Most Nintendo fans would agree that the subscription-based Nintendo Switch Online service is lacking when compared to the virtual console offerings available on the Wii, Wii U, and 3DS. Switch owners would love to see the selection of classic NES and SNES games expanded in the coming years, but, for now, the library of legacy titles essentially serves as a bonus for those paying to access the console's other online features.
Though there are only forty-six SNES games available on the Switch at the moment, Nintendo made sure to include some of the very best of the system's classic collection.
Star Fox (1993)
While it's often overshadowed by its far more renowned Nintendo 64 counterpart, the original SNES installment of Star Fox was a graphical marvel that helped to popularize 3D gaming a full two years before the debut of the Sony PlayStation.
Hindered by a near-glacial framerate on the original system, it's no secret that the original SNES game pushed the hardware to its absolute limits. While it's not perfect on Switch either, it is at least somewhat improved, and with branching pathways and tons of replayability, the first Star Fox title makes for an excellent gaming experience.
Wild Guns (1995)
One of the few titles available via Nintendo Switch Online that was neither developed nor published by Nintendo, Natsume's Wild Guns is an arcade shoot 'em up that'll test players' accuracy and reflexes. Boasting some seriously beautiful pixel art and an awesome steampunk aesthetic, this is a must-play for SNES fans.
While dragging crosshairs across the screen with a D-pad may have been a bit cumbersome in 1995, the Switch controller allows for much more fluid gameplay. Plus, the title s cooperative play for the Switch, which can be accomplished with two basic Switch joy-cons. Though a bit frustrating, it's a pick-up-and-play offering that can't be beaten.
Donkey Kong Country (1994)
A stand-out platformer on a system known for its platformers, the original Donkey Kong Country, as well as its subsequent counterpart on the Nintendo 64, helped to cement developer Rare's status as a fan-favorite among Nintendo fans.
Visually unique thanks to its use of sprites derived from 3D models, Donkey Kong Country was one of the sharpest-looking console games of all time when it released. Challenging to the extreme, some of the title's difficulty is alleviated thanks to the ability to use save states on the Switch. The entire Donkey Kong Country trilogy is available via Nintendo Switch Online, though there's nothing quite like the original.
Kirby Super Star (1996)
The quintessential Kirby game on the SNES, Kirby Super Star bills itself as eight games in one, and while that's technically true, it's more of a collection of levels separated into eight selectable stages. It may be an odd way to structure a game, but it adds to the unique charm of this oft-celebrated title.
The Kirby games are well known for their approachability, and none of the titles on offer in Super Star will prove to be too difficult, even for beginners. It's a perfect relaxing game on the Nintendo Switch, and Super Star is perfect to pick up for a few moments during a lazy afternoon.
F-Zero (1991)
One of two titles to release alongside the SNES console in 1991, F-Zero helped to prove just how much of a graphical leap there would be between NES and SNES titles. Utilizing a technique known as Mode 7, developers could warp and manipulate a game's background, and this could be used to emulate a 3D environment.
This allowed F-Zero to convey a sense of speed only seen previously in arcades. Though wildly difficult for unaccustomed players, few could deny the thrill of zooming through the title's pulse-pounding courses for the first time, and it's all the more enticing when played in HD on the Nintendo Switch.
Super Ghouls N' Ghosts (1991)
Still going strong decades later, Capcom solidified their place among gaming's greatest developers in the mid-'80s with 8-bit titles like Mega Man, Bionic Commando, and Ghosts n' Goblins.
Often recognized as one of the most difficult platformers on the NES, Ghosts n' Goblins was succeeded by the equally challenging Super Ghouls n' Ghosts on the SNES. The 1991 title introduced a variety of new weapons, enemies, and locations, and it doubled down on the haunted house hijinx of the original. Aided greatly by the advent of save states on the Switch, Super Ghouls n' Ghosts makes for a wonderful playthrough on Nintendo's current console.
Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995)
A wild departure from the original Super Mario World, Nintendo experimented with their tried-and-true platformer formula to create Super Mario World 2: Yoshi' Island. Ushering Yoshi into the starring role this time, the player is tasked with tossing eggs, collecting flowers, and ensuring that Baby Mario is safely delivered to the end of each stage.
Considered by many to have one of the very best classic video game soundtracks and sporting a unique cartoony art style, the charm of Yoshi's Island can't be denied. It looks even better in high definition on the Switch, and it's a must-play for SNES enthusiasts.
Super Metroid (1994)
The partial namesake and one of two games instrumental in the formation of the Metroidvania genre, Super Metroid on the SNES proved just how intricate and robust video games on Nintendo's 16-bit console could be. A vast, labyrinthian experience often thought to be one of Nintendo's scariest first-party games, very few SNES titles can match the quality and complexity of Super Metroid.
Yet another game that benefits from the addition of save states, Super Metroid is a bit more forgiving when played on the Switch. With the recent debut of Metroid Dread, it's a great time to revisit this entry in one of Nintendo's most venerated series.
The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1992)
With the long-awaited sequel to The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild now slated for a release in 2022, all eyes are on Nintendo to deliver yet another generation-defining adventure. In the meantime, however, fans looking to replay some of the series' best entries need look no further than The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past.
Expanding upon the elements which made the first title such a hit, A Link to the Past is a sensational, nigh-endless journey. With navigation and combat made all the more effortless on the Nintendo Switch controller, A Link to the Past is a timeless treat.
Super Mario All-Stars (1993)
Long before the limited-edition Switch title Super Mario 3D All-Stars debuted in 2020, Super Mario All-Stars served as a remastered rendition of three of the greatest games to release on the Nintendo Entertainment System. Including the first-ever Western release of Super Mario Bros. 2, Super Mario All-Star offers superior versions of the first three games in the Mario franchise.
While the first and third Mario titles were already available on the Switch, All-Stars was a welcomed addition nonetheless. These games are perfect for the console's portable form factor, and save states alleviate the stress of some of the plumbers' more perilous platforming challenges.
