2. Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES)
While the NES was the forerunner of today’s successful modern consoles the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) introduced the games that would turn Nintendo into a juggernaut. Releasing in North America in 1991 the SNES was an upgrade in almost every way over its predecessor. The SNES was a 16 bit console that boasted better visual and audio fidelity than the NES. This led to some of the best titles and franchises Nintendo would come to create.
Nintendo had used the fantastic base they established the NES and placed more focus on software. With titles such as The Legend of Zelda: A link to the Past, Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country and Super Mario Kart the SNES was set up for world domination. There are very few franchises that have withstood the test of time like these beloved series. But Nintendo didn’t only use their first party titles to catapult the Super Nintendo into success.
Heavy support from major third party developers including Capcom and Konami helped make the Super Nintendo Entertainment System a dominant force during one of the first and most gruesome of the console wars. Titles from famed serious such as Ghouls ‘n Ghosts, Castlevania, and Final Fantasy showed Nintendo’s dedication to quality software. They also helped push the SNES, which was late to the 16 bit party to the front of the pack further proving Nintendo as leaders in the gaming world.
