The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES) is a fourth-generation 16-bit home video game console released in North America, on August 23, 1991. The SNES introduced advanced graphics and sound capabilities compared with its rivals. It was designed to accommodate the ongoing development of a variety of enhancement chips integrated into game cartridges such as Super FX to allow for polygonal graphics and prerendered 3D textures. A favorite among Retro Gamers. Its popularity led to it being the top selling 16-bit console of its era.