The Best SNES Classic Edition Games, Ranked

The SNES Classic Edition is soon to be upon us and it comes packed in with 21 absolutely stellar games. Of course, not all games are created equal, and in our excitement we’ve decided to rank all the games coming to the SNES Classic. One thing to note, though, is that no matter the placement on this list, none of the games on the SNES Classic Edition are bad games in any way. In fact, many of the games on the SNES Classic represent the top of their genres, even when throwing in modern installments. So without further ado, here’s our ranking of the best SNES Classic Edition games.

Super Mario World Super Mario World is not just one of the best games on the SNES, it’s one of the best games that Nintendo has ever put out, period. The platforming that was created on the original NES was refined to near perfection, had a wonderful soundtrack, challenging yet genius level design, and it introduced Yoshi who is now a huge star. Fans have been chasing that near perfect ever since, and Nintendo has been delivering with fresh ideas with every new game. Super Mario World was proof that the company could innovate over something it already nailed, and will forever go down as one of the greatest games to ever exist. One of the best SNES Classic Edition games.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past is one of those games that is truly timeless. It’s considered by many to be one of the greatest games ever made, along with its SNES cohort Super Mario World, and is the standard by which subsequent Zelda titles are based on. It took everything from its predecessors and upped the ante to deliver a classic action-adventure that lives on as inspiration to others. A great addition to the SNES Classic.

Super Mario Kart Where it all began. Before all of the horns, ink splots, and incredibly large roster, there were just eight hapless drivers from the Super Mario universe that took their fight to the race track to settle things like adults… turtles… apes… and mushrooms. It was the first must-have party game and to this day it’s still  separating the weak from the strong and ruining friendships. Experience this classic racer when it returns on the SNES Classic.

Super Metroid Metroid was an instant classic, putting players into the space armor of Samus Aran as she fought against a seemingly insurmountable threat. The sequel, which came over a decade later, was well worth the wait as it introduced Samus to SNES owners and upgraded every aspect of gameplay. You could shoot in all directions, you had a new grapple beam which added new traversal mechanics, and the world itself was richer and filled with more to explore. Without a doubt deserving of its spot on the SNES Classic.

Donkey Kong Country For a long time Donkey Kong was just that monkey dude who kidnapped Mario’s girlfriend and loved to throw barrels. However, the SNES reintroduced him as a hero who took Nintendo’s tried and true platforming formula and mixed things up for something truly unique. The visuals offered a pseudo-3D look at characters and backgrounds, you could bring a friend, and even swap between heroes, all while collecting bananas, finding collectibles, and finding neat creatures to ride. And don’t even get us started on the soundtrack. Donkey Kong Country was ahead of its time, and we can’t wait to replay this on the SNES Classic as we look forward to something great from the future.

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars Square and Nintendo used to be like two peas in a pod. Nintendo hosted the stellar Final Fantasy series for the first six entries, and after such a strong relationship the two company’s joined forces to make a game that shouldn’t have worked as well as it did but is one of the greatest SNES RPGs ever. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars took the Final Fantasy formula and mixed it with Super Mario’s world, characters, and even some of the mechanics. The story was full of humor and even had us join forces with Bowser. Also, it showed us just how powerful Princess Peach really is. If you haven’t played this in the past, definitely move it towards the top of your list when you pick up the SNES Classic.

EarthBound is yet another stellar RPG found on the SNES Classic (and one we’re still waiting on more games for). It was very much a traditional RPG, though it mixed some things up like eliminating random encounters, instead letting you see enemies on the overworld. The story surrounding Ness’ adventure with his friends, which involves aliens and other oddities, is full of charm, and the challenge offered by the game’s combat will keep you on edge. It’s a well put together game that definitely deserves more time in the spotlight and is deserving of its place on the SNES Classic.

And there you have the best SNES Classic Edition games, ranked. Will you be picking up a SNES Classic? Were you able to get your hands on a SNES Classic? Let us know in the comments below.