Nintendo Switch Online: The Power of Nostalgia (SNES Edition)
- Clevers
- Apr 8
- 4 min read
This is the second in a series of articles covering games currently available on the Nintendo Switch Online platform. If you missed the first article where we covered N64 games, you can catch up on that here!
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) aka the Super Famicom in Japan, was, and always will be a powerhouse of a system. Some of the most recognizable Nintendo games have graced this system, and I guarantee you have heard of at least some of them. Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: Link to the Past, and of course Super Mario Kart. Did you know that the SNES was also the first Nintendo system to utilize the Super FX Chip, which allowed the console to produce 3D graphics. Star Fox fans unite!
With Nintendo Switch Online + The Expansion Pass, I've been able to enjoy quite a few titles I was previously unable to play, or didn't have access to. Let's talk about some games that this online membership finally granted me the ability to experience for the first time in all their nostalgic glory:
F-Zero - Original Release: August 23rd, 1991
If you like blazing fast vehicles, a plethora of rock music tracks, and dangerous traps, F-Zero is the game for you. F-Zero is set in the universe of Captain Falcon, a intergalactic bounty hunter who lives for the thrill of speed. He is always willing to "Show his moves", and won't back down from a challenge. F-Zero is the type of game where you can have a blast flying through these many varied levels, but even one slight error could cause your doom. Tread carefully, this is far from the standard racing game you may be used to.
Super Mario All-Stars - Original Release: July 14th, 1993
Now, I think it's no exaggeration that everyone knows Super Mario to some extent. He is a character that is synonymous with not only Nintendo, but with gaming in general. Some even have no understanding of gaming aside from the titular plumber. Super Mario All-Stars would be a collection of the best platformers in Mario's repertoire. This pack includes Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros 2, Super Mario Bros 3, and finally Super Mario Bros: The Lost Levels. My personal first experience with Super Mario was in Super Mario World, but I never had the chance to experience this collection until the Nintendo Switch Online service. I've been gaming most of my life, but never was able to experience the platforming legends that these games are until recently.
Super Metroid - Original Release: March 19th, 1994
Super Metroid is one of those games that is best experienced first hand. The creepy atmosphere, the powerhouse that is Samus Aran, and the absolutely fantastic soundtrack will blow you away. (Pun intended of course). My first experience with Metroid was Metroid: Zero Mission, which is a Game Boy Advance remake of the original Metroid. Super Metroid in my opinion is such a classic, and I only got to experience this game in recent years due to the NSO service. This game is one of the greatest of the genre, and helped solidify Metroid as one of Nintendo's staples.
EarthBound (Mother 2 in Japan) - Original release date: August 27th, 1994
I can say without a doubt that EarthBound is one of the most unique games I have ever experienced. There are clowns, trees that come to life to attack you, and a silly little guy named Mr. Saturn, who is basically the mascot for this series. EarthBound will make you laugh, cry, and maybe consider that the treasure we are looking for is truly the people we met along the way. A turn-based experience at it's core, this series mixes aliens and psychic powers, and has influenced quite a few games over the years. Games like Undertale, Everhood, and Eastward have all taken inspiration from this quirky series.
Keep in mind that the games listed in this article are only the tip of the iceberg when it comes to the Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion pass service, but these are the titles I've personally spent the most time with for the SNES. I plan on going through the SEGA Genesis games, as well as the Game Boy and Game Boy Advance games as well. Here's hoping Nintendo adds the GameCube at some point too! If you made it this far, thanks for reading, and if you get the chance to experience any of these games, I highly recommend them all!
If you enjoyed this article, please be sure to let us know! If you want to hear about more of my favorite retro games, you're in luck! This article is only the second in a series where I will cover my favorite games available through Nintendo Switch Online.
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