On the Wii and Wii U, Nintendo fans could purchase old titles and add them to their library. The catalog grew over the years and consisted of some classics players had not seen for years. The Nintendo Switch eschews this model in favor of a subscription service.

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As a member of Switch Online, players are able to play a small handful of NES, SNES, and N64 games. This list focuses on SNES games. Every game on the service is worth playing as a curiosity, but only a few hold up today. The games listed below are just as entertaining today as they were during their release.

9 Super Mario All-Stars

Super mario bros 3 all stars version mario and koopa copy

To be fair, this is not so much a SNES game as it is a compilation of all the mainline NES Super Mario titles. There are four games in total and they all feature new graphics, though some might prefer the retro vibe of the original art.

The real treat is Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels. Don't be misled by the title; this is the true sequel to Super Mario Bros that was not released in the West because it was deemed too difficult.

8 Super Puyo Puyo 2

super puyo puyo 2

Puzzle games have the luxury of aging better than most other genres. They don't rely on graphics and forgo any semblance of a deep story.

As such, Super Puyo Puyo 2 has aged like fine wine. Those who have played any other Puyo Puyo know exactly what to expect. Play it on this service or play the combination of it and another legendary puzzle classic with Puyo Puyo Tetris.

7 Star Fox

Star Fox SNES

Star Fox was a marvel to behold upon its release due to the extra chip in its cartridge. With it, the game managed primitive 3D graphics. It didn't run well but that did not really matter at the time.

The gameplay is still fun today whether one plays the SNES debut or Star Fox 64. Unfortunately, the most recent entry in the franchise, Star Fox Zero, was not well received. Star Fox 2 is also on the service.

6 Kirby Super Star

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Kirby Super Star is more than just another platformer. There is a wealth of content to explore ranging from combat challenges, a remake of the first Kirby game, and even a Metroidvania mode focusing on collecting items and exploration.

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The ability to play the game cooperatively helps it feel fresh today. The game was directed by Masahiro Sakurai and the variety of gameplay options is something players would see in the Super Smash Bros. franchise as well.

5 Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Yoshi's island big baby bowser

This is technically Super Mario World 2, but Yoshi's Island is so unique people generally don't mention its full title when talking about it. Players control Yoshi and escort baby Mario through a variety of levels.

This adds new possibilities to the platforming mechanics. It is also done in a beautiful hand-drawn aesthetic. The N64 Yoshi game did not live up to its predecessor, but a direct sequel came out on the Nintendo DS in 2007.

4 Super Metroid

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Metroid on the NES is a fun game to play to know where the series started, but most are likely to give up or closely follow a guide. Super Metroid is significantly more accessible.

It is still a classic Metroid title, with the sense of exploration and wonder when witnessing new discoveries, but players are less likely to become completely lost and frustrated. There is a reason why future games in the franchise are often held up to Super Metroid. By most accounts, the recently released Metroid Dread lives up to that legacy.

3 Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong on mine cart apporaching bananas in Donkey Kong Country for Super Nintendo

The Donkey Kong Country games used a unique graphical style to make some of the best-looking platformers of the generation. It also established the modern Donkey Kong aesthetic.

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Developer Rare would go on to make GoldenEye 007 and Banjo-Kazooie for the N64 before being bought by Microsoft. New Donkey Kong Country games came out in 2010 and 2014 by a different developer for the Wii and Wii U.

a link to the past zelda link raising sword

There was only one mainline Zelda game on the SNES, but it was a real showstopper. A Link to the Past remains one of the most beloved games of all time.

It tightens up the structure of the debut entry's formula, more closely guiding the player through the world and dungeons, and has a more involved story. Future games in the franchise would stick closely to this structure until 2017's Breath of the Wild.

1 Super Mario World

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This was a launch title for the SNES and showed that the console came out of the gate swinging. Super Mario World also has the distinction of being the best-selling SNES game of all time.

The gameplay remains similar to the NES titles in the franchise, but the levels are bigger and there are more than 70 of them. Many of them also have hidden exits, so hunting for secrets is a big part of the adventure. Most importantly, it just feels great to control Mario and Luigi.

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