SNES Gets New Limited-Edition Physical Release Available for Preorder Now

As video games continue to evolve closer to an all-digital future, physical releases are becoming much more appreciated by old-school gamers. Even classic consoles from decades past are being given new releases, and the next title to be made for the Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) has just been put up for pre-order.

The SNES NTSC release of Super Ninja-Kid can be preordered now exclusively on the official website for Strictly Limited Games. Listed at $49.99, it includes a game cartridge that's compatible with SNES consoles. In the spirit of classic physical media releases, it includes a colorful game manual in the box as well. The game was originally released as Super Ninja-kun on the Super Famicom in Japan in 1994, though it was not ported over for a North American or European release at the time.

Super Ninja-Kid Can Be Pre-Ordered for SNES Now

Developed by Jaleco, Super Ninja-Kid is a 2D side-scrolling platformer. Players take control of a ninja who's on a mission to rescue his kidnapped girlfriend. It fully leans into a cartoonish and colorful presentation that's reminiscent of other SNES games of the era, as the player ninja utilizes bombs, boomerangs, and other weapons to traverse through each stage. There is also a two-player co-op mode, allowing multiple players to simultaneously get in on the fun.

Super Ninja-Kid has since had releases on more modern consoles ahead of becoming available on the SNES in North America. It has been included in retro compilations, including 2023's Nintendo Switch release of Ninja JaJaMaru: Retro Collection. Overall, it's largely been a very obscure title for stateside gamers. Chances are there will be many fans of retro games who will be able to recreate the classic 90s experience of getting a new game for the SNES that they haven't played before, thanks to Strictly Limited Games.

Nintendo Continues to Make Physical Copies of Switch 2 Games

Nintendo previously brought back the SNES for an official release, dubbed the Super NES Classic Edition. It was designed to look like a miniature version of the SNES, though it did not have the ability to play actual game cartridges. The release had over 20 games permanently built into it already, featuring classics like Final Fantasy III, Donkey Kong Country, EarthBound, and Super Mario Kart. It also notably included the first wide release of Star Fox 2, which was not actually released during the original console's lifespan.

In the years since, Nintendo has continued to offer SNES classics to players in a digital format. Nintendo Switch Online offers a library of classic titles for the NES and SNES, and new games are consistently being added to the service. As far as physical releases from Nintendo related to video games, the company also makes mini cartridges for Switch 2 games. Though Sony has vowed to stop printing physical games, there hasn't been an indication yet that Nintendo will follow suit.

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