The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and its successor, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), are iconic consoles that have left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Released in Japan in 1991, the SNES was initially met with skepticism by many gamers due to its high price point and limited game library compared to the NES. However, over time, the SNES has become a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors alike.

In this article, we will delve into the world of Nintendo SNES, exploring its history, notable games, and age ratings available in Germany.

History of the Nintendo SNES

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System was developed by Nintendo as a direct competitor to Sega's Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside North America). The console was designed to showcase the capabilities of the Super NES hardware, which featured improved graphics and sound compared to its predecessor. The SNES was released in Japan on November 21, 1990, with a launch price of around ¥39,900 (approximately $350 USD at the time).

The console quickly gained popularity in North America and Europe, thanks in part to popular games such as Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, and Street Fighter II. However, the SNES was initially released without a built-in disk drive, which led to some criticism from developers and consumers.

To address this issue, Nintendo released the Super Game Boy add-on in 1994, which allowed players to play Game Boy games on their TVs using an adapter. The add-on was later replaced by the Super Game Boy 2 in Europe, which featured improved graphics and support for additional games.

Notable Games of the SNES

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System has an incredible library of games that showcase its capabilities. Some notable titles include:

1. Super Mario World (1990) - A platformer that showcased the capabilities of the Super NES hardware, featuring Yoshi, Mario's dinosaur companion.
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past (1991) - An action-adventure game that is still considered one of the best games in the Zelda series.
3. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior (1992) - A fighting game that revolutionized the genre and became a cultural phenomenon.
4. Donkey Kong Country (1994) - A platformer that featured stunning pre-rendered 3D graphics and a unique soundtrack.
5. Chrono Trigger (1995) - A role-playing game developed by Square (now Square Enix), which is still considered one of the best games of all time.

Age Rating in Germany

In Germany, video games are subject to age ratings that ensure they are suitable for different age groups. The age rating system is similar to other countries, with some variations:

• FSK 6 (Free from harm, suitable for children aged 6 and above)
• FSK 12 (Suggests restrictions, suitable for children aged 12 and above)

Some notable games on the SNES have received different ratings in Germany due to their content. For example:

1. Super Mario World - Rated FSK 6
2. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past - Rated FSK 6
3. Street Fighter II: The World Warrior - Rated FSK 12
4. Donkey Kong Country - Rated FSK 12

However, it's worth noting that some games on the SNES have been re-released with modified content or ratings due to changes in cultural attitudes towards violence and mature themes.

Retro Gaming and Collectibility

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System has become a beloved console among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors. Many rare and hard-to-find games are highly sought after by collectors, and some have even reached prices of thousands of dollars on the secondary market.

Some of the most valuable SNES games include:

1. Super Mario World 2: Yoshi's Island (1995) - Can sell for over $10,000
2. Donkey Kong Country 3: Dixie Kong's Double Trouble! (1996) - Can sell for over $5,000
3. F-Zero (1990) - Can sell for over $3,000
4. Secret of Mana (1993) - Can sell for over $2,000

Conclusion

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System is a console that has left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. With its incredible library of games and nostalgic value, it's no wonder why many retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors still cherish their SNES consoles today.

Whether you're a seasoned collector or just starting your retro gaming journey, the SNES is definitely worth exploring. From iconic characters like Mario and Link to groundbreaking titles like Street Fighter II and Donkey Kong Country, there's something for everyone on this beloved console.

So go ahead, dig out that old SNES from storage, and experience the magic of 16-bit gaming for yourself. With its incredible library of games and age ratings available in Germany, you'll be able to enjoy some of the best games of all time with peace of mind knowing they're suitable for your age group.

References:

• "Super Nintendo Entertainment System." Wikipedia.
• "The Ultimate History of Video Games." 2011. Random House.
• "The Super Game Boy Add-On: A Retrospective." Nintendo Life.