When it comes to game libraries that appeal to collectors, the SNES is one that's been somewhat overlooked. It's odd, given the vast, diverse lineup of hundreds of games this charming 16-bit machine features. There's also got the relative durability of the game carts that lend themselves to preservation.
There are several titles by both Nintendo and third parties that had been produced in large numbers thanks to strong sales. But there are also a surprising amount of limited, unpopular, or otherwise obscure games whose scarcity is a draw for collectors.
This list will comb the unique, vast library of this beloved retro console and cover its rarest games. It'll also cover the conditions and events leading to their scarcity and value.
Updated January 5th, 2023 by Stephen LaGioia: Considered by many to be the "Glory Days of Gaming," the 16-bit era has often become the go-go when it comes to its pixel-art sprites and swift, action-focused gameplay. Then there's the advent of some modern JRPGs which harken back to 16-bit classics, such as Chained Echoes, Octopath Traveler, and Harvestalla.
Even Dragon Quest 11 has a release with a 16-bit visual mode. This has fed into the popularity of collecting rare SNES games for many. This, coupled with its age, has made SNES a popular option for retro game enthusiasts and collectors. So we thought we'd revisit this list.
18 Space Invaders
- Loose (game only): $10
- CIB (complete in box): $25
This is a case of a classic, renowned title lost in the shuffle on the console's library with its highly limited release. The result is one of the rarest SNES games (though this hasn't translated as much to a high value given this sci-fi shooter's prominence). One could imagine the lack of demand for this one, being a game that dated back to 1978. It would have been rather old even for Super Nintendo's time.
It also didn't help that this game only ever saw the light of day within the fairly isolated Australia. To top this off, there was also a Game Boy version of Space Invaders, which proved a better fit for the portable-friendly nature of its fast-paced, undiluted gameplay.
17 X Zone
- Loose: $16
- CIB: $42
Given that X Zone utilized the not-too-popular Super Scope, and launched in the limited PAL market of Scandinavia, it's clear why this scrolling lightgun shooter is one of SNES' rarest games. X Zone can be found on the Swedish online retailer known as Tradera, where a boxed copy of the PAL version can be fetched for over $1,500.
Between the game's limited release in Scandinavia, the need for the Super Scope to get the most out of it, and its lack of appeal compared to similar shooters, this was somewhat doomed to obscurity.
16 Cool World
- Loose: $15
- CIB: $84
For as obscure as this cartoon was — which featured a femme fatale crossing into the real world — try an SNES action game based on this movie. As one might expect, the results weren't exactly astounding for an audience used to playing the more kid-friendly Mario software. Much like the film, the quality and risque content of Cool World was "questionable" at best.
There's also the fact that this title was released for NES too, cutting into potential sales of this version. There's also the factor of the PAL release which was mostly limited to Spain.
15 Chrono Trigger
- Loose: $222
- CIB: $567
While one of the more popular RPGs on the console, this fantastical gem from Square Enix (then Squaresoft) has grown increasingly hard to come by, thanks to its top-tier status which only seems to be solidifying. The time-traveling journey, memorable narrative, lush visuals, and wondrous locales still grip gamers to this day.
Chrono Trigger's popularity continues following its rerelease on Nintendo DS, Wii Virtual Console, PlayStation Network, and others. Its original cart, however, remains coveted and elusive, with new-in-box copies potentially netting well over a grand.
14 Mega Man X3
- Loose: $307
- CIB: $1,370
It may seem surprising that one of the biggest, most iconic 90s action shooters landed as one of the SNES' rarest titles. But given the circumstances behind this one, it does make more sense. On the one hand, sales were somewhat tough to come by given the sheer quantity of Mega Man games on the SNES' strong library, creating a competitive landscape.
But more significant was a rare graphics chip that enhanced the visuals compared to most on the 16-bit machine, called the Cx4. This was a pricey piece of tech that was hard to come by, thus leading to the highly limited number of carts being produced.
13 Final Fight Guy
- Loose: $326
- CIB: $1,655
The Final Fight series is certainly well-represented on SNES, offering fun and gritty sidescrolling brawling. But unlike the prominent mainline games — this refined, slightly modified version of the original was limited in physical form. The reason for this is that the English version of this software was only accessible by rental from the now (mostly) defunct Blockbuster chains.
Collectors had to be lucky enough to have the foresight to buy one of these rare carts from the store, unless one happened to be a former employee and could snag a copy that way.
12 Pocky And Rocky 2
- Loose: $440
- CIB: $1,434
Despite launching in North America and PAL regions months after its Japanese release — and its rave reviews — this Natsume shoot 'em up remained obscure. Perhaps it was its unique themes, which stress Eastern elements and a generally random vibe. After all, Pocky's main attack does take the form of tossing ofuda talismans at enemies.
Taking its sidescrolling predecessor's formula and (literally) turning it on its head, Pocky And Rocky 2 plays like an overhead shooter despite looking more like an action platformer. The few that did manage to pick this up could also enjoy chaotic two-player co-op.
11 Castlevania: Dracula X
- Loose: $320
- CIB: $612
Castlevania fans were delighted to learn this once Japanese-exclusive would find its way to the PSP as well as the Wii Virtual Console over a decade after its 1995 release. Appart from being highly exclusive (in its physical format) though, the game also came out at the end of SNES' lifespan. It would soon be overshadowed by the N64 and PlayStation.
It's a shame, given the quality of the gameplay, which featured Richter Belmont fighting his way through nine Gothic locales. Along the way, Richter will slay a slew of dark enemies, exploring alternative paths and rescuing maidens along the way — one of whom becomes a fun playable character in her own right.
10 Hurricanes
- Loose: $151
- CIB: $914
Based on an obscure US and UK animated co-production, Hurricanes features talented players of a soccer team in the World Soccer League, who are targetted by dirty players that make up the "Garkos Gorgons." The duplicitous Stavros Garkos goes out of his way to ensure the players don't make it to their important game — cue the mash-up of platforming levels and random baddies.
While it manages to be a fun, amusing side-scroller in its own right, the subject matter is rather unique and odd. The motifs are all over the map, as the game features very human players traversing fantastical, pre-historic environments. Between this, the SNES swan-song release date, and the genre being saturated by this point — it's no wonder Hurricanes never quite took off.
9 Hagane - The Final Conflict
- Loose: $1,037
- CIB: $2,820
This obscure action romp is often considered a cult classic for those who noticed it, thanks to its solid mechanics and fun themes that blend traditional Japanese themes and sci-fi robotics.
But CAProduction's game garnered a rather "meh" reception for its average visuals and typical gameplay, which had been done to death in the 16-bit era by the time it released in late '94. Its sidescrolling nature and basic pixel art seemed a tad dated in an era in which the industry was sprinting toward 3D graphics.