The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) was once Nintendo's flagship gaming console. The system grew to prominence in the early '90s and has remained relevant decades later. The leaps and bounds of the 16-bit era of gaming paved the way for consoles like the Nintendo 64.
For everyone else, Nintendo Switch Online is a great way to play SNES games. With peripheral options, such as a wireless SNES controller, Nintendo Switch Online isn't a bad option. This is a ranking of the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online.
Updated on November 24, 2022, by Ritwik Mitra: Nintendo Switch Online is a pretty neat service that lets players check out the classic games from Nintendo's golden era, with the SNES harboring many excellent titles that are still a blast to play even now. From epic JRPGs to amazing platformers, the SNES had it all and then some. Nintendo Switch Online has a pretty diverse and interesting collection of games from this retro console. Here are some of the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online that will scratch that nostalgia itch for gamers.
15 Earthworm Jim 2
Earthworm Jim is a pretty notable video game character who has a ton of personality. Given how his games have little to no dialogue whatsoever, this character's attitude is conveyed by great designs and detailed animations.
Earthworm Jim 2 is considered by many to be the best game featuring this character. Players who want to experience this hilarious platformer for themselves need only check out the title for themselves on Nintendo Switch Online.
14 Super Mario All-Stars
Super Mario Bros. is easily one of the most popular platforming franchises of all time, with the natural evolution of this series being quite engaging to witness. Players who want to witness the inception of this brilliant series for themselves should check out Super Mario All-Stars on Nintendo Switch Online.
This collection contains the remasters of the first three Super Mario Bros. games along with The Lost Levels. Many people consider these titles to be gaming heritage, and having the opportunity to experience these games firsthand is always a treat.
13 Super Punch-Out!!
Super Punch-Out!! is a great entry in the lauded Punch-Out!! series, featuring Little Mac in all his glory. Taking on the world's toughest boxers is no mean feat and Super Punch-Out!! will definitely test the mettle of the most adept gamers around.
Players who think they've got what it takes to become the most decorated boxing champion of all time should definitely try Super Punch-Out!! The game demands the player's attention all the time but always rewards dedication and poise with a steady stream of victories.
12 Donkey Kong Country
Donkey Kong's games are pretty much the hardcore variant of Mario games for platforming veterans who want a more engaging challenge. These games are the answer to any fan's complaints that Nintendo is catering to a "casual" market.
Donkey Kong Country is one of the series' most beloved titles, with the adventures of this lovable gorilla and his band of friends being quite memorable indeed. The game might seem simple, but its platforming challenges are deceptively hard and can take many players by surprise.
11 Kirby Super Star
Developed by HAL Laboratory, Kirby Super Star is one of the top SNES games to play on Nintendo Switch Online. The game is appealing, and it was advertised as eight games in one.
This game deserves recognition for being a platforming video game that features one of the most excellent SNES soundtracks. Players will definitely jam to the musical notes while they jump and attack their way through intricate levels.
10 Kirby's Dream Course
Originally titled Special Tee Shot, Kirby's Dream Course is a different Kirby game than most modern gamers are used to playing. It's a miniature golf game that is played in an isometric view.
The graphics might be dated, but the golfing hits the mark (literally). Dodging enemies while trying to curve a ball into a hole is a rewarding challenge. Players should definitely check out Kirby's Dream Course on Nintendo Switch Online!
9 Star Fox
The first Star Fox game ever deserves recognition for its leaps in flight and space combat. This classic hit might not be for everyone. The graphics are dated, but the gameplay is still enjoyable.
The Nintendo 64 was the platform for a reboot of Star Fox, which might be added to Nintendo Switch Online eventually. Until then, we can take comfort in knowing this classic shoot 'em up action-adventure is available on the service.
8 EarthBound
EarthBound is one of the best JRPGs around, mainly because of how it defies the many tropes in this genre. The popular JRPGs at that time had world-bending plots in high-fantasy words, which made for a world of difference from what EarthBound was all about.
The game took place in a normal modern setting where enemies were pretty mundane in comparison. Of course, this was part of EarthBound's charm and a major reason why it was such a smash hit.
7 F-Zero
The SNES was the birthplace of many highly acclaimed series. F-Zero is another game series that saw its release on the SNES. It's a racing game that features a surreal futuristic setting that sets the tone for the game.
Likely inspired by games such as Pole Position, F-Zero improved its gameplay with higher speeds, a ranking system, and a health meter. The level designs featured shortcuts and winding turns. Interestingly enough, the game's protagonist Captain Falcon never appeared in this initial installment. He did, however, show up in the instruction manual.
6 Super Ghouls'n Ghosts
Widely considered to be the hardest SNES game in history, Super Ghouls'N Ghosts is difficult for countless reasons. The game demands skill in various areas, including combat, platforming, and defense.
Players will be the king of the world for one second only to be caught naked and surrounded by monsters. Unless players are seasoned '90s platform gamers, they'll feel the grueling experience that is playing Super Ghouls'N Ghosts.
5 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island often overshadows the first Super Mario World, yet many appreciate what the game accomplished. It has a story to go along with enjoyable gameplay.
16-bit gaming arguably never looked as good during the '90s when Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island was released. This game contained the first iconic appearance of Baby Mario, where he first meets Yoshi on Yoshi's Island. It also features characters like Baby Bowser and Baby Luigi.
4 Super Mario Kart
The kart racing world was forever changed with the advent of Super Mario Kart. As the first game in the Mario Kart series, Super Mario Kart's gameplay is still relevant.
The graphics of the series has improved, and there are more characters and tracks, but the core gameplay remains. Items in Super Mario Kart can drastically shift the tides of a race. Collecting coins allows players to drive faster, and collisions are a game-changer.
3 Super Metroid
It can be a challenging game because of its puzzling level designs, yet Super Metroid stands as one of the greatest games on the SNES. The first Metroid was iconic, but Super Metroid improved in nearly every way, including a more compelling narrative.
Hidden passageways make the game tougher than other SNES games. In conclusion, Super Metroid is the second-best game for the SNES and a positive outlier of the 16-bit generation.
2 The Legend Of Zelda: A Link To The Past
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is one of the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online. Nintendo can add as many games as they want to the online service, but not many will top this behemoth.
This timeless classic has an intriguing story, inventory management, and all-around enjoyable gameplay. The SNES became the platform for a variety of landmark games. Each person is entitled to their opinion, and it's easy to see why so many people call The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Pastthe greatest game of all time.
1 Super Mario World
A launch game for the SNES, Super Mario World is commonly regarded as the greatest game and platformer of all time. It is the SNES's most successful game, earning more than 20 million sales worldwide.
Yoshi, the green dinosaur, made his first appearance in Super Mario World. The level designs are smart, and the gameplay is intuitive. These reasons and more can explain why the game is relevant three decades after its release.