Published on: September 24, 2025
Bitmap Books, a UK-based publisher celebrated for its in-depth explorations of video game history, has launched pre-orders for its latest ambitious project: The Definitive Book of SNES RPGs Vol.
1.
This comprehensive volume shines a spotlight on the golden era of Super Nintendo role-playing games, offering fans and scholars an unparalleled look at the artistry and enduring influence of the genre-defining classics that graced Nintendo's 16-bit hardware.
Pre-orders officially opened on October 2, 2025, through the Bitmap Books website, offering two meticulously crafted editions.
The standard hardback edition is priced at £34.99 and features a foil-blocked cover, a gold bookmark ribbon, and high-quality lithographic printing throughout.
For collectors, a premium edition is available for £44.99, which includes a robust foil-blocked soft-touch slipcase and is strictly limited to 1,000 copies.
Both editions come bundled with a complimentary PDF version, ensuring readers can access the book on the go.
Written by acclaimed critic and researcher Moses Norton, known in gaming circles as the Well-Red Mage, The Definitive Book of SNES RPGs Vol.
1 spans more than 550 pages and features exclusive developer commentary, meticulously researched essays, and thoughtfully restored game artwork.
The inaugural volume in the series offers an alphabetically organized focus, covering titles beginning with A through K.
Fans can look forward to in-depth coverage of legendary games such as The 7th Saga, Eye of the Beholder, Breath of Fire, Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, EVO, Final Fantasy II, J.R.R.
Tolkien's The Lord of the Rings, Knights of the Round, and many others.
As stated by Bitmap Books, the publication is designed not as a simple ranking or nostalgic recap, but as an exhaustive and critical study of the creative vision and philosophical themes that shaped the SNES RPG library.
Norton, in his essays, explores not just the contents of these RPGs, but also their lasting significance: analyzing why these classics maintain their resonance, top 'best of' lists decades later, and inspire ongoing demand for remakes and remasters.
Contributions to the book also include a foreword by Alex Donaldson, founder of RPG Site, and original artwork by renowned artist Stephen Sitton, also known as Stumpyfongo.
Together, the editorial team brings a wealth of expertise, further solidifying Bitmap Books’ reputation for high-quality, authoritative game history publishing.
With prior successes including titles on Japanese RPGs, iconic developers, and unreleased video games, Bitmap Books continues to set the bar for retro gaming literature.
The Definitive Book of SNES RPGs Vol.
1 represents a significant addition to their catalogue, offering both devoted Nintendo fans and game historians a definitive resource on a pivotal era for the RPG genre.
For those eager to secure a copy or receive updates on future releases, Bitmap Books encourages enthusiasts to join its mailing list.
The Definitive Book of SNES RPGs Vol.
1 is poised to become an essential collector’s item for anyone passionate about Nintendo history and the legacy of classic role-playing games.
Nintendo SNES Super Nintendo Xbox Series X|S Bitmap Books Xbox X|S SNES RPGs The Definitive Book of SNES RPGs Vol. 1 Moses Norton Alex Donaldson Stephen Sitton Chrono Trigger EarthBound Final Fantasy Eye of the Beholder Breath of Fire The 7th Saga Illusion of Gaia Stumpyfongo