10 Best SNES Games on Nintendo Switch Online (2025)

6 hours ago 13

Well, it seems Nintendo Switch Online has slowed down on adding more SNES titles, or classic games for that matter. For a while there, the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online often had something new to be excited about. However, it seems the top must-play games remain titles that have been on the subscription service for a while now. Still, Nintendo Switch Online has over 60 SNES titles, which, admittedly, can be overwhelming for you to find your way around. Fortunately, you have the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online below to nudge you in the right direction.

What is an SNES Game?

Super Mario RPG world segment.

SNES games are titles launched on the SNES platform. This was the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in full. It was a 16-bit console that Nintendo ushered into the world in the ‘90s. While many SNES games are outdated now, Nintendo Switch Online, a subscription service, is bringing back many fan-favorite titles to the modern world.

Best SNES Games on Nintendo Switch Online

I bet many of the SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online are unfamiliar to you. However, the best SNES games on Nintendo Switch Online below should make things a little more crystal.

10. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island

Super Mario World 2 Yoshi's Island SNES Commercial - Retro Game Trailers

While naming the best platformers in gaming history, you won’t go far without mentioning Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island. And best believe, it’s still just as fun to play it now. I mean, sure, you may run into some hitches and glitches here and there. But that’s to be expected with a game as old as 1995. Follow Yoshi on his adventures reconnecting baby Mario to his brother, Luigi. Obviously, the playstyle will be different, as you’ll be controlling the friendly dinosaur. But the overall gameplay feels wonderful and will leave a smile on your face.

9. Earthbound

Welcome to EarthBound - Nintendo Switch Online

While RPGs may be the immersive and compelling story-driven massive titles they are now, they have humble beginnings. Introducing EarthBound to newbies who may have not played it before. This RPG launched in 1994 to great critical acclaim. Its story, most of all, stole the show, with its alien themes and the adventure to try and defeat the cosmic destroyer Giygas.

8. Super Mario World

Super Mario World - Official Trailer

Just in the same vein as Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island, you’ll likely name Super Mario World as one of the best platformers ever made. It lets you control brothers Mario and Luigi on a wild adventure to save Princess Peach from Bowser. You’ll traverse across memorable regions of Dinosaur Land. There’ll be several levels to beat using power-ups, and at a point, Yoshi’s ability to eat enemies and spit them out as projectiles.

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

Zelda A Link to the Past SNES Commercial - Retro Game Trailers

The Legend of Zelda has quite a lot of titles worth revisiting. But A Link to the Past is the best SNES game on Nintendo Switch Online we’d recommend. It features a brave concept about parallel worlds at a time when many games barely had engaging stories you could bite into. Still controlling Link, you’ll journey across the kingdom of Hyrule and play hero fighting King Ganon and rescuing the descendants of the Seven Sages.

6. Super Metroid

Super Metroid SNES Commercial - Retro Game Trailers

If you’re curious about how space adventures looked and played back then, Super Metroid is your best bet. Its action-adventure story of bounty hunter Samus Arun will latch its teeth into your skin. Meanwhile, planet Zebes will grip your attention as you chase after the space pirate Ridley. 

5. Super Punch Out

Super Punch Out! Trailer 1994

Boxing has proven to be a fun sport to let out some steam. While modern boxing games have perfected their craft, it’s all thanks to Super Punch Out’s trailblazing debut. The mechanics will, admittedly, be simple. You’ll launch jabs and hooks at opponents. Meanwhile, boxing matches only last for three minutes before crowning the winner. It’s a short and sweet gaming experience that can scratch that itch for nostalgia, even if the content can feel a bit lacking.

4. Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart SNES Trailer

The same goes for the kart racing gaming experience. Now, modern games have perfected the physics of controlling the cars. But back then, Super Mario Kart was the trailblazer. It was the proof of concept gamers, and developers alike needed to ascertain kart racing as a viable gaming sub-genre. By switching between different characters who have unique abilities, you can find refreshing ways to play through multiple runs without feeling a wink of boredom.

3. Star Fox 64

Nintendo 3DS - Star Fox 64 3D E3 Trailer

Arguably, the other best SNES game on Nintendo Switch Online with an exciting space adventure is Star Fox 64. This rail shooter game takes place in the galaxy, with a crew of wildly distinct characters. They engage in delightful dialogue that brings out more of their personality while building on the story. But the downtimes soon transition into more intense enemy encounters. Using your Arwing spaceship, you’ll dodge enemies while taking out foes in frantic dogfights.

2. Kirby's Dreamland 3

Wii - Kirby's Dream Land 3 Trailer - Virtual Console

Among the titles in the Kirby series, Kirby’s Dreamland 3 is the most memorable. Its mechanics are far superior to its predecessors. Also, the gameplay has more content, including characters, stages, and abilities. The story may be simple: save Planet Popstar from a mysterious dark cloud looming over the sky. However, the mechanics are solid enough to grab your attention. Kirby’s ability to swallow enemies and retain their powers will forever be exciting.

1. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country Trailer 1994

As far as platforming goes, Donkey Kong Country steals the crown, making it a must-play among the best SNES games on the Nintendo Switch Online list. It’s quite a thrilling venture to explore the variety of stages on offer. Each stage has its unique way of outmaneuvering enemies and obstacles. You’re not just running but using the level designs to your advantage, whether it’s swinging on the vines or riding the mine carts. Donkey Kong himself is also personably, alongside his Kong family. With the trilogy offering quality titles, you should have any slow weekends sorted.

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