Super Nintendo Entertainment System

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Super Nintendo Entertainment System

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Codename
Also known as
Developer
Manufacturer	Nintendo
Product family
Type	Home video game console
Generation	Fourth generation
Release date
Availability
Lifespan	1990–2003

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), known as the Super Famicom in Japan, is a 16-bit home video game console developed by Nintendo that was released in 1990 in Japan and South Korea, 1991 in North America, 1992 in Europe and Australasia, and 1993 in South America. The SNES is Nintendo's second programmable home console, following the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES). The console introduced advanced graphics and sound capabilities compared with other consoles at the time.

History

The SNES was released in Japan as the Super Famicom on November 21, 1990. It was an immediate success, selling out within hours. The system was released in North America as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System on August 23, 1991. The European release followed in 1992, with the console being released in the United Kingdom and Ireland in April, and in other European countries in June.

The SNES was designed to accommodate the demands of the growing video game market, which was moving towards more complex and graphically advanced games. It featured a custom 16-bit processor, the Ricoh 5A22, and a powerful graphics chip that allowed for advanced visual effects such as Mode 7, which enabled a background layer to be rotated and scaled on a scanline-by-scanline basis.

Technical Specifications

The SNES is powered by a Ricoh 5A22 processor, which is based on the WDC 65C816 16-bit CPU. It runs at a clock speed of approximately 3.58 MHz. The system includes 128 KB of RAM and 64 KB of Video RAM.

The SNES supports a resolution of 256x224 to 512x448 pixels and can display up to 32,768 colors. It has a maximum of 128 sprites on screen, with 32 sprites per line. The audio subsystem is driven by a Sony SPC700 sound processor, which provides 8 channels of sound.

Game Library

The SNES has a rich library of games, many of which are considered classics. Some of the most notable titles include:

• Super Mario World
• The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
• Super Metroid
• Donkey Kong Country
• Final Fantasy VI
• Chrono Trigger

These games are known for their innovative gameplay, engaging storylines, and memorable music.

Legacy

The SNES is widely regarded as one of the greatest video game consoles of all time. It was a commercial success, selling over 49 million units worldwide. The console's influence can be seen in the design of subsequent Nintendo consoles, such as the Nintendo 64 and the Nintendo Switch.

The SNES has a dedicated fanbase and continues to be popular among retro gaming enthusiasts. Many of its games have been re-released on modern platforms, and the console itself has been reissued in the form of the Super NES Classic Edition.

Also see

• Nintendo Entertainment System
• Nintendo 64
• Mode 7
• List of Super Nintendo Entertainment System games
• Super NES Classic Edition