Discover the best SNES RPGs to collect, from legendary classics to affordable hidden gems. Complete guide to building an amazing RPG collection on any budget.

The Complete Guide to Collecting SNES RPGs: From Final Fantasy to Hidden Gems

The Super Nintendo is home to some of the greatest role-playing games ever made. From the legendary Final Fantasy series to cult classics like EarthBound, SNES RPGs represent the golden age of 16-bit storytelling.

But with prices ranging from $10 to $800+, how do you build an RPG collection without breaking the bank?

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

Why SNES RPGs Are Special

The SNES era (1991-1998) was the peak of 2D RPG design. Developers had mastered sprite art, storytelling, and game mechanics. The result? Dozens of timeless classics that still hold up today.

What makes SNES RPGs unique:

Rich, complex stories (30-60+ hours)
Beautiful sprite graphics that aged gracefully
Memorable soundtracks (SPC700 chip magic)
Deep character customization
Multiple endings and branching paths
Active Time Battle systems
Mode 7 effects for dramatic moments

The SNES RPG Legacy:

Defined the JRPG genre
Influenced every RPG that followed
Still playable and enjoyable today
Highly collectible and valuable

The SNES RPG Library: By the Numbers

Total RPGs on SNES: ~80-90 games (depending on definitions)

Breakdown:

Traditional JRPGs: ~40 games
Action RPGs: ~20 games
Strategy RPGs: ~10 games
Western RPGs: ~5 games
Hybrid genres: ~10 games

Price Range:

Budget ($10-$50): 60% of library
Mid-range ($50-$150): 30% of library
Expensive ($150-$500): 8% of library
Grails ($500+): 2% of library

Tier 1: The Legendary Classics (Must-Have)

These are the games that defined the genre. Every RPG collector needs at least a few of these.

Final Fantasy III (VI) - $150-$300 loose

Why it's legendary:

Considered by many the greatest RPG ever made
14 playable characters with unique abilities
Epic 40+ hour story
Memorable villain (Kefka)
Incredible soundtrack
Multiple endings

Current market: Prices climbing steadily. Was $80 five years ago, now $200+.

Collecting tip: Buy now before it hits $400. This is a blue-chip investment.

Chrono Trigger - $150-$400 loose

Why it's legendary:

Time-traveling story spanning multiple eras
Created by "Dream Team" (Square + Enix)
Multiple endings (13 total!)
No random encounters
Perfect pacing
Beautiful sprite work

Current market: One of the most expensive SNES games. Prices vary wildly ($150-$400) based on condition.

Collecting tip: Be patient. Good deals appear on Facebook Marketplace and local stores.

EarthBound - $300-$800 loose

Why it's legendary:

Unique modern-day setting
Quirky humor and style
Cult following
Extremely rare (limited print run)
Most expensive common SNES RPG

Current market: Prices exploded in recent years. Was $100 in 2015, now $500+.

Collecting tip: This is THE grail. Save up, verify authenticity (heavily counterfeited), and buy from reputable sellers.

Super Mario RPG - $60-$120 loose

Why it's legendary:

First Mario RPG (Square + Nintendo)
Unique isometric graphics
Timed hits combat system
Charming story
Accessible for beginners

Current market: Stable around $80-$100. Good value for a classic.

Secret of Mana - $40-$80 loose

Why it's legendary:

Real-time action RPG
3-player co-op (rare for SNES)
Beautiful graphics
Memorable music
Unique ring menu system

Current market: Affordable classic. Great entry point.

Secret of Evermore - $30-$60 loose

Why it's underrated:

Only Square RPG made in America
Unique time-traveling story
Alchemy system
Dog companion mechanic
Atmospheric soundtrack

Current market: Budget-friendly Square RPG. Often overlooked.

Tier 2: Excellent RPGs Under $100

These games offer incredible value and gameplay.

Lufia & The Fortress of Doom - $30-$50 loose

What it is: Traditional turn-based RPG with great story

Why collect it:

Solid 30+ hour adventure
Good character development
Affordable entry to SNES RPGs
Underrated gem

Best for: Budget collectors, RPG beginners

Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals - $60-$100 loose

What it is: Prequel that improved everything

Why collect it:

Better than Lufia 1 in every way
Puzzle dungeons (Zelda-like)
Great story
Still affordable

Best for: Those who enjoyed Lufia 1, puzzle RPG fans

Illusion of Gaia - $40-$80 loose

What it is: Action RPG with unique mechanics

Why collect it:

Real-time combat
Multiple playable characters
Beautiful graphics
Thought-provoking story
Great value

Best for: Action RPG fans, budget collectors

Soul Blazer - $50-$90 loose

What it is: Action RPG from Quintet (ActRaiser developers)

Why collect it:

Unique town-building mechanic
Real-time combat
Atmospheric
Part of Quintet trilogy
Rising in value

Best for: Action RPG collectors, Quintet fans

Brain Lord - $20-$35 loose

What it is: Action-RPG with puzzle elements

Why collect it:

Unique companion system
Challenging puzzles
Affordable
Underrated

Best for: Budget collectors, puzzle fans

7th Saga - $15-$25 loose

What it is: Challenging RPG with 7 protagonists

Why collect it:

Unique character selection
Notorious difficulty
Cheap entry point
Cult following

Best for: Hardcore RPG fans, budget collectors

Robotrek - $40-$70 loose

What it is: RPG where you build and customize robots

Why collect it:

Original mechanics
Charming story
Robot customization
Unique gameplay

Best for: Those seeking unique RPGs

Tier 3: Hidden Gems & Budget RPGs

These are excellent games that won't break the bank.

Final Fantasy Mystic Quest - $15-$30 loose

What it is: Simplified Final Fantasy for beginners

Why collect it:

Perfect for RPG newcomers
Affordable
Still fun
Great music

Best for: Beginners, budget collectors

Breath of Fire - $30-$60 loose

What it is: Capcom's first RPG series

Why collect it:

Dragon transformation mechanic
Good story
Affordable
Part of larger series

Best for: Capcom fans, budget collectors

Breath of Fire II - $40-$80 loose

What it is: Improved sequel

Why collect it:

Better than Breath of Fire 1
Town-building
Good value

Best for: Those who enjoyed Breath of Fire 1

Paladin's Quest - $20-$40 loose

What it is: Unique RPG with HP/MP combined system

Why collect it:

Original mechanics
Affordable
Underrated

Best for: Budget collectors seeking unique games

Lagoon - $15-$30 loose

What it is: Action RPG with short attack range

Why collect it:

Very affordable
Unique combat
Short but fun

Best for: Budget collectors

Tier 4: Strategy RPGs (SRPGs)

A subgenre that combines RPG elements with tactical combat.

Ogre Battle: The March of the Black Queen - $80-$150 loose

What it is: Real-time strategy RPG

Why collect it:

Unique gameplay
Multiple endings
Branching story
Rare and valuable

Best for: Strategy fans, collectors

Tactics Ogre - $100-$200 loose

What it is: Turn-based tactical RPG

Why collect it:

Deep strategy
Complex story
Multiple paths
Expensive but worth it

Best for: Hardcore strategy RPG fans

Tier 5: Action RPGs

RPGs with real-time combat instead of turn-based.

Secret of Mana - $40-$80 loose

(Already covered in Tier 1)

Secret of Evermore - $30-$60 loose

(Already covered in Tier 1)

Illusion of Gaia - $40-$80 loose

(Already covered in Tier 2)

Terranigma - $100-$200 loose (PAL/Japanese)

What it is: Action RPG, Quintet trilogy finale

Why collect it:

Never released in US (PAL/Japanese only)
Excellent gameplay
Beautiful graphics
Rare

Best for: Import collectors, Quintet fans

Building Your RPG Collection: Budget Strategies

Strategy 1: The Essentials ($500 Budget)

Must-Have Classics:

Final Fantasy III ($200)
Chrono Trigger ($200)
Super Mario RPG ($80)
Secret of Mana ($60)

Total: ~$540

This gets you 4 of the greatest RPGs ever made.

Strategy 2: The Value Collector ($300 Budget)

Affordable Classics:

Secret of Mana ($60)
Secret of Evermore ($50)
Lufia II ($80)
Illusion of Gaia ($60)
Brain Lord ($30)
7th Saga ($20)

Total: ~$300

6 excellent RPGs for the price of one EarthBound.

Strategy 3: The Complete Set ($5,000+ Budget)

All Major RPGs:

Tier 1 classics (Final Fantasy III, Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, etc.)
Tier 2 games (Lufia series, Illusion of Gaia, etc.)
Tier 3 budget games
Strategy RPGs
Action RPGs

Total: $5,000-$8,000

Complete collection of all significant SNES RPGs.

Regional Considerations

Japanese Super Famicom RPGs

Advantages:

Much cheaper (50-80% discount)
Same gameplay (no language barrier for action RPGs)
Different box art
Some exclusives

Examples:

Final Fantasy V: $20 (vs. $200+ US)
Romancing Saga 3: $30 (vs. $150+ US)
Seiken Densetsu 3: $40 (vs. $300+ US)

Note: You need a modified SNES or region adapter.

Authentication: RPG-Specific Concerns

RPGs are heavily counterfeited, especially expensive ones.

Most Counterfeited RPGs:

EarthBound (extremely common fakes)
Chrono Trigger (very common)
Final Fantasy III (common)
Super Mario RPG (moderate)
Secret of Mana (moderate)

Red Flags:

Price too good to be true
Seller has multiple copies
Blurry label photos
Won't show PCB
Ships from China

Always verify:

Open cart and check PCB
Compare label to authentic examples
Check serial numbers
Use UV light test
Get second opinion for $200+ games

Storage and Preservation

Protecting Your RPG Collection:

Essential:

Universal game cases for loose carts
Game storage case for organization
Keep away from sunlight
Stable temperature and humidity

For CIB Collectors:

Box protectors
Climate-controlled storage
Insurance for expensive games

Playing Your Collection

Best Ways to Play SNES RPGs:

Original Hardware:

SNES console with HDMI adapter
Save battery replacement (CR2032 battery)
Flash cart for testing before buying

Modern Solutions:

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

Investment Potential

RPGs Likely to Increase in Value:

High Probability:

Final Fantasy III (already climbing)
Chrono Trigger (steady increase)
Lufia II (underrated, rising)
Super Mario RPG (stable growth)

Medium Probability:

Secret of Mana (popular, may climb)
Illusion of Gaia (cult following growing)
Ogre Battle (rare, may spike)

Long Shots:

Brain Lord (if discovered)
Robotrek (cult following)
Paladin's Quest (unique mechanics)

Remember: Buy games to play and enjoy, not as investments. But if you're choosing between similar titles, why not pick the undervalued one?

The 725 Club RPG Challenge

Can you collect 10 SNES RPGs under $500?

Rules:

Must be traditional or action RPGs
Total budget: $500
Must actually play each game
Share your collection on The 725 Club

Suggested List:

Secret of Mana ($60)
Secret of Evermore ($50)
Lufia ($40)
Lufia II ($80)
Illusion of Gaia ($60)
Brain Lord ($30)
7th Saga ($20)
Final Fantasy Mystic Quest ($25)
Breath of Fire ($50)
Breath of Fire II ($60)

Total: ~$475

Final Thoughts

SNES RPGs represent the pinnacle of 16-bit game design. Whether you're chasing the legendary classics or discovering hidden gems, building an RPG collection is one of the most rewarding aspects of SNES collecting.

Start with the essentials, explore the hidden gems, and most importantly—play the games!

The best RPG collection isn't the most expensive—it's the one you actually experience.

Track your RPG collection progress at The725Club.com and share your favorite SNES RPGs with the community. What's your grail RPG?