibility Makes It Redundant
10Premium
PlayStation 5
DualSense controller innovationImproved interface and visualsSocial features (Share Play, picture-in-picture)Overheating/tipping risk without standLimited base storageGlossy finish concerns
PlayStation 5
DualSense controller innovation
Improved interface and visuals
Social features (Share Play, picture-in-picture)
Overheating/tipping risk without stand
Limited base storage
Glossy finish concerns
You are here
24Mid
Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Strong nostalgic/emotional valueBeloved game libraryDistinctive sound chipSevere stock shortagesBackward compatibility issues with original NESMissing wanted games
Nintendo Super Nintendo Entertainment System
Strong nostalgic/emotional value
Beloved game library
Distinctive sound chip
Severe stock shortages
Backward compatibility issues with original NES
Missing wanted games

Who wins on what

Ranked by what users actually praise

Overall Impression

The SNES's game library and hardware sealed lifelong loyalty for many players. Commenters repeatedly single out titles like Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, Earthbound, Secret of Mana, and Star Fox 2 as reasons the console remains beloved decades later. Several describe being 'blown away' by the graphics and sound as kids, and credit the SNES with shaping their taste in games. The controller's six-button design and satisfying cartridge-click mechanism are also fondly remembered as smart engineering choices that outlasted competitors' designs.

Severe shortages and scalped pricing have soured the Classic Edition rollout for many fans. Multiple commenters describe standing in long lines, missing out, or paying inflated prices - one in Finland reported paying nearly double the US retail price due to limited shipments. Others explicitly urge Nintendo to manufacture enough units to meet demand, calling the current approach unfair to loyal fans. A few got lucky finding one at retail price, but frustration with availability is a recurring theme across reviews.

Sound quality comparisons to the Sega Genesis split opinion, but most favor the SNES. Several commenters argue the SNES's MIDI-like sound chip was easier for developers to use well, producing more consistently musical soundtracks than the Genesis, which required more expertise to sound good. However, a few users preferred the Genesis's synth bass tones and felt certain ports, like Mortal Kombat, played or sounded better on Sega's system. This ongoing SNES-vs-Genesis debate remains a defining part of how fans discuss the console's audio legacy.

Outdated / Not-accurate data?