The 10 Best SNES Games to Play on Nintendo Switch Online

Polygon ·

Nintendo Switch Online’s SNES library includes 77 games, and a new selection highlights ten of its strongest titles. The article argues that Nintendo’s own games make the service worthwhile, showcasing an exceptional period of creativity despite the absence of major third-party classics such as Chrono Trigger and Street Fighter 2 Turbo.

The picks span several genres, from the art-making suite Mario Paint and the varied platforming of Kirby Super Star to puzzle game Panel de Pon, EarthBound and Super Mario Kart. The list also praises Donkey Kong Country 2, Yoshi’s Island and Super Metroid, while noting that Mario Paint needs a mouse and Switch 2 owners can use Joy-Con 2 mouse mode.

In short

  • Nintendo Switch Online has 77 SNES games.
  • Nintendo’s catalogue anchors the ten recommended picks.
  • The selection includes platformers, puzzlers and racing games.

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The strongest fair case each way — we don't pick a winner.

The case for

A curated list of ten games can help players navigate a large library and show why Nintendo’s own SNES catalogue remains appealing: the selections span genres and include titles celebrated for their creativity and lasting play value. For subscribers deciding whether to explore the service, the article makes a useful case that these games alone offer a substantial experience.

The case against

Calling these ten the library’s best may overstate what a selection can establish, since rankings depend on taste and the summary gives little detail on how the choices were made. The case for the service is also qualified by the absence of major third-party classics such as Chrono Trigger and Street Fighter 2 Turbo, while features such as Mario Paint’s mouse controls may affect how readily some players can enjoy particular picks.

Explained simply

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES, was Nintendo’s home console in the 1990s. Nintendo Switch Online is a paid service that lets subscribers play a library of older games on the Nintendo Switch, including dozens originally made for the SNES.

Nintendo’s own games feature prominently in the library, across genres such as platform games, racing, puzzles and exploration. The selection also includes Mario Paint, a creative programme designed for a mouse, and games such as EarthBound and Super Metroid.

The library does not include some well-known SNES games made by other companies, including Chrono Trigger and Street Fighter 2 Turbo. The selection therefore offers one way to explore Nintendo’s games from the era while reflecting the limits of what is available through the service.

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