The Super Nintendo is a 16-bit powerhouse, home to many classic hits across multiple genres! Even now the system continues to see ongoing support with new game releases and a number of harder-to-find games being officially re-released. Collecting for the system has never been better with so many ways to acquire great games both locally and imported.
Despite being over 30 years old, the Super Nintendo has also received a number of new accessories to make the gameplay experience better or to supplement aged and broken controllers. Whether you have been using the system for decades or are just diving in now, there are a number of worthwhile accessories to check out!
Best Wireless SNES Controller
8Bitdo SN30 2.4G Wireless Controller For SNES
When it comes to wireless Super Nintendo controllers the first option to get is the 8Bitdo SN30! 8Bitdo has long been known for providing excellent SNES controllers and their release of 2.4 GHz editions was a welcomed addition. Featuring lower input latency than the previous Bluetooth models, the 2.4 GHz SN30s retained their excellent buttons and D-pad.
Regardless of the game, the SN30 delivers top-tier performance, and connecting two to the system allows for flawless multiplayer wireless gameplay! The only drawback to the SN30 is that quality control can, at times, be lacking. A few controllers have arrived DOA while others had a faulty D-pad. This is again an unlikely occurrence but one worth mentioning to any potential adopters of the pad.
Best Wired SNES Controller
Hyperkin Scout For SNES
Hyperkin has an interesting history with its products ranging from inventive to outright awful. The rerelease of the original Xbox Duke controller for Xbox One is the epitome of crazy releases. Thankfully as far as controllers go, Hyperkin has had a solid track record and the Hyperkin Scout is a fantastic showcase!
Featuring a similar build to official first-party SNES controllers, the Scout includes better ergonomics. Face buttons have a good feel to them and the D-pad delivers in every game tested. While not as amazing as a good-condition first-party SNES pad, The Hyperkin Scout makes a more than worthwhile replacement!
Extend A First-Party Controllers Range
Retro-Bit SNES 6-Feet Extension Cable
Retro-Bit SNES 6-Feet Extension Cable
Extend the range of a Super Nintendo controller with these extension cables from Retro-Bit!
- Brand
- Retro-Bit
- Platform
- SNES
- Connectivity
- Wired
- Cable Length
- 6-Feet
- Region Compatibility
- NTSC, NTSC-J, PAL
- Extends The Length Of SNES Controllers
In a modern living room, a 6-foot cord just isn’t long enough to enjoy playing the Super Nintendo from a couch. While newer controller options exist to make the experience wireless or give it a 10-foot cable, nothing beats using the original SNES pad. Thankfully, extension cables exist to make this option a reality!
Retro-Bit’s 6-Feet Extension cables for the SNES are just one of many such options. Plug one end of the cable into the SNES system and the other into the controller and start playing from the comfort of a couch up to 12 feet away. Every connection is solid, ensuring optimal gameplay!
Get Painting!
Hyperkin Hyper Click Retro Style Mouse For SNES
Hyperkin Hyper Click Retro Style Mouse For SNES
Hyperkin has released a replacement SNES mouse that outshines the original in every way!
- Brand
- Hyperkin
- Compatability
- SNES
- Color Options
- Gray
- Sensor
- Optical
- Compatible With SNES Mouse Games
- Optical Sensor
- 6-Foot Cable
- Larger Body
- Larger Buttons
- Uncomfortable During Prolonged Use
Yes, the Super Nintendo had a mouse controller for use in a number of titles such as Mario Paint and Wolfenstein 3D! Unfortunately, the official Nintendo mouse bundled with Mario Paint has a number of shortcomings such as its short cable length, small size, and use of a ball for tracking movement. Surprisingly, Hyperkin released its own version of the Super Nintendo Mouse a number of years back that addresses each of these problems in the original!
The Hyperkin Retro Click Mouse cable length has been doubled over the Nintendo original from 3 to 6 feet, the form factor is much larger, and Hyperkin’s mouse utilizes an optical sensor for enhanced tracking. The Hyper Click feels great to use in every supported title, making it a near-perfect replacement to the original! The only downside is that it is less than ergonomic in the hands, making prolonged use uncomfortable.
Best Low-Cost HDMI Solution For Super Nintendo
LevelHike HDMI Cable For SNES
LevelHike HDMI Cable For SNES
The LevelHike HDMI Cable For SNES offers players an easy way to get their classic system running on modern displays!
- Brand
- LevelHike
- System Compatibility
- SNES
- Externally Powered
- Yes
- Easy Way To Connect SNES To Modern Display
- Uses RGB video Signal For Optimal Picture Quality
- Not Compatible With SNES Jr Systems
- Can Introduce Input Lag
The Super Nintendo can be difficult to connect to a modern display for most users. With options like the RetroTink or using HD Retrovision cables available, players willing to put in the cash can get an amazing setup. For anyone looking for a more simplified solution, an HDMI adapter solution like the one from LevelHike has its merits. Pulling video from the Super Nintendo’s RGB video output gives the LevelHike adapter the best possible output quality.
The 16:9 and 4:3 switch also ensures players get the correct aspect ratio for SNES titles. As with all cheaper solutions, the LevelHike adapter can introduce a certain degree of input lag but in testing, it has always remained unnoticeable. Do take note that only the original larger models of the Super Nintendo or Super Famicom are compatible with this cable as the redesigned SNES Jr does not natively support RGB output.
Play Japanese Games On An American System
My Arcade Super Cartridge Converter
My Arcade Super Cartridge Converter
Play Japanese games on an American SNES without any modification using the My Arcade Super Cartridge Converter!
- Brand
- My Arcade
- Platform
- SNES
- Region Compatibility
- NTSC
- Plays Japanes Games In An American System Without Modification
- Not Compatible With Games Using Expansion Chips
- Doesn't Offer Good Cartridge Support
Like other Nintendo systems, the Super Nintendo featured region locking to prevent the import of foreign games. Thankfully, this region locking was done in a purely physical manner and is easy to defeat with a simple pair of cutters to break off two small plastic tabs within an American SNES cartridge port. If the thought of intentionally breaking off pieces of your Super Nintendo sounds like something you don’t want to do, My Arcade offers an adapter that will extend the cartridge port out of the SNES shell.
This allows Japanese titles to play without issue, but the adapter won’t work with any SNES title that makes use of expansion chips. Cartridges are also not optimally supported, which can risk damage to them if not used in a safe environment. So while the adapter will work with most titles on the system, do be aware of its limitations and always use such adapters with caution to keep precious SNES titles safe!
FAQ
Q: Does the SNES still work on modern 4K TVs?
With the proper cables, the Super Nintendo can be hooked up and look fantastic on modern 4K displays! The best solution is to use a RetroTink 5X with HD Retrovision cables, but cheaper alternatives exist that get the job done adequately.
Q: New Super Nintendo games are still being released today?
Yes, thanks to publishers like The Retro Room Games, Retro-Bit, and Limited Run Games many rare and unreleased SNES titles are getting new officially licensed cartridge runs for players to enjoy on original SNES hardware!
Q: Are there any good wireless SNES controllers?
The best wireless options available for the Super Nintendo come from 8Bitdo and Retro-Bit.
Q: Is it worth buying a Super Nintendo today?
Absolutely!