The Super Nintendo was first available in America in Fall 1991 for a price of $199 with the game Super Mario World, selling 20 million units worldwide. Currently it is an extremely sought after system, with many outstanding games.

Which version should I get?

Super Nintendo

The "classic" super nintendo is the best option.

Super Nintendo 2

Also known as the "mini", this is a good option as well, sacrificing the good looks of the classic for size and less reliability/parts. (+ cuteness factor)

Which version should I avoid?

Faded Super Nintendo:

Normally these are in fine working order, but are hideous to look at! If looks aren't a concern these are good budget finds, but otherwise stear clear!

Super Famicom:

These Japanese versions offer titles of the same name but are incompatible with US versions, luckily they are visually different and easy to avoid. The simular versions from Europe should also be avoided.

Which accessories should I get?

Power Supply:     http://img85.imageshack.us/img85/8484/powertd4.png
There are many versions of power supplies that work great, just make sure its for snes!

RF Switch or AV Cord:    
http://img164.imageshack.us/img164/3358/rfaa5.png or http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/8603/aviz9.png
The RF Switch is most commonly sold with the Super Nintendos, it uses the cable socket on your tv to work, and is a pain to switch out when needed.
The AV cord plugs into your tv by matching the colors of the 3 parts, and is much easier to install and remove. As an added bonus, if you have a Universal System Selector, you can juggle multiple game systems using AV cords (snes, ps2, xbox, etc) all by pressing a button!

2 Controllers:

Either of these versions are great controllers, only difference is personal preference (I like the one on the left much more)

What are some other accessories available?

Third Party Controllers:     http://img237.imageshack.us/img237/1015/control2cz7.png
Though these work fine in most cases, nothing beats the aesthetics of the classic controllers. If you get any controllers in this section, I still recommend getting 2 classics for backup.

Super Advantage:      http://img181.imageshack.us/img181/4356/advantagets0.png
Though nothing compares to using a good joystick to play some classic arcade games, these controllers are just overwhelmingly huge!

Wireless controllers:    http://img56.imageshack.us/img56/376/wirelessbl4.png
Like all aftermarket products, this one is a mixed bag. The controller on the left is obviously of low build quality and should be avoided, while the one on the right makes me want to drool.

Super Multitap:     http://img49.imageshack.us/img49/8518/multifu6.png
Increases the number of controller ports from 2 to 5, but since bomberman is the only game to really utilize this, you might as well get this version: http://tinyurl.com/lru8h Though sadly its a Jap only model :(

Super Scope:     http://img169.imageshack.us/img169/9748/scopeiv6.jpg
Like the Super Multitap, this is little more than a huge paperweight outside of its own title.

Mouse:     http://img74.imageshack.us/img74/2268/mousekc6.png
Like the others, this is good for Mario Paint only, or to convert into a computer mouse :)

Super Gameboy:   

Now heres something useful! Play all standard game boy games in your snes, for increased graphics and decreased eye strain :)

Are there any cases available?

Classic Dust Covers:     http://img353.imageshack.us/img353/9397/dustcoversts2.jpg
These simply slip over the bottom of your snes cartridge protecting the important parts from dust and damage. These are also cheap and are highly recommended!

24 Count Pullout


15 Count Open
http://img141.imageshack.us/img141/7458/openupzn0.png

6 Count Carry
http://img150.imageshack.us/img150/8889/carrywa6.jpg

Ok, Ok, but what about GAMES?!

Role Playing Games

Chrono Trigger:    

One of the best rpgs of all time carries one of the highest pricetags! Finding this game under $50 will be hard, but at any price its well worth it!

Secret of Mana:    

Another great rpg for about $40 and worth every penny.

Illusion of Gaia:     http://img476.imageshack.us/img476/8913/gaiaph7.png
Zelda style rpg, not for everyone, but still a great game.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past:    

One of the most popular games of all time! Because of this it is also cheap and easy to find, definently a must have!

Side Scrollers

Contra III: The Alien Wars:     http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9483/contraha0.png
Straight no-nonsense side scrolling awesomeness, including co-op!

Gradius III:     http://img111.imageshack.us/img111/7494/gradiusnr8.png
Classic space fighter side scrolling.

Mega Man X:     hhttp://img116.imageshack.us/img116/6743/megaxm6.png
This and the others in the series are very fun shooters!

Super Castlevania IV:     http://img168.imageshack.us/img168/2367/castlenl8.png
Another great series of fun side scrollers!

Super Metroid:     http://img144.imageshack.us/img144/1925/metroidcr5.png
There seems to be a trend here, side scrollers rule! Don't miss this one!

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles IV: Turtles in Time:      http://img124.imageshack.us/img124/5290/turtlesqo7.png
The best TMNT game of all time! Tons of fun on co-op :)

Donkey Kong Country:     http://img83.imageshack.us/img83/8114/dkfk3.png
Fun game with amazing visuals!

Mario Games

Super Mario All Stars + Super Mario World:     http://img377.imageshack.us/img377/4135/starsworldxm8.png
Includes graphically updated Super Mario Bros. 1, 2, 3, and Lost episodes AND Super Mario World!

Super Mario Kart:     http://img70.imageshack.us/img70/4760/kartpr5.png
A great racing game in single player, co-op, or battle!

Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars:     http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/429/rpguu2.png
If you can find it, buy it! A great addition to any snes
collection!

Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island:     http://img102.imageshack.us/img102/1636/world2nt5.png
Another one of the uncommon Mario games, its still a great game centered around yoshi.

Exceptions:
Mario is Missing & Mario's Time Machine
These were both not created by the official mario team and are sub par titles at best.

Fighters

Street Fighter II Turbo:     http://img371.imageshack.us/img371/7766/streetfr0.png
The best Street Fighter game to date, and for good reason!

Mortal Kombat II:     http://img161.imageshack.us/img161/4607/mk2ql5.png
Like Street Fighter, this version is the best of the MK's

Super Bomberman:     http://img108.imageshack.us/img108/1970/bombermankv6.png
One of the best multiplayers games on the snes, a must have for people with friends ;)

Sports

Tecmo Super Bowl III: The Final Edition:     http://img174.imageshack.us/img174/6492/footballxx0.png
There are many fine football choices, this title being the most popular and highest rated.

Ken Griffey Jr's Winning Run     http://img297.imageshack.us/img297/3548/baseballiw2.png
Great graphics for a snes title!

NBA Jam Tournament Edition     http://img163.imageshack.us/img163/7830/basketgj5.png
Another great sports title worth picking up.

NHL 94    http://img71.imageshack.us/img71/8500/hockeyvh7.png
Simply a classic.

[Sorry for having linked images, ebay only allows 10!]

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