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Mini SNES Classic: Twelve essential features for the Super Nintendo Classic console

Nintendo is set to release a new compact, modern version of the Super Nintendo Entertainment System in 2017, nicknamed the SNES Classic Mini. These are the features we really hope to see from the new SNES, including correcting some of the biggest fails of the NES Classic Mini.

The original Super Nintendo Entertainment System is one of our all-time favourite consoles and news that Nintendo may be resurrecting the SNES in 2017 is simply sublime. You can expect the SNES to receive a loving miniaturisation treatment, just like we already had with the sadly doomed NES Classic Mini. That means a compact, lightweight build, complete with built in games for the family to enjoy together.

But if we’re going to get a mini SNES Classic Edition console, it has to be done right. As much as our nostalgic bones were tickled by the NES Classic Mini, that tiny box came with plenty of unforgivable flaws. Here’s our top twelve essential features for the SNES version, which we really hope Nintendo implement.

Read next: All you need to know about the NES Classic Mini

More games built in

The NES Classic Mini came with just 30 games built in. Most of these were classics, of course, including the likes of Super Mario Bros, The Legend of Zelda and of course the legendary Punch-Out. But where were Duck Tales, Adventure Island, Commando, River City Ransom and other of our childhood favourites?

Hopefully the SNES Classic Edition will come with a solid choice of games too, with an even greater selection on offer. Obviously first party titles such as Mario World, Mario Kart, Donkey Kong Country and the rest are a given. And we of course need Super Metroid, Chrono Trigger, Street Fighter, the Contra games, Smash TV…and Zombies Ate My Neighbours. All of the Zombies Ate My Neighbours.

SNES ROM support

We know that asking for the Mini SNES Classic to support full-sized SNES cartridges is folly. Sure, we’d have loved the option of trawling charity shops and eBay for original boxed versions of those classic SNES games. But slotting a cartridge into the new console would either murder its mini-ness or require some kind of clunky adapter.

Besides, if you want that functionality, you can just grab yourself a Retro Freak and be done with it.

Hence, it makes sense to build in ROM support. We doubt that Nintendo will simply allow you to plug in a USB stick and get cracking with any game you like, sadly. But with any luck the Japanese giant will offer the chance of downloading new games via an online store. After all, you can do the same for classic titles with the likes of the 3DS.

Original SNES controller support

If you have the original SNES kicking around your home still, the option to plug in your controllers to the SNES Classic would be fantastic. This will save you having to splash out for all-new controllers when your mates come around to get their arses whipped at Mortal Kombat.

Controllers with cables longer than a baby’s arm

However, even if you can’t use Nintendo’s original controllers, it’s absolutely essential that the SNES Classic controllers have cables that are longer than a flaccid banana. Our eyesight might be a bit crap now that we’re older, but we don’t need to sit approximately eight centimetres from our TV screens.

Even better, why not make the controllers wireless like in modern consoles? It’ll bump the price up, sure, but we’d happily pay the premium for the added freedom.

Save game option

This one’s pretty much guaranteed, as it was already present on the NES Classic Mini. Some of those SNES games were a wee bit tricky, so the ability to have another stab at a particularly fiendish level is much appreciated. After all, our reflexes have dimmed somewhat in the past 25 years.

Plus, now that we have jobs and kids and other responsibilities, we can’t just sit around in our PJs playing Contra all Sunday. Sigh.

Cheats system

Titles such as Battletoads, R-Type and Contra brought us close to tears back in they day, because they were so absolutely punishing. To the point that we actually thought the developers hated kids. So some kind of cheats system integrated into the SNES Classic’s menus is an essential addition.

We’re not saying we need infinite lives or anything. Our skills are still mad enough that just the occasional power up or something would be a great help. Oh, who are we kidding. Invincibility, please.

Support for four players at once

The SNES supported just two players at once out of the box, but the wonderful Multitap allowed four players to get involved in some sweaty multiplayer action. A mini Multitap – or simply four controller ports – would be a brilliant feature for the mini SNES Classic to come rocking. Along with it we’d need some Bomberman and EA Sports games, of course.

Super Scope support

Now we’re really pushing into (Kirby’s) dreamland, but the chance to once again clutch a Super Scope and blast mothers away is just too damned enticing. Support for the shoulder bazooka or even a standard light gun would be wonderful. After all, the likes of T2 and X-Zone still have a special place in our (cholesterol-strangled) hearts.

Bonus special features

This one isn’t really an essential feature – more of a ‘nice to have’, admittedly. But the SNES Classic is clearly aimed at nostalgic gamers, so why not throw in some bonus nostalgia? Unlockable features such as poster art, original TV ads, perhaps even reviews from the likes of Nintendo Power. These things would be great to have and an incentive to complete each game.

Backwards compatibility?

Since the NES Classic Mini is essentially dead and buried, why not chuck all of those NES games onto the SNES Classic instead? That way anyone who missed out on the miniature NES can get involved here.

Proper achievements

Modern console games are obsessed with dishing out achievements for pretty much everything you do. Booted up the game? Achievement! Paused to go take a slash? Achievement! Spent three hours trying to adjust the in-game camera so you can see up the female protagonist’s skirt? Triple perv achievement!

So why not have the same in the SNES Classic? But this time, make them proper achievements. After all, some of these games were tough as week-old beef. If you complete a single level of Battletoads without losing a life, that’s an actual achievement, on par with earning a first in nuclear physics. Frankly, for that sort of accomplishment, the SNES Classic should play a fanfare and spit out a cold beer.

Supply that actually meets demand

Lastly, we hope that Nintendo actually manufactures enough SNES Classic Edition consoles to go around. What are your own personal wants? Let us know in the comments below.

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