The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a console that left an indelible mark on the gaming industry. Released in the early 1990s, it wasn’t just the games that made the SNES iconic, but also the wide array of accessories that enhanced the gaming experience. While many are familiar with the standard controllers and the Super Scope, there are numerous lesser-known accessories that many gamers have never even heard of. This blog will take you on a journey through some of these hidden gems, exploring their functions, history, and the impact they had on the SNES era.
Super Game Boy
The Super Game Boy was a groundbreaking was one the ground breaking accessories that allowed SNES owners to play Game Boy games on their television screens. Released in 1994, it provided an innovative way for gamers to enjoy their favorite handheld titles with improved color palettes and a larger display. The Super Game Boy inserted into the SNES cartridge slot, and Game Boy cartridges were then plugged into the Super Game Boy.
One of the most exciting features was the ability to customize the borders around the game screen, giving players a more personalized experience. Despite its popularity, not everyone knew about this accessory, especially those who weren’t deeply invested in the Nintendo ecosystem. However, for those who did, it was a game-changer, offering an entirely new way to experience portable gaming classics.
SNES Mouse
The Super Scope is one of the more well-known accessories, but it’s often overshadowed by the more ubiquitous light guns like the NES Zapper. Released in 1992, the Super Scope was a large, shoulder-mounted bazooka that used infrared technology to interact with the SNES. Unlike traditional light guns, the Super Scope was wireless and required the player to aim at the television screen with considerable precision.
The Super Scope was bundled with a game called Super Scope 6, which featured six different mini-games designed to showcase the capabilities of the device. Despite its innovative design, the Super Scope had a limited library of compatible games, which ultimately led to its decline in popularity. However, it remains a fascinating piece of SNES history and a reminder of Nintendo’s willingness to experiment with new forms of gameplay.
Satellaview
The Satellaview was a Japan-exclusive accessory that connected to the Super Famicom (the Japanese version of the SNES) and allowed players to download games, magazines, and other content via satellite broadcast. Released in 1995, the Satellaview was ahead of its time, offering a form of online gaming long before the internet became a staple in the gaming world.
Players could access exclusive content, including special versions of popular games like The Legend of Zelda and F-Zero. However, the service was only available for a limited time each day, and the content was broadcast live, meaning players had to be online at the right time to access it. Due to its limited release and unique service model, the Satellaview remains one of the most mysterious and intriguing SNES accessories.
MultiTap Adapter
The MultiTap adapter allowed up to five players to connect to the SNES simultaneously, transforming the console into a party gaming machine. Released in 1993, developers designed it for use with games that supported multiplayer modes, such as Super Bomberman and NBA Jam. Gamers plugged the adapter into the SNES controller port and then connected additional controllers.
Although the MultiTap opened up new possibilities for multiplayer gaming, the relatively small number of games that supported more than two players limited its use. Nonetheless, gamers with the right games found the MultiTap essential for hosting gaming sessions with friends, turning the SNES into a social hub long before online multiplayer became the norm.
Super Advantage Joystick
The Super Advantage Joystick offered a large arcade-style controller for playing SNES games. Released in 1992, it featured a joystick and large buttons similar to those on arcade cabinets and became particularly popular among fans of fighting games like Street Fighter II. The Super Advantage also included turbo buttons that simulated rapid button presses, giving players an edge in fast-paced games.
Despite appealing to arcade enthusiasts, the Super Advantage did not achieve widespread popularity, mainly because most SNES games were designed with the standard controller in mind. However, gamers who grew up playing in arcades found the Super Advantage provided a nostalgic way to experience their favorite SNES games, offering a more tactile and immersive experience.
AsciiPad
The AsciiPad was an alternative controller for the SNES, designed by Asciiware. Released in 1992, it was known for its comfortable design and the inclusion of turbo switches for each button. This feature allowed players to adjust the speed at which the buttons would auto-repeat, making it easier to perform rapid-fire actions in games. The AsciiPad also featured a slow-motion button, which rapidly paused and unpaused the game to create a pseudo slow-motion effect.
The AsciiPad was a favorite among players who wanted more control over their gaming experience, especially in fast-paced or competitive games. Although it didn’t replace the standard SNES controller, the AsciiPad was a popular alternative for those looking for a more customizable input method, and it remains a cherished accessory among retro gaming enthusiasts.
SNES Cleaning Kit
The SNES Cleaning Kit was an essential accessory for maintaining the health and performance of the console. Released in the early 1990s, it included tools for cleaning both the console’s cartridge slot and the game cartridges themselves. Regular use of the Cleaning Kit helped to prevent dust and dirt from causing connectivity issues, which could result in games not loading properly or crashing during gameplay.
While the Cleaning Kit was not as exciting as other SNES accessories, it played a crucial role in prolonging the life of the SNES and its games. For collectors and retro gamers today, keeping an SNES in good working order often requires the use of a cleaning kit, making this accessory an important, if often overlooked, part of the SNES experience.
XBand Modem
The XBand Modem was a revolutionary accessory that brought online gaming to the SNES. Released in 1994, it allowed players to connect to a dial-up network and compete against others across the country in games like Super Mario Kart and Mortal Kombat II. The XBand Modem was one of the first attempts at bringing online multiplayer to consoles, and it even included features like matchmaking and messaging.
Despite its innovative concept, the XBand Modem struggled to gain widespread adoption due to the limitations of dial-up internet and the relatively high cost of the service. However, it laid the groundwork for future online gaming networks and remains a fascinating piece of SNES history, highlighting the early days of console-based online multiplayer.
Super 8 / Tristar Adapter
The Super 8, also known as the Tristar Adapter, was a unique accessory that allowed SNES owners to play NES and Famicom games on their console. Released in the mid-1990s, it was a third-party device that connected to the SNES cartridge slot and provided additional slots for NES and Famicom cartridges. The Super 8 also included its own set of AV outputs, allowing players to switch between systems without unplugging cables.
This adapter was particularly appealing to gamers who wanted to enjoy their NES and Famicom libraries without needing multiple consoles. Although it wasn’t an official Nintendo product, the Super 8 was popular among retro gaming enthusiasts and collectors who appreciated its versatility and convenience.
Capcom Power Stick Fighter
The Capcom Power Stick Fighter provided another arcade-style joystick specifically designed for fighting games on the SNES. Released in 1992, it featured a high-quality, sturdy build with an eight-way joystick and large buttons that mimicked the layout of arcade cabinets. Gamers used the Power Stick Fighter for games like Street Fighter II, enjoying a more authentic arcade experience.
Although the Power Stick Fighter primarily targeted fans of fighting games, players could use it with a variety of SNES titles, making it a versatile accessory for those who preferred arcade-style controls. Its robust construction and responsive inputs won it favor among serious gamers, and collectors still seek it out today.
Super Game Boy 2
Nintendo released the Super Game Boy 2, an updated version of the original Super Game Boy, exclusively in Japan in 1998. While it retained the core functionality that allowed players to play Game Boy games on the SNES, the Super Game Boy 2 introduced new features, such as a link port for connecting to other Game Boys and the ability to change the color palettes of games in real-time.
The Super Game Boy 2 also included a real-time clock, which the original model lacked. This feature allowed certain games to track time-based events more accurately. Despite these improvements, Nintendo never released the Super Game Boy 2 outside of Japan, making it one the rare and highly sought-after SNES accessories for collectors and Game Boy enthusiasts alike.
Conclusion
The diverse range of SNES accessories played a crucial role in enhancing the gaming experience. From the groundbreaking Super Game Boy to the arcade-style Capcom Power Stick Fighter, these accessories showcased Nintendo’s commitment to expanding the boundaries of gameplay. Each accessory, whether it was the Super Scope’s unique design or the versatile MultiTap’s multiplayer capabilities, contributed to the rich tapestry of the SNES era.
Despite the varying degrees of popularity and niche applications, these accessories have left a lasting impact on the gaming community. They not only offered new ways to enjoy beloved games but also paved the way for future innovations in gaming technology. Today, collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts continue to seek out these rare and fascinating items, celebrating their role in the history of gaming. The legacy of the SNES accessories reminds us of a time when creativity and experimentation defined the gaming landscape, and they continue to be cherished relics of a golden age in gaming history.
