The Super Nintendo is one of the most loved consoles of all time. It gave us classics like Super Mario World, The Legend of Zelda, and Donkey Kong Country. But if you look closely at the system, you will notice something interesting. The power and reset buttons are purple in North America but not in Japan or Europe. Why is that?
When Did the Super Nintendo Come Out?
Nintendo launched the Super Famicom in Japan on November 21, 1990. The console became an instant success. A year later, on August 23, 1991, the console came to North America as the Super Nintendo Entertainment System, or SNES. Europe had to wait until 1992 for their release. Even though the systems played many of the same games, the designs looked very different.
The Japanese and European Super Famicom Design
The Japanese and European version of the console was called the Super Famicom. It had a soft, rounded look. The controller featured bright buttons in red, yellow, blue, and green. The power and reset buttons on the console matched this playful design. The style felt bright and fun, much like a toy.
The North American SNES Redesign
The design was altered when the console arrived in North America. Nintendo of America decided on a boxier shape. Instead of colorful buttons, they chose two shades of purple. The console’s power and reset buttons were purple as well. The gray and purple theme gave it a more serious look than the Super Famicom.
Why Did Nintendo Use Purple Buttons?
Nintendo made this choice for a few reasons. First, they believed American gamers preferred a less toy-like design. The purple and gray theme looked cleaner and more modern for the early 1990s. Second, changing the design helped stop imports. If the consoles looked different, it made it harder to use games from other regions. Finally, it was a branding choice. Nintendo wanted the American SNES to have its own identity, separate from the Japanese Super Famicom.
Marketing & Cultural Influence
At the time, companies believed American teens and young adults wanted cool and simple designs. Bright rainbow colors might have looked childish to that audience. The purple and gray tones gave the console a tech feel. It was meant to compete with Sega, which had a darker and more aggressive style with the Genesis.
Impact on Gamers
Even today, fans argue about which design is better. Some love the colorful Super Famicom look because it feels cheerful and fun. Others prefer the clean purple and gray SNES because it reminds them of growing up in the United States. Collectors often seek both versions to show how different regions shaped gaming history.
Conclusion
The purple power buttons on the North American SNES were not a random design choice. They reflected Nintendo’s plan to create a console that felt more grown-up for American players. The design also helped mark a clear difference between the SNES and the Super Famicom. Whether you loved the rainbow buttons or the purple theme, both consoles became timeless icons of gaming history.