How Many SNES Mini Units Were Sold? A Comprehensive Look
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System Classic Edition, often referred to as the SNES Mini, was a highly sought-after retro console that captured the hearts of gamers worldwide. Officially, 5.28 million SNES Mini units were sold by the end of January 31, 2018. This number reflects the global success of this nostalgic piece of hardware, highlighting Nintendo’s strategic entry into the retro gaming market. This remarkable figure solidifies its position as a top-selling retro console in recent history.
SNES Mini Sales Performance: A Detailed Breakdown
The journey to reaching this sales figure is an interesting one. Launched in 2017, the SNES Mini quickly generated immense hype. Within just the first four days of its release in Japan, it sold an impressive 368,913 units. By the end of October 2017, global sales had already exceeded 2 million units. This demonstrates the enormous demand that the console garnered shortly after its launch.
Nintendo’s fiscal year 2017 report, which concluded on March 31, 2018, revealed that the SNES Classic had sold over 5 million units worldwide. This number, slightly lower than the final number reported, underscores the consistent sales performance through the initial few months of the release. The final tally of 5.28 million confirms the robust popularity and the continuing demand for the console during the late 2017 and early 2018 period. This robust sales performance is particularly notable considering the limited production of the console.
Factors Contributing to the SNES Mini’s Success
The success of the SNES Mini can be attributed to several factors. The console offered a curated selection of classic games from the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, appealing to nostalgic gamers who wanted a simple way to relive their childhood memories. The console also featured a compact and aesthetically pleasing design which was a faithful recreation of the original console.
Another crucial aspect was its pricing. At the time, the SNES Classic was priced at US$79.99 on Nintendo’s website, making it an accessible option for those looking to enter the retro gaming scene without breaking the bank. The value proposition was clear: a great selection of games, a faithful hardware recreation, and an attractive price point contributed to the console’s immense popularity and high sales figures. Furthermore, the quality of the emulation and the ease of use for modern TVs, made the system a very compelling purchase.
Discontinuation and the Legacy of the SNES Mini
Despite its success, Nintendo decided to discontinue the production of the SNES Classic by the end of 2018. Nintendo’s decision was driven partly by its focus on the Nintendo Switch and the potential monetization opportunities it offered. Nintendo’s move to include NES and SNES games as part of its Nintendo Switch Online service indicated a strategic shift towards digital distribution and the Nintendo Switch as its primary console platform.
Despite the discontinuation, the SNES Mini has left an indelible mark on the gaming landscape. It successfully capitalized on the retro gaming trend and highlighted the enduring appeal of classic titles. The console also served as a catalyst for renewed interest in the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, which ultimately sold over 49.1 million consoles during its lifecycle.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Here are 15 frequently asked questions about the SNES Mini to further inform and engage the reader:
What is the price of the original SNES Mini?
The original SNES Mini had a retail price of US$79.99 on Nintendo’s website. Pricing could vary by retailer, however this was the suggested price at release.
How much is an SNES Mini worth now?
The current market value of an SNES Mini can vary widely. You can expect to pay around £69.99, based on the best prices currently available but many factors, such as if its new, used, boxed or unboxed, will affect the value. Resale prices typically fluctuate due to demand and availability.
Was the SNES Classic Mini discontinued?
Yes, Nintendo confirmed on December 13, 2018, that they would not be restocking the NES and SNES Classic Editions after the 2018 holiday season. This discontinuation marked the end of the official production of these mini consoles.
What was the best-selling game on the original SNES?
Super Mario World was the best-selling game on the original Super Nintendo Entertainment System, selling over 20 million copies worldwide. It was a huge success and a must-have title for many SNES owners.
Is the SNES Mini any good?
Yes, the SNES Mini is highly regarded as a quality retro gaming experience. It provides an authentic recreation of classic Super Nintendo gameplay and is praised for its user-friendly interface and reliable performance.
Is Nintendo still selling SNES Classic consoles?
No, Nintendo has officially stopped production of the SNES Classic, including both the NES and SNES classic versions of the mini consoles. Therefore, official listings have disappeared from all the major retailers.
How old is the SNES Mini?
The Super NES Classic Edition was released in 2017, making it roughly 6-7 years old (as of 2024). This makes it a relatively recent part of gaming’s retro resurgence.
How many SNES consoles were sold?
Nintendo sold 49.1 million Super Nintendo Entertainment System consoles over the course of the console’s lifespan, establishing it as one of the most successful video game consoles of all time.
How many N64 consoles were sold?
The Nintendo 64 sold 32.93 million units worldwide. This makes the SNES significantly outsell the next-gen N64 by a very considerable margin.
Why was Star Fox 2 never released on the SNES originally?
Star Fox 2 was nearly completed, but it was not released due to the upcoming Nintendo 64, and Nintendo wanted a clear break between the 3D graphics on the SNES and the Nintendo 64. The high production cost of the Super FX 2 chip also contributed to the cancellation.
How many games were released on the SNES?
There are 1,750 official releases for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, including various releases in North America, Europe, and Japan. This extensive library highlights the diverse range of games available for the system.
Can you play original SNES cartridges on the SNES Mini?
No, the SNES Mini cannot directly play original SNES cartridges without the use of additional third-party hardware. However there are third-party accessories that allow you to do this.
Why was the SNES Mini discontinued?
The SNES Mini was discontinued mainly because Nintendo focused on the Nintendo Switch and its online services. Nintendo wanted to promote the Switch online service where classic games were available.
Did the SNES Mini have save game functionality?
Yes, the SNES Mini allows for suspend points which can save a player’s progress at any time. Many games have in-game save options also, which greatly increases ease of use of the system.
What was the last game made for the SNES?
The last official physical cartridge game was Fire Emblem: Thracia 776 on January 21, 2000. The last game published was Metal Slader Glory: Director’s Cut on November 29, 2000, via the Nintendo Power download service.
Conclusion
The SNES Mini’s sales success is a testament to the enduring power of retro gaming and the deep connection that players have with the Super Nintendo platform. The 5.28 million units sold stand as a symbol of how well-executed nostalgia can be a potent driving force in the gaming market. Despite its discontinuation, the SNES Mini remains a beloved and sought-after piece of gaming history, leaving behind a legacy that continues to resonate with gamers today.