Super Famicom Design = Very Cool!

[Speed Racer]

I just got a new Super Famicom today that I won off of ebay and must say that the design is much more impressive than the SNES. I always thought it was a cooler design but didn't realize how much until I actually got to see it first hand. Don't get me wrong, I'm a huge SNES fan but it really sucks that Nintendo couldn't have given us a similar design with the biggest change being the cartridge slot. Seems like the Japanese typically have the upper hand on the "coolness factor" when it comes to video game products.

[MegaDrive20XX]

I agree, Euro and Japan got the upper advantage. Smooth sleak design is sexy compared to our SNES Brick

[keiblerfan69]

I agree, Euro and Japan got the upper advantage. Smooth sleak design is sexy compared to our SNES Brick

Yeah I love the Euro style one. It just seems so slick. I don't get why the SNES logo is on the SNES games but not on the console in the US. But in Euro it is?

[Veepa]

I agree, Euro and Japan got the upper advantage. Smooth sleak design is sexy compared to our SNES Brick

Did you just say sexy?

[MegaDrive20XX]

"Now you're playing with Power, Sexy Power"

:P

[MegaDrive20XX]

I agree, Euro and Japan got the upper advantage. Smooth sleak design is sexy compared to our SNES Brick

Yeah I love the Euro style one. It just seems so slick. I don't get why the SNES logo is on the SNES games but not on the console in the US. But in Euro it is?

Wait, my SNES has the logo on mine...unless your SNES is missing that?

[keiblerfan69]

I agree, Euro and Japan got the upper advantage. Smooth sleak design is sexy compared to our SNES Brick

Yeah I love the Euro style one. It just seems so slick. I don't get why the SNES logo is on the SNES games but not on the console in the US. But in Euro it is?

Wait, my SNES has the logo on mine...unless your SNES is missing that?

No I mean the 4 color logo:

Compare these 2 pics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SNES_800.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Snes.jpg

The US games have that logo on them but without the color.

[Ed Oscuro]

Ooh, that's a good picture. I agree, that looks pretty nice.

Still love the Model 2, purple buttons regardless LOL

[MegaDrive20XX]

I agree, Euro and Japan got the upper advantage. Smooth sleak design is sexy compared to our SNES Brick

Yeah I love the Euro style one. It just seems so slick. I don't get why the SNES logo is on the SNES games but not on the console in the US. But in Euro it is?

Wait, my SNES has the logo on mine...unless your SNES is missing that?

No I mean the 4 color logo:

Compare these 2 pics:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:SNES_800.jpg
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Image:Snes.jpg

The US games have that logo on them but without the color.


Ohhhh badass! I didn't know that about the Euro SNES

[Leo_A]

"Yeah I love the Euro style one. It just seems so slick. I don't get why the SNES logo is on the SNES games but not on the console in the US. But in Euro it is?"

What logo are you talking about? The 4 color Super Famicom logo? It's not on SNES games in the US either, same as with on the console. We didn't get it on anything, about the only place I can think of where you can ever see it in any US released things is in Sim City.

[Leo_A]

Unless you mean the thing in gray on each SNES cart. If you compare it to the Super Famicom logo, you'll see that they're different and not the same at all.

[Speedy]

It matches our "sexy" controllers 8-)

EU (http://news-hs.com/images/news/upload/02.snes_controller.jpg)
vs
US (http://www.notsocommoncents.com/admin/imagefolder/notso/Mach_-_US_Snes_Controller.jpg)

[Leo_A]

Your sexy controller is a 3rd party SNES pad that the US saw as well. ;)

[Speedy]

Damn, picked the first Google hit without taking a close look ... fixed it right away LOL

[MegaDrive20XX]

Your sexy controller is a 3rd party SNES pad that the US saw as well. ;)

He's right lol These controllers are TOO SEXY my friend! :guitar: :guitar: These are the Mariachi band de Persona macabras y Fantasmas! ("Ghouls N Ghosts" for you english chaps) Aye Aye Aye!

Also the SNES 2 model came with a SNES controller that had that logo on the back of it as well (not in color however)

[InsaneDavid]

I agree the Super Famicom design is better looking, but you can't fit an SNES cart into it without some heavy modification. ;) The SNES gets a point there for an easier US/JPN mod. Even with that though, I use my SFC to play my SFC games and not a modded SNES. LOL

[MrRoboto19XX]

I love the JP/EU design, its so beautifull...

Oh how many times Ive wanted to buy one, but shipping kills me every time.

That and it would purely be eye candy, as I have no SFC games.

Do those models have the yellowing problem our US decks do?

[Speed Racer]

I love the JP/EU design, its so beautifull...

Do those models have the yellowing problem our US decks do?

I can't speak for everybody but mine looks like I stepped back in time and bought it off of the shelf. It would be interesting to know if these models suffer the same discoloration problem as the US version.

[InsaneDavid]

I love the JP/EU design, its so beautifull...

Oh how many times Ive wanted to buy one, but shipping kills me every time.

That and it would purely be eye candy, as I have no SFC games.

Do those models have the yellowing problem our US decks do?

The lower part of mine is yellowed, but I think that's due to smoke. You have to remember that smoking is rampant in Japan.

[ghostangelofcky]

I know that it is very easy to "mod" a us snes to play super Famicom games, (the needle nose pliers trick) But I wonder how hard it would be to do the same to the Super Fami console?

[DDCecil]

"Yeah I love the Euro style one. It just seems so slick. I don't get why the SNES logo is on the SNES games but not on the console in the US. But in Euro it is?"

What logo are you talking about? The 4 color Super Famicom logo? It's not on SNES games in the US either, same as with on the console. We didn't get it on anything, about the only place I can think of where you can ever see it in any US released things is in Sim City.

Don't forget Super Mario World! :)

[JLukas]

It would be interesting to know if these models suffer the same discoloration problem as the US version.

Yes, the older SFCs discolored also. But just like the US version, the newer models don't, probably uses the same plastic as the mini models.


I know that it is very easy to "mod" a us snes to play super Famicom games, (the needle nose pliers trick) But I wonder how hard it would be to do the same to the Super Fami console?

The cart shell of a US game is too big, the edges around the cart slot have to be cut until it fits. Better to use one of those dime-a-dozen converters to avoid damaging the system.

[Push Upstairs]

Yeah...the US got the raw deal when it came to the design of the SNES.

It's a shame that one can't swap out innards and get a US SNES that looks that good.

Damn cart re-design!!

[Skyway_Recreation]

i did love my super fami, but it died yesterday, it won't power up. i put doom in the slot, and it freakin popped and killed my snes. i think it had to do with me running the pro fighter X at the same time. BUT of course, the profighter cameout unscathed. i guess it's tiem for another snes.

[Arqueologia_Digital]

Am i the only one here who prefers the american model more than the japanese??? :/

Matías

[McBacon]

Am i the only one here who prefers the american model more than the japanese??? :/

Matías

Yeah, it looks like a slab of concrete.
Finally, an advantage to living in England!

[Jive3D]

--------

[jajaja]

Agree, the SFC and european version looks so much better than the USA version. Never liked the USA design, purple buttons on a brick? What was they thinking?! lol

[MegaDrive20XX]

Lance Barr's reason was, "I felt that it was too soft and had no edge"

O_O You've got to be kidding me! How can you pass up, the sleak "Turbo Jet" smooth look that could have been designed by Howard Hughes! Then give USA a SHOE BOX??

The go back, and redesign the carts into this industrial look, when the SFC carts are so damn smooth, you could slap your girl on the ass and say "DAMN THAT'S SMOOTH!"

[Leo_A]

I rather like the design of the US console myself, but I definitely prefer the European cartridges.

[Push Upstairs]

The SNES has a look that says "Hey, i wannabe a 1970's designed spaceship!"


Considering that by the time the SNES was really in its prime the trend for things to be "curvy" and "sleek" was in. Too bad Nintendo didnt keep the SFC design and be ahead of the trend by a few years. :/

[johno590]

I like the look of the US SNES model. The Euro version just looks weird to me? It's not bad, just doesn't look very appealing to me.

I do like the Euro version carts though, they look neat.

[MrRoboto19XX]

I just remembered something...

The Euro SNES/the SFC's carts didnt have top labels at all, that must be a pain for storing them.

That would actually prevent me from collecting SFC games, as I store my SNES collection bookend style on a shelf.

[Zing]

You forgot the part where they made the SNES surface curvy to keep couch-potato american kids from putting their McDrinks on top of the console. Supposedly this was a popular cause of NES repairs.

[kedawa]

The SNES design was pretty lame, but the redesign was okay.
The worst thing about both US designs is the pie-plate zigzag pattern around the bottom that made it look like it just plopped out of a Sara Lee cake mold.
That one detail was unmatched in cheesiness until the PS2 and PStwo, with their wonderful dust-collecting grooves.

[dairugger]

if i had to pick one of my favorite system designs id say the super famicom! its tied with the pc engine with super cd 2 attachment. in the interview the designer said it didnt look good with the cd attachment??.. ive seen pics and i dont agree one bit- i think it looks awesome with its cd attachement. btw- i saw this on one of my favorite sites, if its been posted before i apolagize.

http://www.4colorrebellion.com/archives/2006/01/30/ds-super-famicom-mod/


i want one of these!!

[smokehouse]

While we're on the topic of design variants let me ask this question. I bought a “Super Famicom” off of eBay some time ago and this is what I got in the mail:

http://static.flickr.com/32/97116032_5f3f3aea29_o.jpg

To this day I’ve yet to come across another unit like this. The controllers are standard (multi colored buttons) but also have the “Comboy” written on them. It’s manufactured by Hyundai, was made in DEC of 1992 and has:

Licensed by Nintendo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System

On the bottom.

Any guesses?

[loporjai2003]

While we're on the topic of design variants let me ask this question. I bought a “Super Famicom” off of eBay some time ago and this is what I got in the mail:

To this day I’ve yet to come across another unit like this. The controllers are standard (multi colored buttons) but also have the “Comboy” written on them. It’s manufactured by Hyundai, was made in DEC of 1992 and has:

Licensed by Nintendo
Super Nintendo Entertainment System

On the bottom.

Any guesses?

Korean version of the SFC .. nice find :P

[segagamer]

I have to agree that the US version paled in comparison to the Japanese and European versions. US version was too square and blocky looking. It needed some curves!!!

[Lozza]

Yeah, the design of the SFC and the EUR Snes are far superior to the complete piece of crap that we got here in the states.

I was reading an article recently with the guy who made the design decisions as far as the outside casing goes for the NES, SNES and more - it's an interesting read and he explains why the SNES looks the way that it does [and I, for one, don't like his answer].

Link...

http://www.nintendojo.com/interviews/view_item.php?1130801472

Uhhhhhh... Not really. The American SNES is alot better than the Euro SNES. Have you seen a typical condition UK SNES? It looks like someone blew cigarette smoke at it for about 10 years. The American SNES is more robust than the Fami. I've never seen an American SNES with that horrible yellowing. The Famicom seems more "cheap" than the American one, the plastic is thinner even on the carts.

Edit: The shape of the American SNES just makes me think SUPER METROID, but maybe it's just me?

[Lozza]

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/NINTENDO-SNES-CONSOLE-PAL-8-GAMES_W0QQitemZ8257538560QQcategoryZ3594QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Nintendo-SNES-console-15-games-accessories_W0QQitemZ8256254212QQcategoryZ3594QQrd Z1QQcmdZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/SNES-nintendo-console-and-8-games_W0QQitemZ8257606521QQcategoryZ3594QQrdZ1QQcm dZViewItem

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=8258161027&ssPageName=MERC_VI_RSCC_Pr12_PcY_BIN_Stores_IT

Some pics of the notorious yellowing! To be honest I've seen it worse than any of these.

[Veepa]

The American design of the SNES would've been okay... if it weren't for those hideous purple colored buttons! What is up with that.. How do you invent such an annoying looking color?

I prefer the NES design to the Famicom, though.

[Leo_A]

Again i think it looks great, purple colored buttons and all.

I also like the look of our controllers, they don't have the Fisher Price look that the Japanese and European controllers had.

[dreamcaster]

Uhhhhhh... Not really. The American SNES is alot better than the Euro SNES. Have you seen a typical condition UK SNES? It looks like someone blew cigarette smoke at it for about 10 years. The American SNES is more robust than the Fami. I've never seen an American SNES with that horrible yellowing. The Famicom seems more "cheap" than the American one, the plastic is thinner even on the carts.

I have seen PLENTY of yellowed US SNES's. You had the problem there just as bad (if not worse) than us.

EDIT: For example -
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-SNES-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ8258568130QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-System-31-Game-Mario-Donkey-Kong-StarFox_W0QQitemZ8258560934QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-System-Final-Fantasy-II-III-7-games_W0QQitemZ8258554152QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/SNES-SUPER-NINTENDO-SYSTEM-MARIO-ALL-STARS-KART-WORLD_W0QQitemZ8258540029QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-SNES-System-Console-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ8258538022QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

Shall I go on?

Besides, as has been shown by this thread PAL SNES + SFC > US SNES.

The US model is an ugly piece of crap and I'm so glad that when I think of the console that got me into video gaming, I think of the beautiful and attractive PAL Super NES - not the hideous behemoth that is the US Super NES.

[Veepa]

The US model is an ugly piece of crap and I'm so glad that when I think of the console that got me into video gaming, I think of the beautiful and attractive PAL Super NES - not the hideous behemoth that is the US Super NES.

Hey, hey.. Calm down.. So it's an ugly looking system. Who cares? Do you honestly think it would've sold better in the US if it looked any different?
When it comes down to it I personally don't care how a system looks.. I bought the pink GBA because it was the launch day, and it's the only color they had left.. Why should I care what anyone thinks of it? I'm playing a game..
It's not like you're wearing your SNES around town.

[Lozza]

Uhhhhhh... Not really. The American SNES is alot better than the Euro SNES. Have you seen a typical condition UK SNES? It looks like someone blew cigarette smoke at it for about 10 years. The American SNES is more robust than the Fami. I've never seen an American SNES with that horrible yellowing. The Famicom seems more "cheap" than the American one, the plastic is thinner even on the carts.

I have seen PLENTY of yellowed US SNES's. You had the problem there just as bad (if not worse) than us.

EDIT: For example -
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-SNES-No-Reserve_W0QQitemZ8258568130QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-System-31-Game-Mario-Donkey-Kong-StarFox_W0QQitemZ8258560934QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1Q QcmdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-System-Final-Fantasy-II-III-7-games_W0QQitemZ8258554152QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/SNES-SUPER-NINTENDO-SYSTEM-MARIO-ALL-STARS-KART-WORLD_W0QQitemZ8258540029QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQc mdZViewItem
http://cgi.ebay.com/Super-Nintendo-SNES-System-Console-BRAND-NEW_W0QQitemZ8258538022QQcategoryZ62054QQrdZ1QQcmd ZViewItem

Shall I go on?

Besides, as has been shown by this thread PAL SNES + SFC > US SNES.

The US model is an ugly piece of crap and I'm so glad that when I think of the console that got me into video gaming, I think of the beautiful and attractive PAL Super NES - not the hideous behemoth that is the US Super NES.

I live in the UK, not the US just to let you know. Although I was born and spent most of my childhood in the states. I personally prefer the American SNES over the UK one. I remember when I was about 8 or 10 (when SNES was a current gen console) I came on holiday here and played a UK SNES and it looked so bizarre I didn't care for it. All the history of the SNES is in the US one for me.

Have you ever seen a US SNES in person or played on one? They arent overly huge like an xbox or anything, they are the size they SHOULD be. But think what you want, your opinion is your opinion. SNES wasn't well liked here everyone had a SegaMegaDrive, which is why it's hard to find SNES games etc. in the UK compared to in America where you can find them everywhere.

[Lozza]

I think we can all agree the ugliest console Nintendo ever released was N64, which I never liked and never bought and prefered Playstation.

[The Manimal]

The American design of the SNES would've been okay... if it weren't for those hideous purple colored buttons! What is up with that.. How do you invent such an annoying looking color?

I prefer the NES design to the Famicom, though.


I like the purple buttons. Also, I actually like the Super NES more than the Super Famicom. I dislike the redesign though, it's plain and boring.


Not a big fan of either the original Famicom or NES designs, but I do like the NES redesign.

[Ed Oscuro]

I'll admit, the many yellowed SFCs I'd seen turned me off the console design for a long time. Basically every one I had seen was from the side, and yellowed.

Now that I've seen some better photographs, it really blows away the US version, in my view.

The toaster NES still beats the Japanese FC, (not the Sharp Twin, though) however :)