Skip to main content

Did an Xbox survey just leak the existence of the SNES Classic Edition?

snes classic xbox survey nes
Image used with permission by copyright holder
Nintendo has not yet confirmed the existence of an “SNES Classic” — a Super Nintendo-focused follow-up to its NES Classic plug-and-play system — but the console may have just been confirmed from an unlikely source: Microsoft.

An Xbox Live survey spotted by Eurogamer asked Xbox Live Rewards members for their opinions on a number of recent and upcoming consoles including the PlayStation 4 Pro, Project Scorpio, and the Nintendo Switch, but it also mentioned the “Nintendo SNES Classic Edition.” The question specifically listed the consoles as “E3 announcements,” though this appears to be a mistake, as several of the listed consoles weren’t revealed during E3.

Earlier reports already said that the SNES Classic was in development and that it would be released before Christmas, just like the NES Classic in 2016. The reports indicated that development was apparently a factor in the cancellation of the earlier console, which was still selling out at retailers nationwide and commanding high prices from third-party sellers. Accessories like cases and controllers can still be found on some store shelves, though their supply is also dwindling.

Should Nintendo actually plan to announce the SNES Classic during E3, it would make for a very busy press event. The company is already planning to spend much of its time on the Switch-exclusive Super Mario Odyssey in addition to Splatoon 2, Arms, and other upcoming titles. The 3DS also continues to receive support, with multiple Kirby games releasing in 2017 and a version of Fire Emblem Warriors launching this autumn.

If Microsoft doesn’t have any inside information and is simply speculating, the survey could be the first sign of an “Xbox Classic.” That’s unlikely given the company’s continued support for backwards-compatible games — and the relative power of the original Xbox compared to Nintendo early systems — but we’d certainly want a plug-and-play system with Halo, Brute Force, and Project Gotham Racing on board.

Editors' Recommendations

Gabe Gurwin
Former Digital Trends Contributor
Gabe Gurwin has been playing games since 1997, beginning with the N64 and the Super Nintendo. He began his journalism career…
PS5 Digital Edition vs. Xbox Series S
Xbox Series S on a white background with its controller placed in front.

The next generation of consoles is here, bringing us a total of four new systems from Sony and Microsoft. Each company released a standard new machine with all the bells and whistles you could hope for in the PlayStation 5 and Xbox Series X while simultaneously launching less expensive consoles in the PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S. Many consumers are likely on the fence about which one to buy, and in this guide, we'll be taking a deep dive into the differences between the PS5 Digital Edition and the Xbox Series S.

While there's a noticeable difference between each console in terms of specs and performance, each are the least expensive options from Sony and Microsoft -- meaning potential buyers will likely want to grab them first, assuming they can find them across retailers. When spending lots of money on a new device -- whether it's a console or other piece of technology -- it's important to know which one suits your needs the best.

Read more
Xbox Series X and Series S pre-orders were just as messy as PlayStation 5
Xbox Series X Stylized Graphic

Fans hoping to pre-order an Xbox Series X or Series S were dealt another headache this morning as retailers across the board experienced errors.

The messy pre-order echoes last week's rocky PlayStation 5 launch, which left players scrambling for the console after it surprise dropped at retailers and sold out in minutes across the board. Microsoft teased Sony for the debacle in a tweet promising fans would get a heads up when Xbox pre-orders were live. Despite the more organized approach, however, it was no easier to secure a next-generation Xbox.
Microsoft
While some hoped that things would go smoother on Microsoft's own website, that unfortunately was not the case. As 8 a.m. PT rolled around, the site was immediately hit with errors that made getting an Xbox near impossible.

Read more
Microsoft discontinues the Xbox One X, Xbox One S All-Digital Edition
Xbox One X

As Microsoft prepares to launch its Xbox Series X this holiday season, it's decided to shelve two of its current-generation consoles.

Microsoft discontinued the Xbox One X and Xbox One S All-Digital Edition, the company told The Verge in a statement on Thursday. Microsoft called the move a "natural step" as it prepares for the next generation of consoles, but added that consumers will still be able to buy the hardware while supplies last.

Read more