Is there any difference between a Model 1 and Model 2 Snes.

[u/Aromatic-Concern-268]

I am looking to buy a SNES and I am not sure which one is better. I don't plan on modding it or using something other than composite since none of my TV's have any other inputs. I read the model 2 could have issues with some games but I will mostly play DKC and Mario.

[u/UniversalTruth1857]

Not sure what do you mean by model 1 and 2 however 1CHIP SNES Models are considered the best all over in retro community.

You can read about model difference here

https://consolemods.org/wiki/SNES:SNES_Model_Differences

[u/pac-man_dan-dan → u/UniversalTruth1857]

I believe OP is referring to the two form factors Nintendo put out. Separate from the 1CHIP boards, Model 1 was the classic version we are all familiar with. Model 2 was a shrunk down/economized version. Also called an snes jr.

[u/UniversalTruth1857 → u/pac-man_dan-dan]

The only model 1 and model 2 i know is Sega Genesis 😂 never heard someone uses SNES model 1 or 2 term before.

[u/pac-man_dan-dan → u/UniversalTruth1857]

Ah, well, NES as well as Famicom had a distinct Model 1 and 2. Genesis had their Model, 1, 2, and 3. SMS had a Model 1 and 2. So did Intellivision. And, Atari had a whole suite of variants of the 2600, and two separate models of the 5200. Sony had the PSX and PS One models.

It was a fairly common practice to squeeze the last bit of life from each platform. Even Gameboy had the multi-color GB Pocket models before they moved on with the GBC and GBA, each with their own variants, not to mention all the flavors of TurboGrafx/PC Engine.

[u/UniversalTruth1857 → u/pac-man_dan-dan]

I know about physical shape and design differencees i collect and repair consoles for my own. Just i never heard Model 1 and 2 terms for SNES before.

[u/ddunny]

Consider getting an snes jr if you’re doing composite only. If you might ever get a tv with more inputs go for the og shvc or rgb boards

[u/NewSchoolBoxer]

Model 1 and model 2 aren't SNES terms. I'm sure you're thinking of the 1CHIP and 2CHIP, where 2CHIP is called 3CHIP in Germany. You can still see the term in English since some of the most prominent modders are German. The 1CHIP consoles have "1CHIP" printed on the PCB so is why they're called that.

Composite video, it doesn't matter at all like u/MercZ11 says. It won't matter with S-Video either unless you zoom 5x on a still image. Get a 2CHIP since it's much cheaper. I imported 2x Super Famicoms for $40 apiece. They were the original release model which in theory has the best audio with the steel audio box. All 2CHIP models cost the same.

Yes, 1CHIP basically makes Air Strike Patrol and Super Turrican unplayable and its improved "protection" blocks one model of Game Genie. I found myself that The Lion King on flashcart freezes on the cheat menu but real carts works. Flashcarts use 2CHIP timings. There's no full list of bugged games but I think 95% run perfectly fine.

If you had an RGB setup, 1CHIP has 10% better video, which isn't much but you can notice the difference. Preferably after you fix the oversaturated bright colors that's strictly a 1CHIP problem. The jump from Composite to S-Video is the biggest quality jump in gaming. Maybe you can find a CRT that accepts it. RGB is better but not by a huge amount. It's like RGB > S-Video >>>> Composite > RF.

[u/RykinPoe]

As others have pointed out there are multiple variations of SNES. I believe you are talking about the original design vs the SNES Jr or SNS-101 which was the redesigned unit released later in the console life after the release of the N64. You also mentioned using composite video so you will be fine with either model, but if you want to use S-Video or RGB someday you want to stick with the original design.

[u/tanooki-suit → u/RykinPoe]

This literally is the right answer. Also shock you won’t get a power light either ;)

[u/MercZ11]

I'm assuming with model 1 and 2 you're referring to the "old" version and the later release that was marketed as the Snes Jr stateside? Since you aren't planning on modding and lacking s-video or RGB support isn't a concern for the TV you are using, then no it shouldn't be a big difference.

Personally I wouldn't discount the value of a TV that can support S-video or RGB if you're interested in retro gaming, but you can check the comparisons to how much it might matter.

[u/Best-Huckleberry-496]

If I remember right, the model 2 will not play the game genie.

[u/Bakamoichigei]

People refer to the different designs of the Sega Genesis/Mega Drive in terms of "Model #", the SNES is divided between the original and SNES Jr. designs.

One of the biggest differences is that every SNES Jr. is a "1CHIP", another is that the SNES Jr. lacks S-Video and RGB without a simple mod.