SNES:SNES Model Differences

Page content & researching taken from io55.net's SNES page with permission, in collaboration.

There are 2 models of the SNES, and 4 revisions within 1 of these models.

Models + Revisions

Models are arranged chronologically. Revisions are underneath their respective model.

“SNS-001 (original)” (1991-1997)

The model of the SNES that is generally associated with the system, possessing the "classic" blocky form factor and horizontal purple slide-up buttons. The grey area in between the two purple buttons is a cartridge eject button! These consoles are common, and have the superior functionality, as long as you get a 1CHIP (later era 001s), which have much better video output. On the bottom is the smallish EXT port, mostly unused in North America, but used elsewhere for the Satellaview peripheral. To the back, is the first usage of Nintendo's AV Multi Out port, plus RF and AC in.

Distinguishing 001 revisions can be quite difficult w/o disassembly, except for distinguishing between a 2CHIP and a 1CHIP. Luckily, that’s the only distinction that really matters here.

“SHVC-CPU-01” (1990-1992)

An SNES that doesn't have good long-term prospects. These have all the poor video quality of a 2CHIP, and are even prone to CPU/PPU faults and malfunctions, at a rate which is worsening over time. One minor positive is that these may have a video quality that's slightly better than other 2CHIP SNESes.

“SNS-CPU-GPM/RGB-01&02” (1992-1995)

These revisions do not have the CPU faults found in the CPU-01, but otherwise, nothing has changed. Poor video output which may be a touch worse than the CPU-01.

“SNS-CPU-APU-01” (1995)

Most likely equal to the video quality seen in prior revisions. Take them as being bad like the GPM and RGB. It appears that the first UN31 serial numbers may have been granted to these revisions, but are most likely found in 1CHIPs 99% of the time.

“SNS-CPU-1CHIP-01 to 03” (1995-1997)

A generally desired revision of the SNES. Superior video output, still has RGB out, the extension port, and so on. These consoles do output slightly bright video with supposed “ghosting”, but these issues are easily fixed. Guaranteeing if a console is a 1CHIP requires opening it, and looking on the motherboard for the term 1CHIP. However, one can read the serial number to increase one’s chances, as it appears that every 1CHIP has a serial beginning with UN3. However, not every UN3 is a 1CHIP. Some believe that UN31 is the number where 1CHIPs were introduced, but as seen below in the references, some APU-01s can have a serial starting with UN31.

“SNS-101 (Mini/New-Style)” (1997-1999)

Despite being a lower cost revision, not many of these units were sold or made. They’re also very easy to recognize, being smaller, rounder, and replacing the distinctive rectangle purple sliders with vertical and circular sliders. Furthermore, the Multi Out port does not support S-Video or crucially, RGB. There is also no RF out, nor is there an EXT port on the bottom. In fact, there isn't even a cartridge eject button… However, these systems do have better video quality than most SNS-001s, assuming that you mod it to support RGB. Also, the plastic doesn’t yellow.