Super Mario RPG’s legendary status in the gaming community makes it a timeless classic that’s worth playing no matter the decade. But how can you play an old SNES title in 2023? Read on to find out how you can play the original Super Mario RPG in 2023.
Where to Play Super Mario RPG in 2023
Super Mario RPG Remake is nearly here and many players are looking to brush up their Super Mario RPG skills before its release in November 2023. We’ve compiled a list of ways you can play the original Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars in 2023, just in case you weren’t able to keep your old SNES console in working condition.
Official SNES Console and CRT TV Setup
Before we delve into the alternative methods of playing Super Mario RPG, let’s discuss the most obvious option - firing up your old SNES console with a CRT TV.If you don’t have one, or if yours isn’t working anymore, many game stores like DK Oldies and GameStop still have them in stock for around $80-150.
If you managed to keep your Super Nintendo Entertainment System working, then congratulations, all you need now is a Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars cartridge, and you’re set. Fortunately, the game is available for purchase on Amazon. Due to its status as a collector’s item, however, the cartridge might set you back $100+. GameStop offers a cheaper alternative, though these cartridges were pre-owned and could have their own issues.
You'll also want an old CRT TV for maximum nostalgia factor and optimized viewing. If you don’t have one collecting dust in your garage or attic, they’re not that hard to track down. Old hobby shops and electronic stores have them in droves. When push comes to shove, any normal TV will do, as long as you get the appropriate connections for the console.
Super NES Classic Edition
The Super NES Classic Edition Console was released by Nintendo in late 2017. This piece of gaming hardware succeeded the NES classic edition and was designed to emulate the SNES. The console came with two controllers and 21 SNES titles pre-installed, a list that amazingly includes the original Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars.
The console is available for purchase from Amazon, GameStop, and other video game stores nationwide.
SNES Emulators
If you’re working with a tighter budget or would prefer to play Super Mario RPG on your PC, then game emulators are what you’re looking for. Note that emulators are in a legal gray area for many countries, and you should check your local laws before using them. There are many to choose from with varying pros and cons, but the two most popular types of game emulators for Super Mario RPG are browser emulators and multi-system emulators.
Browser Emulators
As the name suggests, a browser emulator emulates the selected game locally to your browser using its own engine. This is usually more user-friendly because getting it to work will never be more complicated than a few clicks. They don’t always work as intended, however, and their emulations are not always cycle-perfect. These work best if you’re just trying to play the game and not speedrun it, as many exploits don’t work on browser emulators.
Multi-system Emulators
Multi-system emulators can emulate many different game consoles at once and are not linked to your browser. They are usually downloadable applications that operate on your system instead of your browser and are usually accurate to the system of the console they are emulating. Speedrunners prefer these consoles due to their accuracy and customizability, but it might be a tad too complicated to operate for casual players just looking to get a Super Mario RPG fix.
Where You Can't Play Super Mario RPG in 2023
Wii Virtual Console
Though Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars was previously available on the Wii Virtual Console, being part of its roster since 2008, the platform has since been discontinued due to Nintendo switching their focus to newer-age consoles.
Nintendo Switch Online
Nintendo Switch Online offers an ever-expanding list of classic SNES titles to those who avail the service. Unfortunately, despite being one of the most popular SNES titles in history, Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars is currently not included in the lineup.
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