The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) was released in Japan on July 15, 1989. A sequel to the NES, the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), was also popular in Japan during its release period.

Some popular games for The SNES include Super Mario World and Sonic CD, both of which offer side-scrolling gameplay with elements from their respective spin-off media. Another notable title is The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, a traditional action-adventure game that builds upon the series' 2D platformer formula.

The SNES was popular in Japan during its release period due to its improved hardware and expanded library of games compared to the NES. The console's performance and graphical capabilities were superior to those of the NES, allowing developers to create more complex and detailed graphics.

One of the most influential titles for The SNES is Final Fantasy VI (also known as Final Fantasy III outside of North America). Developed by Square (now Square Enix), this role-playing game introduced many innovative features that became standard in later RPGs, such as a large party of characters with unique abilities and an expansive story.

The SNES was also home to several popular fighting games, including Super Smash Bros. (a precursor to the modern series) and Street Fighter II. The latter's success helped cement its status as one of the most iconic console games of all time.

Despite its many successes, The SNES had some issues with its design. One notable problem was its cartridge format, which resulted in a significant number of games being released in small quantities due to high production costs and limited storage capacity. This caused a shortage of certain titles and made it difficult for developers to produce new content.

The SNES also suffered from technical limitations in terms of sound quality. The console's audio capabilities were not as advanced as those of other systems, such as the Sega Genesis (known as the Mega Drive outside of North America), which led to less detailed music and sound effects in some games.

Overall, The SNES played an important role in shaping the gaming industry and leaving a lasting legacy on many popular franchises.