The Tool Desk
Outbyte PC Repair FREEClear out junk files and repair common Windows errorsFree Scan →Outbyte Driver Updater FREEScan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minuteDriver Scan →The North American Super Nintendo Entertainment System launched nationwide on September 9, 1991, at a reported retail price of $199.95. The package included Super Mario World. That price is specific to the North American launch; it should not be treated as a worldwide price.
What was the SNES launch price in North America?
The best-supported reported nationwide retail price was $199.95 in 1991, with Super Mario World included. Snes Central reproduces a New York Times report dated September 10, 1991, which identifies September 9 as the nationwide launch date and reports the price and pack-in game. Read the reproduced contemporary coverage at Snes Central.
The same retrospective article reproduces an August 1991 USENET post from an individual buyer reporting a package price of $199.99. That is a reported transaction, not an official pricing announcement, and differs from the newspaper-reported retail price by four cents.
When did it go on sale?
The reported nationwide North American release date was September 9, 1991. The reproduced Orange County Register coverage describes systems appearing in Southern California stores before that date, where stores reported a $199.95 price. That indicates limited earlier availability in the area, rather than a different nationwide launch date. See the historical reporting reproduced at Snes Central.
#1 Best Overall
![Nintendo Super Entertainment System SNES Classic Edition with Two 6-ft. Extension Cable [video game]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/517MdbK-cqL._SL160_.jpg)
- Comes with 21 games pre-installed.
- Mini, classic edition. Will not play original SNES cartridges. Games come pre-installed on console.
What came in the launch package?
Super Mario World was included with the North American launch package. The individual buyer post reproduced by Snes Central also lists a console, power adapter, RF adapter, AV cable, and two controllers. That list describes the buyer’s reported package; the newspaper coverage establishes the game pack-in and retail price.
Did the price change after launch?
Yes. In January 1992, the Los Angeles Times reported that Nintendo would reduce the Super NES price from $200 to $180. That later price cut followed the 1991 launch and is not the launch price. Read the Los Angeles Times report.
Rank #2
![SUPER NINTENDO CLASSIC EDITION CONSOLE Renewed [NINTENDO]](https://m.media-amazon.com/images/I/31OpAJQNQML._SL160_.jpg)
- The Super NES Classic Edition system has the original look and feel of the ’90s home console, only smaller. Plus, this one comes fully loaded with 21 games!
- Get your hands on some of the best 2-player games of the era, including Super Mario Kart and Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting.
- The Super NES Classic Edition is compatible with the Classic Controller and Classic Controller Pro accessories. Just plug it in and play
- From your first ride on Yoshi to the final heart-pounding escape from Planet Zebes, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System is pure 16-bit retro gaming perfection.
Was the launch price the same in Japan and Europe?
Not necessarily, and the North American figure cannot answer that question. Nintendo’s corporate history identifies a 1990 release for the Super Famicom in Japan and a 1991 Super NES release in Europe, but it does not provide the launch prices for those markets. Without reliable regional price figures, a currency or market comparison would be speculative. See Nintendo’s corporate history.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- Includes everything needed to play
Rank #4
- From your first ride on Yoshi to the final heart-pounding escape from Planet Zebes, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System is pure 16-bit retro gaming perfection.
- Now a new, miniaturized version is here, pre-loaded with 21 of the all-time greatest games, like Super Mario Kart and the first-ever release of Star Fox 2! Just plug it in and play.
- Live out the golden age of 16-bit gaming like never before. Choose games from the menu, create save points, and more.
- The system comes bundled with an HDMI cable, an USB charging cable, two Super NES Classic Controllers, and 21 games, pre-installed and ready-to-play.
- “T” for Teen w/Mild Blood, Suggestive Themes, Violence
Rank #3
- HD audio and video (720p), 16:9/4:3 aspect ratio switch (Patent Pending)
- High compatibility for NTSC AND PAL SNES cartridges (via bottom case switch)
- Hyperkin-engineered Pin Perfect (Patent Pending) technology sets a new standard for state-of-the-art, high-quality pins.
- (2) x "Scout" premium classic-style controller (8 ft. cable)
- 3 ft. HD cable, 6 ft. Micro USB charge cable with USB AC adapter, AV ports with AV cable
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
Do these 3 things before closing this tab:
1Scan for outdated or missing drivers - takes under a minute2Clear out junk files and repair common Windows errors3Fix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitches
