Skip to content

Super Nintendo Entertainment System

Super Nintendo Entertainment System icon Super Nintendo Entertainment System logo

Overview

The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (Super Famicom in Japan) is Nintendo’s flagship 16-bit console with Mode 7, eight background layers, and the SPC700 audio engine. REG-Linux uses the snes metadata group to keep your SNES library and themes synchronized.

Technical specifications

  • CPU: Ricoh 5A22 (based on the WDC 65C816) running up to 3.58 MHz with integrated DMA and coprocessor extensions for graphics/math helpers.
  • Memory: 128 KB main work RAM, 64 KB video RAM, and 64 KB audio RAM for the SPC700 sound engine.
  • Display: 256×224 (or 512×448 high-resolution mode) up to 32,768 on‑screen colors and eight background layers with 256 sprites.
  • Sound: Sony SPC700 + S-DSP sampler producing 8-bit PCM stereo with 64 KB of dedicated RAM.

Quick reference

  • ROM folder: /userdata/roms/snes
  • Accepted formats: .smc, .sfc, .bs, .squashfs, .zip, .7z
  • Emulators: libretro: bsnes, libretro: bsnes_balanced, libretro: snes9x, libretro: snes9x_next, libretro: mesen-s, libretro: pocketsnes
  • System group: snes

ROMs

Copy SNES images into /userdata/roms/snes. RetroArch supports zipped and SquashFS containers, but avoid nesting directories inside them. Multi-disc games (e.g., some cartridge-based collections) benefit from .m3u playlists listing each .smc/.sfc file. For Super Game Boy broadcasts, keep them under /userdata/roms/sgb and consult that specific page for BS-X requirements.

Emulators

RetroArch cores

Pick the core that best matches your needs:

  • bsnes (accuracy/balanced/performance builds) focuses on faithful hardware reproduction.
  • snes9x targets wide compatibility with fewer system requirements.
  • snes9x_next adds modern enhancements while retaining the SNES feel.
  • pocketsnes and bsnes_balanced aim for portable-friendly settings.
  • mesen-s shines on Super Game Boy content via SGB-specific settings.

All cores expose snes.videomode, snes.ratio, snes.smooth, snes.shaders, snes.pixel_perfect, snes.decoration, snes.game_translation, plus backend selectors snes.gfxbackend, snes.audio_latency, and snes.video_threaded. Access these through [HOTKEY] + south face button.

Core-specific helpers

  • Use the Quick Menu overrides for CPU mode (bsnes) or turbo/hacks (snes9x).
  • For unsupported features, switch to another core or apply per-game overrides that live inside overrides/snes/.

Controls

The SNES overlay at ../images/controller-overlays/snes-1.png shows the DualShock-style layout that matches the SNES pad, shoulder buttons, and turbo assignments. Customize any mapping via /remapping_controls_per_emulator.

Troubleshooting

  • If DuckStation or bsnes refuses to start, switch to snes9x or pocketsnes for compatibility.
  • When a zipped ROM doesn’t load, extract it and launch the raw .smc/.sfc file.
  • Use .m3u playlists or the Quick Menu’s Disc Control for multi-part cartridges.
  • Consult the generic support pages for broader RetroArch or SNES questions.