Console Wars: SNES vs PlayStation – Which Has the Better RPGs

Classic RPG fans, prepare your arguments — we’re about to settle one of the longest-running console war debates of all time: SNES vs PS1 RPGs.

It’s a bold claim, we know. Both consoles delivered genre-defining RPGs that still rank among the best ever made.

The SNES gave us EarthBound, Final Fantasy II and III (that’s IV and VI in Japan), and the immortal Chrono Trigger. The PlayStation countered with Final Fantasy VII–IX, Final Fantasy Tactics, Legend of Dragoon, Parasite Eve, and dozens more.

Right now, you may find yourself involuntarily shouting at your screen — passionately naming your pick for the greatest RPG console ever. We get it.

If you believe Final Fantasy VII changed RPG gaming forever, you’re absolutely right. And if you think Chrono Trigger and Final Fantasy III did it first? You’re also right.

The Table of Contents

So which console truly reigns supreme in the RPG genre? PS1 Vs. SNES Role Playing Games

What Made SNES RPGs So Great?

• Before we get into the SNES, let’s rewind to the NES era. The original Nintendo Entertainment System was a massive success across most genres — except, perhaps, for licensed movie games.

• RPGs were already huge in Japan at the time, and the NES saw early hits like Final Fantasy and Zelda II.

• But in North America, RPGs on the NES never quite caught on — at least not beyond those two titles. It wasn’t until the next generation that things truly exploded.

SNES RPGs Changed Everything for American Gamers

• When the Super Nintendo arrived, RPGs suddenly became larger, richer, and far more accessible. These weren’t just games — they were epic journeys with lush worlds, beautiful pixel art, emotional soundtracks, and hundreds of hours of gameplay.

• Even gamers who had never touched an RPG before were hooked by titles like Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, and Secret of Mana. The SNES didn’t just expand the genre — it introduced a whole new generation of gamers to role-playing. And for many of us, that obsession never stopped.

SNES RPGs Pushed Console Gaming to the Next Level

• Back in the 8-bit era, RPGs were often visually indistinct — plain blue skies, green trees, and brick-pattern castles that blurred together from game to game.

• But with the SNES, everything changed. Thanks to improved processing power and a vibrant color palette, developers could craft detailed worlds with their own artistic identity and musical tone.

• Games like Final Fantasy II and Final Fantasy III brought dramatic cutscenes, unique battle animations, and cinematic presentation that we’d never seen before on a home console. Every RPG suddenly had its own personality.

The Stories Were Hollywood-Worthy (and Sometimes Better)

• What truly made SNES RPGs unforgettable were their stories. Final Fantasy II (IV) delivered a sweeping medieval drama straight out of Arthurian legend.

• Final Fantasy III (VI) flipped the formula with a post-apocalyptic steampunk setting filled with operatic heartbreak, political rebellion, and emotionally layered characters.

• Other SNES RPGs leaned into their humor and charm. EarthBound remains one of the quirkiest, funniest games ever made. Super Mario RPG is pure whimsy with some unexpected depth.

• And Chrono Trigger seamlessly blends lighthearted banter with time-traveling tragedy — all backed by multiple endings and a soundtrack that still gives us chills.

• Simply put: these weren’t just “video game plots.” They were full-blown narratives that rivaled the best fantasy films of the time. In fact, many SNES RPGs hold up better than a lot of Hollywood’s modern output — looking at you, Mortal Engines.

Many SNES RPGs Are Still Considered the Best of All Time

• Don’t just take our word for it — Google it. Look up any list of the best RPGs of all time and you’ll see Chrono Trigger, Super Mario RPG, and EarthBound right near the top.

• These games show up every time — and with good reason.

What Makes PS1 RPGs So Legendary?

• That said, the original PlayStation has its own share of all-time RPG legends — and plenty of fans (maybe even you) would argue that PS1 RPGs are superior overall. It’s a fair argument.

• The PS1 didn’t just inherit franchises like Final Fantasy, Suikoden, and Persona — it evolved them.

• With 32-bit architecture, CD-ROM storage, and full-motion video (FMV), PlayStation RPGs became bigger, bolder, and more cinematic than anything we saw on the SNES.

The Era of 3D Console RPGs Begins

• For the first time in console history, RPGs came to life in full 3D on the PlayStation. Games like Final Fantasy VII and Legend of Dragoon pulled us into sprawling polygonal worlds.

• And even sprite-based games like Valkyrie Profile and Suikoden II took advantage of the PS1’s power to deliver stunning, layered environments and smoother animations.

Multi-Disc RPGs With Bigger Stories and Worlds

• The switch from cartridges to discs wasn’t just about storage — it was a revolution in scale. While SNES cartridges had limited capacity, PS1 discs could hold entire game worlds. That meant more towns, longer quests, full voice acting, and huge cutscenes.

• And if one disc wasn’t enough? No problem. Games like Final Fantasy VIII and IX spanned 4 discs. Legend of Legaia, Chrono Cross, Xenogears — these weren’t just long RPGs, they were epics in every sense of the word.

• Of course, not everything aged perfectly. FMV cutscenes were revolutionary at the time — but many are now locked at a chunky resolution. Still, for their era, they gave PlayStation RPGs a level of cinematic flair that was unmatched.

SNES vs PS1 RPGs: Which Console Wins?

It’s a tie… sort of. Just kidding. (Kind of.) Yes, we said we’d settle this dispute once and for all. So here it is:

• The PlayStation 1 is technically superior to the Super Nintendo in every way — graphics, sound, game length, and sheer volume of RPG titles. If you're an RPG fanatic, the PS1 library has hundreds of legendary adventures waiting for you.

• But here's the twist: some of the best RPGs of all time still live exclusively on the SNES. Chrono Trigger and EarthBound aren’t just standout SNES titles — they’re timeless masterpieces that arguably outshine many PS1 releases.

• Is Final Fantasy VII better than EarthBound? Of course not. And vice versa? Also no. They’re entirely different experiences, each one unforgettable in its own way.

• And remember — SNES exclusives like Super Mario RPG and EarthBound will never land on a PlayStation system unless Nintendo gives up its entire soul (which is… unlikely).

The bottom line? PS1 is the king of volume, diversity, and scale. But the SNES is still home to a few RPGs that may never be matched — by any system, ever.

PS1 vs SNES RPGs – Which Side Are You On?

We can’t tell you which RPGs you’ll love more — only you can decide that. But whether you’re Team SNES or Team PlayStation, one thing’s for sure: you’ve got some legendary games to explore.

• If you’re looking to cash in your old SNES RPGs or trade in classic PS1 games for something new, we’ve got you covered.

• The Old School Game Vault makes it easy to buy, sell, and collect the titles that defined a generation.

And hey — we’d love to hear from you. Which system had the better RPGs? Share your take in the comments below and let’s settle this the retro way.