NES Classic Edition and My SNES Classic Picks

Much to the surprise of myself and many others, Nintendo recently announced a new product aimed at capitalizing on the nostalgia of its ‘classic’ titles of yore. The “NES Classic Edition” is a tiny NES console that comes equipped with 30 games ready to play out of the box, and modern HD sensibilities to boot. This in itself is not a new idea, Colleco and Atari have been selling similar items at drug and grocery stores for years, but I was still caught off-guard upon hearing this announcement. Nintendo has been taking advantage of their massive back catalog of well-loved titles via the Nintendo eShop and virtual console for years as well, but considering their nature and history of conservative brand protection, new hardware for retro games was not the direction I thought the company was moving towards, even with the recent heightened popularity of all things 80s and 90s.

The response of the masses seems positive, and I think Nintendo’s broad appeal shines even brighter when the focus is put on the games that many young adults grew up with. I have interacted with several people who do not traditionally purchase many video games, but are ecstatic to have a quick and easy way to play their childhood favorites, and even introduce some of those classics to children of their own. I don't need to repeat all the news stories and coverage, so if you want to check out some more information about specifics or see the list of included games you can check out Nintendo’s announcement here! 

Outside of all that excitement, what really got my mind racing was the idea that they could do this same product, but for my childhood favorite console: The Super Nintendo Entertainment System. Nintendo already has the emulation system and hardware figured out, especially now with the new 3DS sporting a brand new SNES eShop, and if the NES Classic is successful, I imagine a SNES Classic Edition is not far to follow. So with that, I bring you my personal list of what I think would make for a great SNES Classic console, following in the footsteps of some of the NES game choices, popular titles, and games I remember fondly as a young person. (Many of which I often still play today!)

My SNES Classic Edition 30:

• ActRaiser
• Chrono Trigger
• Contra III: The Alien Wars
• Donkey Kong Country
• Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest
• Earthworm Jim
• Earthbound
• Final Fantasy III
• Final Fight
• F-Zero
• Killer Instinct
• Kirby’s Dreamland 3
• Kirby Superstar
• Mega Man X
• Mortal Kombat II
• NBA Jam
• Secret of Mana
• Street Fighter 2: Turbo
• Sunset Riders
• Super Castlevania IV
• Super Mario Kart
• Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
• Super Mario World
• Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island
• Super Metroid
• Super Punch-Out!
• Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Turtles in Time
• Tetris Attack
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
• Zombies Ate My Neighbors

There are a few caveats here I wanted to mention as well. I know there are probably some great games that people love not listed here, but I wanted to mention a few things about my decision making process before the internet explodes with comments. I used the 30 games from the NES list as a guide, trying to focus more on Nintendo first-party games and exclusive franchises, and trying to balance genre’s well. There are some notable exclusions here like Star Fox and Pilotwings that use enhanced 3D chips that have been problematic to emulate. Some listed games DO contain them, but are already available on the existing eShop. I think I landed on a pretty solid list nonetheless. (People who love DKC 3 fight me)

What do you guys think? Any games you can’t live without that didn't make the list? Too many RPGs? Not your favorite MK Game? Shout out in the comments!