15 Games Necessary For the SNES Mini Classic

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Chrono Trigger

Final Fantasy VI

Super Mario Kart

Super Mario World

Super Metroid

Earthbound

Super Mario All-Stars

Donkey Kong Country II

Street Fighter II Turbo

Mega Man X

F-Zero

Yoshi’s Island

A Link to the Past remains the backbone for the entire Zelda series moving forward, and it’s still one of the most critically acclaimed games of all time. Many of the elements that are integral to Zelda started here with more focused dungeon design, the Hookshot, Master Sword, spin attack, and more. It’s one of the very best SNES titles, and is the first and most obvious choice for a classic system.

Chrono Trigger was an incredibly unique JRPG, and even remains so to this day. With character designs by Dragon Ball creator Akira Toriyama, the game’s aesthetic is unlike anything. A dramatic time travelling story and engaging combat focused on party cooperation, only helped elevate this RPG to legendary status. SNES Classic

Final Fantasy is one of the longest running JRPG series around, and many believe this entry to be the very best. Final Fantasy VI has an incredibly diverse cast of characters, who each function integrally different in battle. Some of the most memorable scenes from the entire series are in Final Fantasy VI, as the title packs a dramatic and emotional story with some surprising twists. SNES Classic

Mario Kart has always been one of the best party games around, both ruining and strengthening friendships at the same time. The very first title in the series still holds up well, and helped define an entire genre of racing games with colorful characters and crazy powerups. It’s an essential addition to any classic system.

Mario has had a long legacy of stellar titles, and Super Mario World stands near the top. The colorful art style and sprites almost pop off of the screen, and the gameplay is just as tight as ever. This was also the first game to introduce series mainstays like Yoshi and the spin jump.

Super Metroid helped inspire the entire Metroidvania genre, and it remains one of the most influential games ever released. This 2D sidescroller featured an expansive, interconnecting world filled with enemies and powerups. Super Metroid really is an almost perfect combination of challenge, atmosphere, music, and gameplay. It would be a great addition to a SNES Classic.

Over the years Earthbound has become more and more popular as a cult classic RPG. The title introduces Ness, a young boy with psychic powers, who sets out to stop a malevolent alien force known as Giygas. The game has a charming cast of characters, with a story that manages to be both humorous and poignant at the same time. It would be an obvious addition to a SNES Classic.

Super Mario World 2 really shook things up by casting you as Yoshi this time around. A vibrant watercolor art style really breathes life into the game, as you move Yoshi around with Baby Mario on his back. Yoshi controls integrally different from any other Mario game, with a high jump, egg throw, and the ability to swallow enemies. Yoshi’s Island still remains one of the best platformers of all time. It should definitely be included on a SNES Classic.

Kirby’s Dreamland 3

Super Mario RPG