The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is one of the greatest consoles on the planet. Released in the early '90s, it gave us unforgettable games, iconic music, and pixel-perfect memories that still hold up today. Whether you were a weekend warrior battling bosses with your siblings or solo grinding through fantasy worlds, the SNES had a ton of classic games.

Here are 10 of our all-time favorite SNES games. Each one a classic from the 16-bit era that so many of us grew up in. These are some of the ones I still find myself going back to all these years later.

10. NBA Jam Tournament Edition

“He’s on fire!” NBA Jam TE brought fast-paced, over-the-top basketball to the SNES with crazy dunks, big heads, and non-stop action. It’s pure arcade joy with an announcer that lives rent-free in our heads to this day. Two-on-two basketball has never been this ridiculous or this fun.

9. Super Mario Kart

The OG that started it all! Super Mario Kart introduced us to kart racing with items, banana peels, and Battle Mode mayhem. It’s chaotic, colorful, and incredibly addictive. While newer entries have polished the formula, the original still holds up with its Mode 7 charm and split-screen fun.

8. Street Fighter II

Street Fighter II brought arcade-quality fighting to your living room and kicked off the fighting game craze of the '90s. With its diverse cast of characters and tight mechanics, it was the game to play with friends (and rivals). Whether you mained Ryu, Chun-Li, or Blanka, this one was a must-have.

7. Secret of Mana

One of the best action RPGs on the SNES, Secret of Mana offers beautiful visuals, real-time combat, and up to three-player co-op (with a Multitap!). The story, world-building, and amazing soundtrack make it feel like an interactive fantasy novel. It’s the kind of game you never forget.

6. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

Donkey Kong Country 2 took everything great about the original and cranked it up. It’s tougher, prettier, and more adventurous, with incredible level design and that unforgettable pirate theme. Diddy and Dixie make a fantastic team, and the music (shoutout to "Stickerbush Symphony") is legendary.

5. Super Mario World

What more can be said about Super Mario World? It’s the ultimate Mario platformer, introducing Yoshi, secret exits, and buttery-smooth controls. The game’s charm, creativity, and level variety are unmatched. Whether you're speedrunning or casually collecting Dragon Coins, it’s always fun.

4. Super Metroid

Super Metroid is a masterpiece of exploration and atmosphere. It’s eerie, challenging, and brilliantly designed, with one of the most iconic intros in gaming history. The sprawling map of planet Zebes, the moody soundtrack, and the thrill of discovery make it a game you can get lost in for hours.

3. Super Castlevania IV

Super Castlevania IV is moody, atmospheric, and downright spooky in the best way. With whip-swinging mechanics, haunting music, and massive bosses, this game takes the series to the next level. It’s a showcase of what the SNES could do, and it's still one of the best side-scrolling horror adventures around.

2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Few games shaped the action-adventure genre like A Link to the Past. With its massive world, clever puzzles, and unforgettable soundtrack, this is the Zelda that set the gold standard. The moment you travel between the Light World and the Dark World? Pure magic. If you only play one SNES game, make it this one.

1. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time

Cowabunga, dudes! Turtles in Time is peak arcade-style beat ’em up action. With tight controls, colorful visuals, and the ability to toss Foot Soldiers at the screen (literally), it’s one of the most fun co-op experiences on the SNES. Whether you’re surfing through time or battling Shredder in the Technodrome, this game never stops being a blast.

Honorable Shoutouts

Of course, narrowing it down to 10 was tough. Games like Earthworm Jim, Final Fantasy VI, F-Zero, and Mega Man X deserve love too but these ten are the ones we find ourselves going back to again and again.

Retro Games

A Brief History of the Super Mario Brothers

Before they became gaming legends, the Super Mario Brothers started as a simple plumber duo in pixelated adventures. Mario and Luigi's journey is a story of innovation, imagination, and enduring charm.

Ranking Our Top 5 Retro Video Game Consoles

From the wild creativity of the Dreamcast to the unstoppable reign of the PlayStation 2, we're ranking our top 5 favorite retro consoles.

10 Classic Sega Genesis Games Worth Playing

Take a trip back to the 16-bit glory days with these 10 essential Sega Genesis games. From Sonic 2 to Street Fighter II, this list covers fast-paced platformers, hard-hitting fighters, and co-op beat-em-ups that still hold up today.

10 of the Best Super Nintendo Games of All Time

The Super Nintendo was packed with unforgettable games that still hold up today. Here are 10 of our all-time favorites!

The History of Gameboy: The Handheld Device That Started It All

Before the Switch took over living rooms and backpacks, Nintendo was already leading the handheld revolution. This is the story of how Nintendo’s handhelds shaped decades of fun.

The Best Selling Gamecube Games

The GameCube didn’t win the console wars, but it delivered some of Nintendo’s most beloved titles. From Luigi’s spooky debut to the fast-paced chaos of Melee, we’re counting down the five best-selling games that defined the system and won over fans around the world.

Top 5 Beat-‘Em-Ups on Sega Genesis

The Sega Genesis was home to some of the best beat-‘em-ups of the 16-bit era. From mutant-fighting ninjas to gritty street brawlers, this list highlights five must-play classics.

How Sega Dreamcast Changed Gaming Forever

The Sega Dreamcast may have had a short life, but its legacy looms large. From pioneering online console gaming to delivering arcade-perfect ports at home, it was a system far ahead of its time. This article explores how the Dreamcast broke new ground and influenced the future of gaming as we know it.