The 10 Best Selling SNES Games

The SNES was first released in 1990, with around 50 million consoles being sold around the world. Along the way, some tremendous games were introduced to the gaming world, and many long lasting franchises can trace their roots back to the SNES.

But what are the best selling SNES games of all time? Read on to find out. 

What are the 10 best selling SNES games of all time?

10. Star Fox

Star Fox SNES Gameplay
Star Fox SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD / Argonaut Software

Number of sales worldwide: 4 million

Year of release: 1993

At the time of its release, Star Fox was seen as a groundbreaking masterpiece with its 3D graphics and incredible soundtrack. Without a doubt, the game still holds up well today, too, even if the visuals are outdated. 

It’s no surprise that Star Fox is one of the best selling SNES games of all time, and it could easily go down as the best entry to the Star Fox franchise, too.  

9. Street Fighter II: Hyper Fighting

Street Fighter 2 - Hyper Fighting
Street Fighter 2 – Hyper Fighting

Developer: Capcom

Number of sales worldwide: 4.1 million

Year of release: 1993

Hyper Fighting is a fast-paced fighting game that has a brilliant character balance. Before being ported to the SNES it was the third arcade version of SF2, and new special moves were introduced for the release.  

Although many prefer, The World Warrior, Hyper Fighting is still a great addition to the franchise. 

8. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi’s Island

Yoshi's Island SNES Gameplay
Yoshi’s Island SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 4.12 million

Year of release: 1995

Yoshi’s Island is a gaming masterpiece that regularly makes it onto ‘favorite game of all time’ lists. It’s easy to see why, too. 

With it’s quirky aesthetic, cute animation, and killer soundtrack, there’s not much to dislike about Yoshi’s Island. You could easily pick this up today and have a blast with it. 

The only surprise for me is that this game isn’t higher in the best selling SNES games of all time.

RELATED: Who is the hardest boss in Yoshi’s Island?

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

The Legend of Zelda - A Link to the Past
The Legend of Zelda – A Link to the Past

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 4.61 million

Year of release: 1991

A Link to the Past is an iconic game in so many ways. From its instantly recognizable soundtrack, to the incredible sense of adventure and exploration, this was the first Zelda game that really gave a sense of how deep the lore of the franchise would become. 

You could explore Hyrule for hours on end in this game, and found something new each time. For its era, A Link to the Past was vast, and its scale and ambition undoubtedly drove many long time players to the franchise.    

6. Donkey Kong Country 2: Diddy’s Kong Quest

DKC2 - Diddy's Kong Quest
DKC2 – Diddy’s Kong Quest

Developer: Rare

Number of sales worldwide: 5.15 million

Year of release: 1995

As soundtracks go, you really don’t get better than Diddy’s Kong Quest. I mean, that alone could have made this one of the best selling SNES games of all time. 

When you add into the mix some great level design with vibrant settings, it’s no surprise that Diddy’s Kong Quest became one of the best selling games for the SNES. 

5. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior 

Street Fighter 2 - The World Warrior
Street Fighter 2 – The World Warrior

Developer: Capcom

Number of sales worldwide: 6.3 million

Year of release: 1992

The World Warrior was the first version of Street Fighter II to be ported to the SNES. Yet, despite selling more copies than its successors, the general consensus is that this is the weakest of the bunch. 

That being said, there’s still a lot of fun to be had with The World Warrior, and anyone who played it in youth is in for an explosion of nostalgia upon revisiting it. 

4. Super Mario Kart

Super Mario Kart SNES Gameplay
Super Mario Kart SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 8.76 million

Year of release: 1992

Of all the iterations of Mario Kart that have come to various consoles over the years, the SNES version is up there with the best. 

From slipping your way through Vanilla Lake, to the thick clouds of bats in Banshee Boardwalk, there’s a track for everyone in Super Mario Kart, and I’m sure anyone who owned the console would have expected to see this among the best selling SNES games. 

RELATED: What are the hardest Mario Kart tracks of all time? 

3. Donkey Kong Country

Donkey Kong Country SNES
Donkey Kong Country SNES

Developer: Rare

Number of sales worldwide: 9.3 million

Year of release: 1994

Donkey Kong Country was a revolutionary platform game for the SNES, and it provides one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences on the entire console. 

With a soundtrack that rivals the best, combined with addictive gameplay, DKC follows Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong as they attempt to recover their stolen bananas. This was Rare’s attempt at reviving the Donkey Kong franchise, and they did so with flying colors.  

2. Super Mario All-Stars

Super Mario All-Stars SNES
Super Mario All-Stars SNES

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 10.55 million

Year of release: 1993

Super Mario All-Stars is a compilation of remakes of games that were released for the NES. The remakes include Super Mario Bros 1, 2, 3, and The Lost Levels.

So, that’s four games in one, all of which are incredibly fun. It’s no wonder this is one of the best selling SNES games of all time. 

1. Super Mario World 

Super Mario World SNES Gameplay
Super Mario World SNES Gameplay

Developer: Nintendo EAD

Number of sales worldwide: 20.61 million 

Year of release: 1990

The best selling game of all time for the SNES is Super Mario World, and what a game it is.

As far as 2D Mario games go, SMW is among the best. It has a wonderful level design and, although frustratingly challenging at times, finds a good balance between power-ups, variety, and skill. 

As with all Mario games, the soundtrack is top level and catchy, and the graphics are vibrant and smooth. All in all, Super Mario World goes down as a timeless classic. 

Get in Touch

Which of these best selling SNES games did you own? Were you surprised by the absence of any game? Let us know in the comment section below!

For any enquiries, contact me at richard@blogofgames.com

To see Super Mario World in action, check out the full playthrough below by RetroGame.Steam. 

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