The Nintendo Entertainment System's (NES) Successor: A Look at the SNES Harapeko Bakka in Japan

In 1991, Nintendo released the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) in North America and Europe, marking a significant milestone in the company's history. The console was an instant success, thanks to its impressive library of games and innovative hardware. However, there is another region where the SNES enjoyed a long and prosperous lifespan – Japan.

This region saw the release of a unique version of the SNES known as the "Harapeko Bakka" (also translated as "Golden Set"), which included not only the console itself but also a set of five games that showcased the capabilities of the system. In this article, we will delve into the world of SNES Harapeko Bakka and explore its significance in Japan.

What is Harapeko Bakka?

The term "Harapeko Bakka" translates to "Golden Set," which refers to a set of five games that were bundled with the console. This unique marketing approach allowed consumers to experience some of the best titles available on the SNES, while also promoting the console itself.

Age Rating Availability in Japan

In Japan, the age rating for video games is determined by the CERO (Computer Entertainment Rating Organization), a government agency responsible for regulating the content of video games. The CERO rating system assigns a letter grade to each game based on its level of violence, profanity, and other forms of mature content.

The SNES Harapeko Bakka was released in Japan with an age rating of "A" (All Ages), which indicates that the games contained no objectionable content suitable for children. This rating is still considered one of the safest ratings in the CERO system.

Games Included in Harapeko Bakka

The five games included in the Harapeko Bakka set are:

1. Street Fighter II: A fighting game that revolutionized the genre and became a cultural phenomenon.
2. Mega Man X: A side-scrolling action game developed by Capcom, which showcased the SNES's capabilities.
3. Contra III: The Alien Wars: A run-and-gun action game that built upon the success of the Contra series.
4. DuckTales: A platformer based on the popular cartoon series, known for its challenging gameplay and clever level design.
5. Super Mario World: A platformer that is still considered one of the best games in the Super Mario series.

These five games represent some of the best titles available on the SNES, and their inclusion in the Harapeko Bakka set helped to promote the console's capabilities.

Why was Harapeko Bakka released in Japan?

There are a few theories as to why Nintendo released the Harapeko Bakka in Japan:

1. Competition with Sega: At the time, Sega was dominating the Japanese gaming market with its Saturn console and games like Virtua Fighter and Panzer Dragoon. By releasing the SNES Harapeko Bakka, Nintendo aimed to compete with Sega's offerings.
2. Promoting the SNES: The Harapeko Bakka set served as a showcase for the SNES's capabilities, highlighting the console's impressive library of games and innovative hardware.
3. Targeting the Japanese market: Japan is a vast and diverse country, with different gaming preferences and trends. By releasing the Harapeko Bakka in Japan, Nintendo aimed to tap into the local market and promote the SNES to a wider audience.

Legacy of Harapeko Bakka

The SNES Harapeko Bakka played an important role in promoting the SNES console in Japan and contributing to its success. The set's inclusion of five top-notch games helped to showcase the SNES's capabilities, while also providing consumers with a unique and appealing way to experience the console.

Today, the Harapeko Bakka is remembered as a nostalgic reminder of the SNES era in Japan. Its legacy can be seen in the numerous retro gaming communities that have formed around the world, where enthusiasts gather to share their love for classic games and consoles.

Conclusion

The SNES Harapeko Bakka was a significant release in Japan, marking an important milestone in Nintendo's history. The set's inclusion of five top-notch games helped to promote the SNES console, while also showcasing its capabilities. With its unique marketing approach and innovative hardware, the Harapeko Bakka remains an iconic part of Japanese gaming culture.

As we look back on the SNES era, it is clear that the Harapeko Bakka played a crucial role in cementing the SNES's position as one of the greatest consoles of all time. Its legacy can be seen in the countless games and memories that were created during this period, and its impact will continue to be felt for generations to come.

Bonus Information

• The Harapeko Bakka was released in Japan on December 14, 1991.
• The set includes the SNES console itself, as well as five games: Street Fighter II, Mega Man X, Contra III: The Alien Wars, DuckTales, and Super Mario World.
• The CERO rating system is still used today to rate video games in Japan.