Buying a Super NES? Here’s How to Save Time and Money
Nintendo released the Super NES (Nintendo Entertainment System) 1991 and it was an overnight sensation. Home to classic games such as Final Fantasy, Zelda, and Mario World, almost 50 million consoles were sold. However, if you are a collector of the great classic games and you are trying to add a Super NES to your arsenal, it’s likely that you will have a difficult time of it. That’s because Nintendo stopped manufacturing them in 1999, so you will need to track one down on the secondary (or used) market.
If you are in the market to purchase a Super NES, we have a few pointers to help you in your search:
- How much can you expect to pay?
Generally, used Super NES consoles sell for around $35. Usually, this will include controllers and perhaps even a game or two. Prices can very greatly, so check around first to try to find the best deal. If you are lucky enough to stumble across a brand new, mint-condition, unused Super NES, you can expect to pay as much as $200. - New or Used?
Since it’s been over 10 years since the Super NES was manufactured, the chances of you being able to purchase a brand new unit are very small. And if you do find an unused one, you can expect to pay a premuim price for it. However, the Super NES has a great track record of durability, so buying a used one is a really good alternative. - Retail Stores or the Secondary Market?
You will almost definiately be wasting your time if you are searching for your Super NES in a retail store. They long ago moved on to selling newer systems, and will no longer have any in stock. If you know of any independent video game stores, you may have a chance of finding one there, but even franchises that deal in the used market, such as EBGames and GameStop quit carrying them years ago. - So, where can I find one?
Your best chance of tracking down a Super NES to add to your gaming collection is online. When I perforned a quick search on eBay, the online auction site, I found dozens of systems, both the original and newer design, in working order, with a variety of accessories and games, at very reasonable prices. Many of them even advertised free shipping — a great added incentive. As always, when shopping on eBay or any other online auction site, do your research and pay attention to the seller’s feedback. Once you’ve completed your transaction, it’s very difficult to go back and correct any mistakes or poor choices. - What should be included?
New in the box, the Super NES was packaged with two controllers, an AC adapter, and a cable adaptor. All of these items are required to operate the console, so be sure they are either included in your purchase or that you plan to get them separately. Finally, since the Super NES isn’t much fun if you don’t have any games to play on it, you will want to acquire a variety of these as well. Again, eBay is a great place to find games of all genres. The day I looked, over 1,000 were listed for sale.
If you follow the advice given above, you should be able to acquire your Super NES and a collection of games with ease and cost effectively. So have fun, and enjoy yourself playing on one of the greatest game systems ever!
