Regarded by numerous fans as Nintendo’s finest home console, the Super Nintendo (or Super Famicom for those who prefer its Japanese title) made its debut in Japanese stores in 1990 and achieved impressive global sales of 49.10 million units. In terms of super nintendo games 1993, it remains a milestone year, featuring many unforgettable titles that showcased the console’s 16-bit power.

As Nintendo’s inaugural 16-bit system, it boasted an extensive library of exceptional games spanning a wide variety of genres. However, it is particularly celebrated for its remarkable RPGs, outstanding platformers, and an excellent lineup of exclusives from Capcom, Konami, and Square. Additionally, there are Nintendo’s unmatched first-party titles to consider. Below, we present a selection of what we believe to be the top games available on the console, effectively forming a list of 1993 nintendo games and other timeless classics. We have made an effort to avoid including multiple titles from the same series whenever possible, aiming instead to highlight the diverse range of games across different genres. It’s important to note that these selections are not arranged in any specific order.

Super Mario World (SNES)

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
• Release Date: August 23, 1991 (USA) / April 11, 1992 (UK/EU)
• Available On: Nintendo Switch Online

Many fans still consider Super Mario World to be Mario’s best 2D adventure ever. It’s impressive to realize that it was a launch title for the SNES; very few other platformers on the system came close to its level of quality.

Featuring an expansive world map that could be explored in numerous ways, along with a remarkable number of individual levels, new power-ups, and the iconic Yoshi, Super Mario World set the standard for all 2D platformers in the early ’90s. While Sega’s Sonic may have had superior visuals and sound, it couldn’t compete with the gameplay experience offered by Mario’s 16-bit debut.

The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (SNES)

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
• Release Date: April 13, 1992 (USA) / September 24, 1992 (UK/EU)
• Available On: Nintendo Switch Online

As one of the early releases for the SNES, A Link to the Past expanded upon the first two NES games to deliver an action-adventure that remains a significant part of the Zelda series, even after all these years. Its stunning graphics, outstanding soundtrack, and captivating challenges solidify its status as a timeless classic; it’s difficult to think of another game in this genre that comes together so seamlessly.

The dungeons present puzzles that can only be solved with newly acquired items, while the expansive overworld encourages players to explore. Just when you believe you’ve discovered everything, the game introduces an entirely new realm to investigate – a twist that is still considered one of the most surprising moments in 16-bit gaming. The GBA version is also worth checking out, and the game has been re-released multiple times over the years.

EarthBound (SNES)

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: HAL Laboratory
• Release Date: June 2, 1995 (USA) / July 18, 2013 (UK/EU)
• Available On: Nintendo Switch Online

EarthBound is one of the most unique RPGs ever created and, as noted by director Shigesato Itoi, it was the first RPG that Shigeru Miyamoto completed. The game playfully twists the typical conventions of the genre in ways that remain enjoyable even today.

Set in a fictional country called Eagleland, which serves as a satire of the United States, EarthBound follows Ness, a young boy who discovers an alien conspiracy to conquer the planet. Although it initially struggled with sales in the West, EarthBound has since gained a dedicated following and is now regarded as one of the standout titles for the SNES.

It is included in the Nintendo Switch Online subscription service, which can save you a significant amount of money, as the original version is currently quite pricey.

ActRaiser (SNES)

• Publisher: Square Enix
• Developer: Quintet
• Release Date: November 1991 (USA) / March 18, 1993 (UK/EU)

The idea of blending different genres may not seem particularly strange today, but in the early 1990s, it was quite rare. However, ActRaiser managed to do this exceptionally well, becoming one of the most iconic releases for the SNES during its early years. It also stands as a prime example of snes games 1993 offered to fans, combining elements of an action platformer with a God simulation reminiscent of Populous, placing you in the role of a deity aiming to regain the devotion of your followers.

You accomplish this by first defeating enemies in a side-scrolling action segment, then soaring into the skies to guide your followers as they develop their communities and secure enemy hideouts. Each area presents unique challenges, and Yuzo Koshiro’s outstanding soundtrack complements the gameplay perfectly. Although a sequel was released, it unfortunately eliminated the God simulation aspects, resulting in a lesser game despite its impressive graphics.

Super Mario Kart (SNES)

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo EAD
• Release Date: September 1, 1992 (USA) / January 21, 1993 (UK/EU)
• Available On: Nintendo Switch Online

It’s easy to overlook the initial skepticism that accompanied the launch of the original Super Mario Kart. At that time, many felt that Nintendo was overextending the character by placing him in too many different games, and the concept of Mario and his friends racing on tracks seemed, to some, like an excessive leap.

Nonetheless, this wasn’t just a careless effort to boost sales through brand recognition – Super Mario Kart is still an incredibly enjoyable game. While later versions have introduced more visual details and gameplay features, there’s a certain charm and straightforwardness to this original that makes it appealing to revisit, even after many years. Plus, the battle mode remains fantastic.

International Superstar Soccer Deluxe (SNES)

• Publisher: Konami
• Developer: Konami
• Release Date: November 1995 (USA) / January 25, 1996 (UK/EU)

While FIFA may be the most recognized name in console soccer, true enthusiasts of the game were likely enjoying Konami’s version back in the ’90s. International Superstar Soccer originated from the Japanese Jikkyō World Soccerseries and provided a more polished and faster-paced option compared to EA’s offerings.

The addition of a sprint button in the initial ISS was revolutionary, and the clear audio commentary was as close to ‘real’ commentary as one could expect from cartridge-based systems. ISS Deluxe also reintroduced the original game’s distinctive ‘scenario’ mode, which placed players in various matches—often inspired by actual events—with the goal of changing the outcome or winning with only a short amount of time left on the clock.

Cybernator (SNES)

• Publisher: Konami
• Developer: Masaya
• Release Date: April 4, 1993 (USA) / July 8, 1993 (UK/EU)

In Japan, the game is titled Assault Suits Valken. This side-scrolling action game provides a distinct alternative to the fast-paced ‘run and gun’ gameplay found in Konami’s Contra, as players control a massive robot that conveys a realistic sense of weight and momentum. It joined the 1993 snes games lineup by delivering a highly refined experience featuring exceptional graphics, sound, and gameplay, all complemented by a compelling narrative.

Assault Suit Leynos (released as Target Earth in the West) belongs to the same series, and Valken received a sequel exclusive to Japan on PlayStation in 1999, which took on a turn-based strategy format.

Super Metroid (SNES)

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Nintendo R&D1
• Release Date: April 18, 1994 (USA) / July 28, 1994 (UK/EU)
• Available On: Nintendo Switch Online

Super Metroid is one of the earliest instances of what we now refer to as a Metroidvania. It features an expansive world to explore, with gear-gating mechanisms that gradually unlock different areas of the map as you progress through the game. This highly influential title has aged remarkably well compared to many of its peers, establishing a foundational model that continues to inspire and evolve among developers globally.

Super Tennis (SNES)

• Publisher: Nintendo
• Developer: Tokyo Shoseki
• Release Date: November 2, 1991 (USA) / June 4, 1992 (UK/EU)
• Available On: Nintendo Switch Online

The evolution of tennis video games can be traced back to the industry’s beginnings with Pong, making it impressive that a game like Super Tennis has stayed prominent over the years. While newer games have brought improved graphics and more intricate gameplay, this title from the early ’90s stands out as one of the finest two-player experiences on the SNES.

Featuring four distinct shot types, a variety of players to master (each with unique attributes), and some of the most engaging gameplay seen in the genre, this game is a timeless classic, even for those who aren’t particularly interested in tennis.

Street Fighter II’ Turbo: Hyper Fighting (SNES)

• Publisher: Capcom
• Developer: Capcom
• Release Date: August 1993 (USA) / August 1993 (UK/EU)

When Nintendo obtained the exclusive home version of Capcom’s Street Fighter II, it sent ripples through the gaming industry; at that time, it was the most popular game globally and a crucial element in the 16-bit console competition against Sega. In fact, Street Fighter II’ Turbo: Hyper Fighting is often considered among the best snes games 1993 had to offer.

Although the Mega Drive/Genesis eventually got its own adaptation of the game, the SNES is often regarded as the system most gamers link with Street Fighter II – and this particular version is likely the most cherished.

With the option to play as the four boss characters and the ability for two players to face off against themselves, Street Fighter II Turbo: Hyper Fighting represented a significant enhancement over the original. Its adjustable speed settings added even more intensity and excitement. While Capcom has continuously refined the fundamental concept of Street Fighter throughout the years, this remains an incredibly enjoyable experience.