Summary
- Recent data shows that the Super Nintendo’s Audio Processing Unit speeds up over time and runs even faster as the console warms up.
- Findings confirm that SNES consoles in 2025 run faster than their original specifications.
- The increase in APU speed may slightly affect the pitch of notes, but it’s unlikely to impact gameplay.
The legendary Super Nintendo Entertainment System seems to be getting faster over the years, as recent data collected by gamers has shown that the Audio Processing Unit (APU) of the console runs faster than in previous years. The same data has also shown that the SNES’s APU speeds up as it gets warmer, sparking curiosity among players.
The Super Nintendo was home to many original titles like F-Zero, as well as new entries in already-established franchises like Super Mario and The Legend of Zelda. The 16-bit home console was released in 1990, taking the gaming industry by storm and introducing advanced graphics and better sound quality that significantly improved upon the NES’s capabilities. Although this legendary console was somewhat forgotten once 3D consoles entered the industry, the SNES features iconic games that still hold up today. Years have passed, and instead of slowing down, it seems the SNES is getting faster.
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Blue Sky user known as TASbot carried out a poll to gather evidence proving that the SNES runs faster as it ages. Players were asked to run the smpspeed ROM test by lidnariq on their SNES consoles and share the results. After gathering information from 143 different users, TASbot confirmed that the consoles measured in 2025 are faster than the SNES’s original specifications. Additionally, the poll helps prove that the console runs faster as it warms up, with DSP rates increasing from 31,965 to 32,182 Hz, a 217 Hz range. Though the results are clear, TASbot explained that it is still unclear how much this affects Super Nintendo games.
The SNES Audio Speeds Up as the Console Heats Up
Based on 143 responses, the SNES DSP rate averages 32,076 Hz, rising 8 Hz from cold to warm. Warm DSP rates go from 31,965 to 32,182 Hz, a 217 Hz range. Therefore, temperature is less significant. Why? How does it affect games? We do not know. Yet. See docs.getgrist.com/fpwWkqDcnxXR… for more.
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— TASBot (@tas.bot) 6 de marzo de 2025, 20:10
On the poll’s webpage, TASbot explained that one of the effects of the APU running faster is that notes can potentially be played at a higher pitch. Addressing concerns about how the increase in temperature could affect speedrunners on the SNES, TASbot cleared up doubts by saying it is very unlikely, though more analysis is needed.
Old-school gamers still in possession of a Super Nintendo can run the same test and see the results on their own consoles, though they should rest assured that any gameplay changes are apparently unnoticeable. Fans who enjoy classic games but don’t have access to the vintage console will be pleased to know that Nintendo Switch Online recently added three more SNES games. Players paying for the subscription now have access to Fatal Fury 2, Super Ninja Boy, and Sutte Hakkun, along with many other classic SNES games.
SNES
- Brand
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Nintendo
- Original Release Date
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August 23, 1991
- Original MSRP (USD)
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$199
- Weight
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2.12 lbs