Cheap SNES Games Under $20: The Budget Collector's Guide

Build an amazing SNES collection without spending a fortune. We track 725 US SNES games and 949 Japanese Super Famicom games to find you the best deals.

SNES collecting in 2026 feels impossible. Chrono Trigger? $200. Earthbound? $400. Even Super Mario RPG is pushing $100. But here's the reality: there ARE still amazing games under $20, and the secret weapon is Japanese Super Famicom imports.

Take Super Mario World for example: $25 in the US, but only $8 in Japan. That's a 68% savings on one of the greatest games ever made. And that's just the beginning.

This guide offers you 120+ affordable games, real-time price tracking, and proven import strategies. Whether you're building your first collection or expanding on a budget, you'll find games that won't break the bank.

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Best SNES Games Under $20

Why Some SNES Games Are Still Affordable

Not every SNES game commands premium prices. Sports games like Madden '94 and NBA Jam are still $3-5 because they age poorly—nobody wants to play a 30-year-old sports game when modern versions exist. High print run games like Super Mario World and Donkey Kong Country are common and affordable despite being excellent.

The Japanese market offers even better deals. With larger print runs and a different collecting culture, Japanese Super Famicom games are often 60-80% cheaper than their US counterparts. Lesser-known gems that never got hype in the US are also more affordable.

Market trends also play a role. December and January are typically slower seasons with lower prices. Bundle buys save on shipping. And patience pays—waiting for auctions instead of "Buy It Now" listings can save 20-30%.

Japanese Super Famicom: The Budget Collector's Secret

The price differences are staggering. Chrono Trigger: $200 US vs $15 Japan (92% savings). Secret of Mana: $85 US vs $12 Japan (86% savings). Final Fantasy VI: $120 US vs $18 Japan (85% savings). Mega Man X3: $250 US vs $35 Japan (86% savings).

On just 10 popular games, you could save over $800 by importing from Japan. The compatibility is simple: you need a $12-25 region adapter (or a simple console modification) to play Japanese games on your US SNES. The hardware is identical—it's just a physical region lock.

Read our complete Japanese Super Famicom Buying Guide for detailed import strategies, compatibility info, and where to buy safely.

Common Questions About Budget SNES Collecting

Are cheap SNES games still good quality?

Yes! Price doesn't equal quality. Many affordable SNES games are excellent, they just had higher print runs or are from genres that aged less well (like sports games). Games like Super Mario World, Donkey Kong Country, and Street Fighter II are still fantastic and affordable.

Can I play Japanese Super Famicom games on my US SNES?

Yes, with a $12-25 region adapter or simple console modification. The physical cartridge tab prevents Japanese games from fitting, but the hardware is identical. An adapter slides into your console and allows Japanese games to work perfectly.

Where can I buy SNES games under $20?

eBay for US games, Yahoo Auctions Japan (via proxy services like Buyee) for Japanese imports, local game stores, conventions, and Facebook Marketplace. Japanese imports typically offer the best value, with many games 60-80% cheaper than US versions.

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