10 Best SNES Games on Nintendo Switch Online (July 2024)

The SNES platform may have faded in memory, but the classic games that launched on the console remain great hits, even today. With the Nintendo Switch Online subscription, you can take trips down memory lane, playing some of your favorite SNES games. Now, not all the SNES games have been reworked to adopt more seamless controls. Some are still rough around the edges. However, these best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online far outweigh the rest.

10. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Fun fact: Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island is the prequel to Super Mario World. It stars the friendly dinosaur Yoshi and his clan as he carries baby Mario across Yoshi’s Island to rescue Mario’s baby brother, Luigi, from baby Bowser. Chronological order aside, Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island had the advantage of learning from its predecessor. It retained seamless controls and platforming mechanics, while also featuring plenty of secrets to discover. The graphics are as charming as ever, with varied levels and challenging stages. Here’s to collecting as many coins as possible, as you shield baby Mario from harm.

9. Earthbound

Known as Mother 2 in Japan, Earthbound was released in 1994, cementing RPG mechanics that have inspired games after it. It crafted a deeply immersive story that doesn’t take itself too seriously. You’ll constantly let out belly laughs here and there, but also brace yourself for some dark twists and turns. As with any good RPG, Earthbound has its fair share of battle encounters too. It features the usual stats like critical hits, but the tutorial can use a little more explaining.

8. Super Mario World

Yoshi’s Island may have nailed platforming, but all thanks to Super Mario World. Even today, it remains a trailblazer, cited as one of the best games ever made. While a 2D side scrolling platformer, Super Mario World still packs a chock full of content. It adds an exciting character roster, complete with exciting abilities and power-ups. You’ll take on Bowser’s minions, leading up to the final boss battle. And now, you have an online option to play with friends.

7. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past

Before The Legend of Zelda became the show stopping force of nature we know today, it kicked off its blazing trail with humble beginnings. Yet even at the time, games like The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past were satisfying to adventure through. It’s the third entry that was released on the SNES in 1992. Its previous entry used a side scrolling and RPG gameplay structure. But A Link to the Past returned back to a top-down perspective. We also have the game to thank for the concept of the light and dark worlds.

6. Super Metroid

In 1994, we got Super Metroid, way ahead of its time. The action-adventure balances both sides of the genre well enough to sustain intense moments and laidback ones. You journey through gathering power-ups, in preparation to face the big, bad boss at the end. But there’ll be obstacles too to navigate that sharpen your skills. Being non-linear, you can branch off the beaten path to explore hidden spots. There’s no rush in Super Metroid, just adventure through space.

5. Super Punch Out

Fans of boxing should check out Super Punch Out. It’s especially perfect if you’re looking to play a straightforward boxing match. The basic concept is simple: launch uppercuts, hooks, and punches in quick succession. And in under three minutes, the winner of the round is crowned king. Worth noting is the behind-the-back perspective that can feel strange. But for the sake of nostalgia, Super Punch Out does a job well done.

4. Super Mario Kart

Kart racing may feel commonplace today. But Super Mario Kart was the first game to make the subgenre possible. It has players choosing charming characters from the Super Mario universe. Each character has unique skills and hilarious power-ups like banana peels to slow down opponents. But the goal is the same: be the first to cross the finish line.

3. Star Fox 64

Space adventure was further propelled by Star Fox 64’s prowess. Somewhere in a faraway galaxy called Lylat Wars, Fox and his team hop onto their Arwing ship to bring order and peace to the world. You unravel a captivating story with decent dialogue. But also engage in intense space battles, outmaneuvering enemy ships hot on your tail and firing at incoming enemy ships for the good of the galaxy.

2. Kirby's Dreamland 3

Experience the pink puffy ball’s cuteness in Kirby’s Dreamland 3. She’s called to save Popstar from a mysterious, dark cloud descending on the world. You’ll set off exploring diverse biomes, evading obstacles, and taking on enemies. To win the game, you’ll need to collect all the Heart Stars spread out across different levels. But it’s the process that carries the most weight. You’ll walk, swim, and fly across stages. There’ll be several cute animal friends to meet and interact with. Thanks to Kirby’s ability to absorb characters, you’ll be able to “copy” the abilities of the people you inhale, thus opening up more wide-ranging abilities.

1. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong was initially featured in Super Mario. However, he ventured out on his own in Donkey Kong Country, and the rest is history. The series has garnered worldwide acclaim for its exciting platforming. Joined by Diddy Kong and Cranky Kong, Donkey Kong sets out to reclaim his banana hoard. You’ll face the Kremlings, while also beating over 30 challenging levels. The mine carts return, providing a speed boost but also obstacles when launched in your direction. You can ride animal buddies, all the while enjoying charming level design, atmospheric music, and pre-rendered, cartoon-quality 3D animation. When it comes to reliving the ‘90s, it doesn’t get any better than Donkey Kong Country.

So, what's your take? Do you agree with our top five? What do you think are the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online? Let us know in the comments below or over on our socials here!