Following the success of the NES Classic Mini, Nintendo has announced the hotly anticipated SNES Classic Mini. The tiny version of the old console will arrive later this year so check out the SNES Classic Mini release date, price, games and where to pre-order. Also see: Best console 2017.
“Step back into the 90s and re-experience some timeless classics when the Nintendo Classic Mini: Super Nintendo Entertainment System,” said Nintendo.
Technically the full name of it is the ‘Nintendo Classic Mini Super Nintendo Entertainment System’ but we’re calling it the SNES Classic Mini for short. Read our Nintendo Switch review and the SNES Classic Mini, plus the Sega Mega Drive Mini.
SNES Classic Mini Release date and Price
Although the SNES Classic Mini was a no show at E3 2017, we now have the official word from Nintendo about the mini console. The firm might also be working on an N64 Classic Mini.
The SNES Classic release date is 29 September for both Europe and the US.
It’s unsurprising that it cost more than the NES Classic Mini. In the US it will be $79 and in the UK the SNES Classic price is £69 (although some retailers initially listed it at £79).
Did you know you can also run a SNES emulator on Android?
Where to buy SNES Classic Mini
Both Amazon and the Nintendo Store have listings for the SNES Classic Mini but as you might expect, it’s sold out. Strangely the listings on GAME and Very now just go to the homepage of each retailer.
You’ll need to keep an eye on when stock is available and just in time for Black Friday, the SNES is back in stock on the official store.
Stock issues
The stock shortages of the SNES Classic Mini are an issue with Nintendo claiming there will be plenty of units.
“A significant amount of additional systems will be shipped to stores for launch day, and throughout the balance of the calendar year.”
This is all following Nintendo’s claims it won’t have the same problem as it did with the NES Classic before discontinuing it.
“We aren’t providing specific numbers, but we will produce significantly more units of Super NES Classic Edition than we did of NES Classic Edition,” said Nintendo.
“Super Nintendo Entertainment System: Super NES Classic Edition is currently planned to ship from Sept. 29 until the end of calendar year 2017. At this time, we have nothing to announce regarding any possible shipments beyond this year.”
However, The firm has since said that the console will continue to be available going in to 2018, just in case you don’t manage to get one in time for Christmas. It will also put the NES Classic Mini back on sale next year.
SNES Classic Games and Features
On the whole, the SNES Classic Mini is very much like the NES version. It’s a pint-sized replica of the console which launched in Japan back in 1990.
Once again it comes with modern features like an HDMI port but the games are all pre-loaded rather than players needing to buy individual cartridges. It’s also powered by USB (although the AC adapter is not included) and comes bundles with two wired Super NES Classic controllers.
True to the original, the US model will have a grey and purple design while the European version will look like the PAL model including central ‘eject’ button and green, red, blue and yellow buttons on the controllers – see above.
While the NES Classic has 30 games pre-installed, the SNES Classic only has 21 (see below for the full list). However, Nintendo has included Star Fox 2 – the sequel to Star Fox (Starwing in Europe) which was never released anywhere in the world.
Players must complete the first level of Star Fox to unlock Star Fox 2 on the SNES Classic.
Although Nintendo hasn’t outlined details yet, we assume it will have the same memory saving system as the NES Classic. This will mean you can save your progress at any time so games don’t need to be completed in one go without switching the device off.
SNES Classic games list
• Contra III: The Alien Wars • Donkey Kong Country • EarthBound • Final Fantasy III • F-ZERO • Kirby Super Star • Kirby’s Dream Course • The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past • Mega Man X • Secret of Mana • Star Fox • Star Fox 2 • Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting • Super Castlevania IV • Super Ghouls ’n Ghosts • Super Mario Kart • Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars • Super Mario World • Super Metroid • Super Punch-Out!! • Yoshi’s Island
Author: Chris Martin, Reviews Editor
Tech Advisor's Reviews Editor, Chris has been reviewing all kinds of tech for over 10 years and specialises in audio. He also covers a range of topics including home entertainment, phones, laptops, tablets and more.