What’s The Rarest Super Nintendo Game And How Much Is It?

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (aka the SNES), was an incredibly successful console for Nintendo that helped cement its dominance in the early years of the market. It was the home to some of the most famous and best-selling games and franchises of all time, like Super Mario World, F-Zero, and Super Metroid.




Since the SNES had such a long lifespan and was home to such a wide variety of games, there are a few incredibly rare gems on the Super Nintendo. Tournament games and beloved classics alike are very rare, with high price tags to boot.

Updated on August 28, 2024, by Antonio Samson: The SNES is one of the most popular consoles and has a plethora of fan favorite games. With any retro console, there are games that any collector would love to add to their collection. This article was updated to inlcude more rare SNES games and to meet CBR’s editorial and formatting standards.


A Collector’s Dream With A Unique “Not for Resale” Label

Mortal Kombat II [Not for Resale] cartridge


Release date:

September 9, 1994

Pricecharting price:

$500.00 (complete)

eBay price:

$300.00 – $1,200.00

Mortal Kombat II is one of the most iconic fighting games of the 1990s. It is infamous for its brutal combat mechanics, gory fatalities, and role in creating the ESRB rating system. The fast-paced action, unique characters, and competitive gameplay made it a massive hit in arcades and home consoles.


The “Not for Resale” version of Mortal Kombat II is rare because it was never intended for public sale. These cartridges were distributed as promotional items to retail outlets, demo kiosks, and gaming conventions, where they were used to showcase the game. The cartridge typically features a distinct label marking it as “Not for Resale,” making it a unique collector’s item, and is at the bottom of the rarest SNES games list.

14 Zombies Ate My Neighbors [Box Variant] Is A Quirky Horror-Themed Classic With A Rare Packaging Twist

A Retro Favorite With A Limited Edition Box Design

Zombies Ate My Neighbors cover art

Release date:

July 19, 1993

Pricecharting price:

$800.00 (complete)

eBay price:

$500.00 – $2,000.00


Zombies Ate My Neighbors is a beloved top-down action game developed by LucasArts and published by Konami. It stands out in the SNES library for its unique blend of humor, horror, and cooperative gameplay. The game features two protagonists, Zeke and Julie, who must navigate various levels to rescue their neighbors from an onslaught of classic horror movie monsters, including zombies, werewolves, and vampires.

The “Box Variant” refers to a specific game edition with a unique packaging design. This variant was produced in limited quantities and typically included different artwork or additional promotional materials not found in the standard release. Because of its rarity, the box variant is highly sought after by collectors eager to complete their collections with every possible game version. A complete set with the original box, manual, and cartridge in good condition can command high prices, particularly among fans of retro horror games.


13 Final Fight Guy Is A Rare Re-Release Of A Beat-Em-Up Classic

The Hard-to-Find Version Featuring The Fan-Favorite Character, Guy

Final Fight Guy cover art

Release date:

April 1995

Pricecharting price:

$1,500.00 (complete)

eBay price:

$900.00 – $2,500.00

Final Fight is one of the quintessential beat-em-up games of the late ’80s and early ’90s. It was initially released as an arcade game before being ported to the SNES. The original game featured three characters — Cody, Haggar, and Guy — each with their unique fighting styles as they battled through the crime-ridden streets of Metro City to rescue Haggar’s kidnapped daughter, Jessica. However, when the game was first ported to the SNES, the character Guy was removed, likely due to memory limitations on the cartridge.


Because of its limited distribution, Final Fight Guy has become one of the most sought-after titles among SNES collectors. The rarity of the cartridge, coupled with the enduring popularity of the Final Fight series, means that complete copies (including the cartridge, box, and manual) can fetch high prices on the secondary market. This title is particularly prized by those looking to own every variation of Final Fight released on the SNES.

A Late SNES Release That Became A Coveted Treasure

Metal Warriors SNES cover art

Release date:

April 1995

Pricecharting price:

$1,600.00 (complete)

eBay price:

$1,200.00 – $4,500.00


Metal Warriors is a side-scrolling mech shooter developed by LucasArts, a company best known for its adventure games and Star Wars titles. However, Metal Warriors stands out as a unique and innovative entry in the SNES library. The game allows players to control giant robots, or “mechs,” as they battle through various levels to thwart an evil military regime.

Despite its quality, Metal Warriors was released late in the SNES’s life cycle, when many gamers had already moved on to next-generation consoles like the PlayStation and Sega Saturn. As a result, the game had a relatively limited print run, making it a rare find today. Complete copies, particularly those with the original box and manual, are highly sought after and can command high prices on the secondary market. The game’s cult status and scarcity have made it one of the most valuable SNES titles for collectors.


11 Pocky & Rocky 2 Is A High-Value Sequel With A Small Print Run

A Rare Japanese Folklore-Inspired Shooter With Co-Op Play

Pocky & Rocky 2 SNES cover art

Release date:

November 18, 1994

Pricecharting price:

$2,200.00 (complete)

eBay price:

$1,500.00 – $5,000.00

Pocky & Rocky 2 is the sequel to the original Pocky & Rocky, a top-down shooter that combines fast-paced action with a distinctive Japanese folklore theme. The game follows the adventures of Pocky, a shrine maiden, and Rocky, a tanuki (a Japanese raccoon dog), as they battle through hordes of enemies to save their land from evil spirits. The sequel builds on the original’s gameplay, introducing new characters, improved graphics, and additional cooperative play options.


The game’s unique blend of traditional Japanese elements and action gameplay has made it a beloved title among fans. However, like many SNES games released in the mid-’90s, Pocky & Rocky 2 suffered from a limited print run. By the time of its release, the SNES was nearing the end of its life cycle, and many gamers were shifting their attention to newer consoles. As a result, Pocky & Rocky 2 did not receive widespread distribution, making it a rare find today.

10 Exertainment Mountain Bike Rally/Speed Racer Is Elusive Due To Limited Stock Rather Than Quality

A Unique Exercise-Based Game Paired With A Classic Racing Title

Exertainment Mountain Bike Rally & Speed Racer SNES game cartridge in box

Release date:

October 1993 (regular), November 1994 (Cannondale Cup edition)

Pricecharting price:

$108.32 (complete) – $533.65 (graded)

eBay price:

$27.99 (incomplete) – $16,000.00 (complete, graded)


This extremely rare cartridge contains two games in one. Mountain Bike Rally was controlled using a real exercise bike, almost like a 16-bit predecessor to Wii Fit, and was also known as Cannondale Cup in U.S. markets.

The second game in the package, Speed Racer, is far less revolutionary. It was a run-of-the-mill racing game based on the Speed Racer anime and didn’t turn any heads. Few, if any, copies made it to store shelves; most of them were direct-ordered from Nintendo. Limited stock gives this double feature its high price tag, and ranks at the number 10 spot on this list.


9 Mega Man X3 Is Still A Legacy Name In The Action-Platforming Genre

A Technological Marvel That Raised The Bar For SNES Games

Mega Man X3 SNES game cover

Release date:

December 1, 1995

Pricecharting price:

$974.98 (complete) – $3,794.11 (graded)

eBay price:

$450.00 (incomplete) – $2,749.95 (complete)

The early entries in the Mega Man franchise hold up exceedingly well, joining a gallery of nostalgic games that only get better with time. In a way, the fact that the game is so good and beloved by its fans makes it so rare. Those who still have an original copy are unlikely to be willing to part with it, so it’s become increasingly hard to find.


Another factor that drives up the price of this nostalgic classic is that Mega Man X3 utilized the upgraded Cx4 chip that allowed the SNES to render 3D graphics. This made the cartridges themselves more expensive at the time, and that price has only increased in the decades since.

8 Earthbound Is A Revered Cult-Classic JRPG

An RPG Gem That Found New Life Through Smash Bros. Popularity

Release date:

August 27, 1994

Pricecharting price:

$1,789.54 (complete) – $6,300.00 (graded)

eBay price:

$1,099.99 – $14,999.00 (complete)

Earthbound is one of the best-known franchises on the SNES and is regarded by fans as one of the best RPGs ever made. Also known as Mother in Japan, it saw an incredibly limited release. Very few games in the Mother series were ever released outside of Japan, so the original Earthbound is, as of the time of this writing, the only officially released game with an official translation available outside the Japanese market.


In addition to being such a beloved game and an excellent RPG, Earthbound has been driven to popularity by its inclusion in the Super Smash Bros. franchise. As more and more people discover the series, original copies have become highly sought after. Those few cartridges that remain sealed in their boxes can cost collectors a fortune.

7 Hagane: The Final Conflict Was A Unique Spin On The Beat-‘Em-Up Genre

A Blockbuster Rental Exclusive Turned Rare Collector’s Item

Hagane SNES game cover


Release date:

November 18, 1994

Pricecharting price:

$2,474.75 (complete), $9,656.00 (graded)

eBay price:

$1,225.00 – $16,000.00 (complete)

A side-scrolling beat-em-up about a cyborg ninja hunting down the holy grail, Hagane: The Final Conflict is a strange yet wildly entertaining game. Praised at the time of its release for its action and writing, the game remains rare today because of the complexities of mid-’90s marketing and retail strategies.

Hagane: The Final Conflictwasn’t sold at retail; it was only available to rent from Blockbuster as part of one of Nintendo’s many partnerships with the video rental company. Because of this, fewer copies were made, driving up the prices of the remaining units.

6 Star Fox Super Weekend Competition Is A Relic Of An Era Before E-Sports

A Competitive Cartridge From The Golden Age Of Nintendo Tournaments

Star Fox Super Weekend SNES cartridge


Release date:

April 30, 1993

Pricecharting price:

$2,550.00 (incomplete)

eBay price:

$3,250.00 – $3,500.00

A forgotten aspect of Nintendo’s history is that it used to host tournaments and competitions around the world, although, unfortunately, modern E-sports have caused this practice to die off. The Star Fox Super Weekend Competition is a relic of a bygone age in more ways than one, as the limited copies of this cartridge were sent out to Blockbuster Video stores, which hosted the local tournaments.

The cartridge only contained the secret levels of the original Star Fox game, and players competed to see who could earn the most points. With so few copies made, players are probably better off just buying a copy of the original Star Fox to get the full experience.


5 Aero Fighters Was An Arcade Game In Spirit That Struggled On The SNES

A Commercial Failure That Became A High-Priced Collectible

Aero Fighters SNES character select screen

Release date:

June 30, 1993

Pricecharting price:

$3,166.00 (complete), $5,283.00 (graded)

eBay price:

$1,999.95 (incomplete) – $12,999.95 (complete)


Originally an arcade game that was later ported to the Super Nintendo, Aero Fighters is a top-down, shoot-em-up game. A quasi-spiritual successor to the earlier game Turbo Force, Aero Fighters is rare — not because it’s beloved, but rather because the game was something of a commercial failure.

These kinds of top-down shoot-’em-ups didn’t fare well on consoles in the United States; they were more popular in arcades. Because of this, far fewer copies were made and shipped to retail in the U.S. than normal. The game is rare because the executives didn’t expect it to sell well. Considering the prices this game can go for if it’s still sealed in its original box, perhaps these copies can command high profits in the secondhand markets for avid Nintendo collectors, landing it at rank 5 for the rarest game on this list.


4 M.A.C.S. Multipurpose Arcade Combat Simulator Is A Particularly Unique Nintendo Rarity

A Military Training Tool That Became A Mysterious Collectible

MACS SNES - M.A.C.S. Multipurpose Arcade Combat Simulator cartridge

Release date:

N/A

Pricecharting price:

$3,559.47 (complete)

eBay price:

$7,999.99 – $10,000.00

M.A.C.S. is a rarity among Super Nintendo games. It was never sold at retail, nor did the public ever get to formally see it. Instead, the United States Military contracted Nintendo to develop a simulator to train their soldiers on how to use the M16 rifle on the cheap. This made its mere existence a mystery for years until secondhand copies appeared in online marketplaces.


The game featured a rifle much like the Nintendo classic Duck Hunt, and the operator would point it at the screen to control the game. With only a small number of copies made, collectors will need to seriously empty their wallets to own this strange piece of Nintendo and American military history.

3 Donkey Kong Country Competition Is An Extremely Elusive Version Of The Original Game

A Tournament Cartridge With Limited Copies And High Demand

Release date:

November 20, 1994

Pricecharting price:

$5,300.00 (complete)

eBay price:

$3,500.00 (incomplete) – $74,999.95 (complete)

Donkey Kong Country is a fantastic platformer, and its relatively short length makes it perfect for competitions. Yet another competition hosted by Nintendo and Blockbuster Video, Donkey Kong Country Competition was sent out to Blockbuster stores to host the local level parts of the tournament; everyone had an opportunity to qualify for the Blockbuster World Video Game Championship.


The copies only had certain select levels from Donkey Kong Country, and only a few thousand copies were ever made. With complete, pristine copies of the game going for upward of $4,000, it’s probably cheaper to just stick to Donkey Kong Country Returns.

2 Nintendo Campus Challenge Is An Even Rarer Piece Of Pre-E-Sports History

A College Campus Competition Cartridge Now Worth A Fortune

Nintendo Campus Challenge 1992 SNES cartridge

Release date:

November 1991

Pricecharting price:

$17,085.63 (incomplete)

eBay price:

$899.99 – $2,500.00


Yet another artifact from the days when Nintendo competitions were still widespread, the title of Nintendo Campus Challenge 1992 is a bit misleading. Although it might seem like this was an intellectual test, the name refers to the fact that this competition was hosted on college campuses across the United States and parts of Canada.

The game featured a small selection of levels from some of Nintendo’s most popular titles at the time, including Super Mario World, F-Zero, and Pilotwings. Of the small number created for the competition, an even smaller number is still available today. For those collectors who want to get their hands on this cartridge, they’ll need to act fast if they find it; there’s a significant real chance it could be the only one left.

1 Nintendo Powerfest 1994 Is The Grail Of The Classic Era Of Nintendo Competitions

A Nearly Extinct Cartridge That Defines SNES Rarity

Nintendo Powerfest 1994 SNES game cartridge


Release date:

November 20, 1994

Pricecharting price:

$17,550.00 (incomplete)

eBay price:

N/A

Held just before the twilight years of the SNES, the Nintendo Powerfest of 1994 was a competition that gathered contestants from around the world. The games in this cartridge are a small collection of levels from Super Mario Bros.: The Lost Levels, some tracks from Super Mario Kart, and snippets of gameplay from Ken Griffey, Jr. Presents Major League Baseball.

Only about 30 copies of this cartridge were ever made, with most being scrapped by Nintendo after the competition to reuse their parts. Two original copies are confirmed to exist, and both sold at absolutely staggering prices, making this undoubtedly the rarest SNES game in the world.

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