Complete guide to collecting SNES action games. From Super Mario World to hidden gems, discover the best action games for your collection.

Collecting SNES Action Games: Platformers, Shooters, and Beat 'Em Ups

Action games defined the SNES era. From the iconic platformers that launched with the system to the intense shooters and beat 'em ups that pushed the hardware, action games are the backbone of any SNES collection.

This guide covers everything you need to know about collecting SNES action games in 2025.

Why SNES Action Games Matter

The Super Nintendo perfected 2D action game design. With Mode 7 effects, multiple background layers, and the powerful SPC700 sound chip, SNES action games achieved a level of polish that still impresses today.

What makes SNES action games special:

Tight, responsive controls
Beautiful sprite graphics
Memorable soundtracks
Varied gameplay mechanics
High replayability
Great for multiplayer
Affordable (most under $50)

The SNES Action Legacy:

Defined 16-bit platforming
Created iconic characters
Influenced modern indie games
Still fun to play today

The SNES Action Library: By Genre

Platformers (~150 games)

The largest action subgenre. Includes everything from Super Mario World to obscure gems.

Shooters (~40 games)

Vertical and horizontal shooters. From Gradius III to Space Megaforce.

Beat 'Em Ups (~25 games)

Side-scrolling brawlers. Final Fight, Turtles in Time, and more.

Run and Gun (~15 games)

Contra-style action. Metal Warriors, Cybernator, and others.

Action-Adventure (~20 games)

Zelda-like exploration. Super Metroid, ActRaiser, and more.

Tier 1: The Essential Classics

These are the games every action game collector needs.

Super Mario World - $15-$30 loose

Why it's essential:

Launch title that defined SNES
Perfect platforming mechanics
96 exits to discover
Yoshi introduction
Timeless gameplay

Current market: Incredibly affordable. Best value in SNES collecting.

Collecting tip: Buy CIB for $40-$60. The box art is iconic.

Super Metroid - $60-$120 loose

Why it's essential:

Masterpiece of game design
Atmospheric exploration
Perfect controls
Influenced entire genre
Multiple endings

Current market: Prices climbing. Was $40 five years ago, now $80+.

Collecting tip: Buy now before it hits $150. This is a must-have.

Donkey Kong Country - $15-$30 loose

Why it's essential:

Revolutionary 3D-rendered graphics
Excellent platforming
Great music
Three-game series
Affordable

Current market: Very affordable. Great value.

Mega Man X - $30-$60 loose

Why it's essential:

Perfect action-platformer
Tight controls
Great boss battles
Three-game series
Affordable

Current market: Stable around $40-$50.

Contra III: The Alien Wars - $40-$80 loose

Why it's essential:

Best Contra game
Intense action
Mode 7 effects
Great co-op
Challenging

Current market: Prices rising. Was $30, now $50+.

Tier 2: Excellent Action Games Under $50

These games offer incredible value and gameplay.

Super Castlevania IV - $40-$80 loose

What it is: Best Castlevania on SNES

Why collect it:

Perfect controls
Great music
Atmospheric
Classic gameplay
Good value

Best for: Castlevania fans, platformer collectors

ActRaiser - $30-$60 loose

What it is: Unique mix of action and city-building

Why collect it:

Original concept
Two gameplay styles
Great music
Affordable
Underrated

Best for: Those seeking unique games

Demon's Crest - $80-$120 loose

What it is: Dark action-platformer

Why collect it:

Gothic atmosphere
Multiple endings
Branching paths
Amazing graphics
Rising in value

Best for: Action-platformer fans

Sparkster - $15-$25 loose

What it is: Rocket Knight sequel

Why collect it:

Tight controls
Creative levels
Great sprite work
Affordable
Underrated

Best for: Budget collectors

Cybernator (Assault Suits Valken) - $20-$35 loose

What it is: Side-scrolling mech shooter

Why collect it:

Incredible atmosphere
Destructible environments
Satisfying combat
Affordable
Hidden gem

Best for: Shooter fans, budget collectors

UN Squadron - $20-$40 loose

What it is: Side-scrolling shooter

Why collect it:

Excellent upgrade system
Great replayability
Affordable
Underrated

Best for: Shooter fans

Space Megaforce (Super Aleste) - $30-$60 loose

What it is: Top-tier vertical shooter

Why collect it:

One of best shmups on SNES
Incredible weapons
Great value
Rising in price

Best for: Shooter collectors

Tier 3: Beat 'Em Ups

The SNES has some of the best beat 'em ups ever made.

Final Fight - $20-$40 loose

What it is: Classic Capcom brawler

Why collect it:

Defined the genre
Great co-op
Affordable
Classic gameplay

Best for: Beat 'em up fans

Turtles in Time - $60-$120 loose

What it is: Best TMNT game

Why collect it:

Perfect co-op
Great graphics
Memorable levels
Prices climbing

Best for: TMNT fans, co-op players

Sunset Riders - $60-$100 loose

What it is: Wild West run-and-gun

Why collect it:

Unique setting
Great co-op
Fun gameplay
Prices rising

Best for: Co-op collectors

The Peace Keepers - $20-$40 loose

What it is: Underrated beat 'em up

Why collect it:

Affordable
Good gameplay
Underrated

Best for: Budget collectors

Tier 4: Hidden Gems & Budget Action Games

Excellent games that won't break the bank.

Pocky & Rocky - $80-$150 loose

What it is: Top-down shooter with Japanese folklore

Why collect it:

Perfect co-op
Beautiful pixel art
Challenging but fair
Prices climbing fast

Best for: Co-op fans, shooter collectors

The Firemen - $40-$80 loose

What it is: Unique firefighting action

Why collect it:

Original concept
Great graphics
Excellent co-op
Underrated

Best for: Those seeking unique games

Run Saber - $80-$150 loose

What it is: Strider-like action

Why collect it:

Fast-paced gameplay
Great graphics
Gaining recognition
Prices rising

Best for: Action-platformer fans

Super Turrican - $40-$80 loose

What it is: Factor 5's run-and-gun

Why collect it:

Excellent gameplay
Great graphics
Prices doubling
Underrated

Best for: Run-and-gun fans

Axelay - $30-$50 loose

What it is: Konami shooter mixing vertical and horizontal

Why collect it:

Stunning Mode 7 effects
Perfect arcade experience
Affordable
Great value

Best for: Shooter fans

Building Your Action Game Collection: Budget Strategies

Strategy 1: The Essentials ($200 Budget)

Must-Have Classics:

Super Mario World ($25)
Super Metroid ($80)
Donkey Kong Country ($25)
Mega Man X ($50)
Contra III ($50)

Total: ~$230

5 of the greatest action games ever made.

Strategy 2: The Value Collector ($300 Budget)

Affordable Classics:

Super Mario World ($25)
Donkey Kong Country ($25)
Mega Man X ($50)
Super Castlevania IV ($60)
ActRaiser ($50)
Sparkster ($20)
Cybernator ($30)
UN Squadron ($30)
Final Fight ($30)

Total: ~$320

9 excellent action games for great value.

Strategy 3: The Complete Set ($2,000+ Budget)

All Major Action Games:

Tier 1 classics
Tier 2 games
Beat 'em ups
Shooters
Hidden gems

Total: $2,000-$3,000

Complete collection of all significant SNES action games.

Platformer-Specific Collecting

The Mario Series

Must-Have:

Super Mario World ($25)
Super Mario All-Stars ($30)
Super Mario Kart ($60)

Nice to Have:

Yoshi's Island ($30)
Super Mario RPG ($80)

The Donkey Kong Series

All Three Games:

Donkey Kong Country ($25)
Donkey Kong Country 2 ($30)
Donkey Kong Country 3 ($25)

Total: ~$80 for complete trilogy

The Mega Man Series

Mega Man X Trilogy:

Mega Man X ($50)
Mega Man X2 ($120)
Mega Man X3 ($150)

Note: X2 and X3 have special chips, making them expensive.

Shooter-Specific Collecting

Vertical Shooters

Best Options:

Space Megaforce ($50)
Axelay ($40)
Gradius III ($30)

Horizontal Shooters

Best Options:

UN Squadron ($30)
R-Type III ($40)
Gradius III ($30)

Beat 'Em Up-Specific Collecting

The Essentials

Must-Have:

Final Fight ($30)
Turtles in Time ($80)
Sunset Riders ($70)

Nice to Have:

The Peace Keepers ($30)
King of Dragons ($40)

Regional Considerations

Japanese Super Famicom Action Games

Advantages:

Much cheaper (50-70% discount)
Same gameplay
Different box art
Some exclusives

Examples:

Parodius series: $20 each (vs. $50+ US)
Goemon series: $30 each (vs. $80+ US)

Note: You need a modified SNES or region adapter.

Authentication: Action Game Concerns

Action games are less counterfeited than RPGs, but expensive ones still get faked.

Most Counterfeited Action Games:

Super Metroid (moderate)
Mega Man X2/X3 (common)
Turtles in Time (moderate)
Demon's Crest (moderate)

Always verify expensive games ($100+):

Check PCB
Compare labels
Use UV light test
Get second opinion

Storage and Organization

Organizing Your Action Collection:

By Genre:

Platformers
Shooters
Beat 'Em Ups
Run and Gun
Action-Adventure

By Series:

Mario games together
Mega Man games together
Donkey Kong games together

Storage Solutions:

Universal game cases for loose carts
Game storage case for organization
Alphabetical sorting
Series grouping

Playing Your Collection

Best Ways to Play SNES Action Games:

Original Hardware:

SNES console with HDMI adapter
8Bitdo SN30 Pro+ wireless controller
Flash cart for testing

Modern Solutions:

SNES Classic Mini (modded)
Emulation on PC or handheld
Analogue Super Nt for original carts

Investment Potential

Action Games Likely to Increase in Value:

High Probability:

Super Metroid (already climbing)
Demon's Crest (underrated, rising)
Pocky & Rocky (word getting out)
Mega Man X2/X3 (special chips add value)

Medium Probability:

Turtles in Time (popular, may climb)
Sunset Riders (co-op appeal)
Run Saber (gaining recognition)

Long Shots:

Cybernator (if discovered)
Sparkster (underrated)
The Firemen (unique concept)

The 725 Club Action Game Challenge

Can you collect 15 SNES action games under $500?

Rules:

Must be action games (platformers, shooters, beat 'em ups)
Total budget: $500
Must actually play each game
Share your collection on The 725 Club

Suggested List:

Super Mario World ($25)
Donkey Kong Country ($25)
Mega Man X ($50)
Super Castlevania IV ($60)
ActRaiser ($50)
Sparkster ($20)
Cybernator ($30)
UN Squadron ($30)
Space Megaforce ($50)
Final Fight ($30)
The Peace Keepers ($30)
Axelay ($40)
Gradius III ($30)
R-Type III ($40)
Super Turrican ($50)

Total: ~$500

Final Thoughts

SNES action games offer some of the best value in retro collecting. Most are affordable, highly playable, and still fun today.

Start with the essentials, explore the hidden gems, and build a collection you'll actually play!

The best action game collection isn't the most expensive—it's the one that brings you joy every time you pick up a controller.

Track your action game collection at The725Club.com and share your favorite SNES action games with the community. What's your go-to action game?