Best SNES RPGs to Collect: The Complete Guide
The SNES is home to some of the greatest RPGs ever made. From Final Fantasy to Chrono Trigger, discover which RPGs are worth collecting and how to save money with Japanese imports.
The Super Nintendo is legendary for its RPG library. Games like Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Earthbound are considered among the best games ever made. But collecting SNES RPGs is expensive—many cost $100-400.
The good news? Japanese imports can save you 60-90%. Chrono Trigger costs $200 US but only $15 in Japan. Final Fantasy VI is $120 US but $18 in Japan. Even with shipping, you save hundreds of dollars.
This guide covers the must-have SNES RPGs, explains which ones are worth the investment, and shows you how to build an amazing RPG collection on any budget using Japanese imports.
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Filter our complete catalog by genre to find all RPGs with real-time prices.
Must-Have SNES RPGs
Final Fantasy - Mystic Quest
![Terranigma [English Reproduction]](https://fls-a0a6849c-fe0e-4eb1-a823-cb8500a894c1.laravel.cloud/game-images/cover-art/uFF17W4u9kMHYnwks0E1zegc4iSMbxiKSxCSpeLl.jpg)
Terranigma [English Reproduction]
Illusion of Gaia
Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
Dark Half [English Translation]
Slayers [English Translation]
Shin Megami Tensei II [English Translation]
Star Ocean [Homebrew]
Shadowrun
Treasure Hunter G [English Translation]
Treasure of the Rudras [English Translation]
Wizardry V Heart of the Maelstrom
Ys III Wanderers from Ys
Tactics Ogre [Homebrew]
Tales of Phantasia [English]
Final Fantasy II
Final Fantasy III
Torneko's Great Adventure [English Translation]
Wizardry I-II-III: Story of Llylgamyn [English Translation]
Ys IV: Mask Of The Sun [Homebrew]
The Big Three: Chrono Trigger, Final Fantasy VI, and Earthbound
These three games are the crown jewels of SNES RPG collecting. They're expensive, but they're also three of the greatest games ever made.
Chrono Trigger
Widely considered the greatest RPG ever made. Costs $200 US, but only $15 in Japan. The Japanese version is identical gameplay-wise. If you only buy one expensive RPG, make it this one—and buy the Japanese version to save $185.
Final Fantasy VI (III in US)
Many consider this the best Final Fantasy game. Costs $120 US, $18 in Japan. The US version has a censored translation, while the Japanese version is uncensored. Japanese version is actually preferred by many collectors.
Earthbound
Unique, quirky RPG that became a cult classic. Costs $400 US, $25 in Japan. The Japanese version (Mother 2) is identical. One of the biggest savings opportunities in SNES collecting.
Other Essential SNES RPGs
Secret of Mana
Action RPG with multiplayer. $85 US, $12 Japan. Great for co-op play.
Super Mario RPG
Mario's first RPG. $100 US, $20 Japan. Accessible and fun.
Lufia II: Rise of the Sinistrals
Underrated RPG with great puzzles. $80 US, $15 Japan. Hidden gem.
Terranigma
Action RPG that never released in US. $60 import, worth every penny.
Breath of Fire II
Capcom RPG series. $50 US, $10 Japan. Great value.
Playing Japanese RPGs: Language Barrier Solutions
RPGs are text-heavy, which makes Japanese versions challenging for non-Japanese speakers. However, there are solutions:
Fan Translations
Many Japanese RPGs have fan translations available. Use a flash cart (like the SD2SNES) to play translated ROMs on your SNES. This lets you play expensive RPGs like Terranigma, Seiken Densetsu 3, and others that never released in the US.
Learn Basic Japanese
Learning hiragana and katakana (Japanese alphabets) takes a few weeks but opens up hundreds of games. Many RPGs use simple menus that are easy to navigate even with basic knowledge.
Use Translation Guides
Many games have online translation guides that explain menus, items, and story. Print them out or use a second screen while playing.
Emulation with Translation Patches
If you're okay with emulation, you can play translated versions of expensive RPGs. Not authentic collecting, but great for experiencing games you can't afford or that never released in English.
Common Questions
Are Japanese RPGs worth collecting if I don't speak Japanese?
Which RPGs are the best value?
Should I collect CIB or loose RPGs?
Are there any Japan-exclusive RPGs worth importing?
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