Power Instinct SNES box art

Super Nintendo · Fighting / Action

Power Instinct

SystemSuper Nintendo
Released1994
GenreFighting, Action
DeveloperAtlus
PublisherAtlus
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesPower Instinct
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 2

Released for the Super Nintendo in 1994, Power Instinct is a fighting game developed by Atlus. It blends fighting and action elements.

It landed about 3 years into the SNES's life. Other notable SNES releases from 1994 include Final Fantasy VI, Donkey Kong Country and Super Metroid.

It is part of the Power Instinct series. Atlus also made Shin Megami Tensei, Shin Megami Tensei If… and Shin Megami Tensei II for the SNES.

Power Instinct supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you've played the SNES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you prefer story-driven games or have no one to play against

What playing Power Instinct is like

Fighting games pit two characters against each other in short one-on-one bouts. Depth comes from learning special moves, combos and each character's strengths.

Tip for newcomers: Pick one character and learn their basic special moves before branching out. Fighting games are at their best against a friend at a similar skill level.

Power Instinct gameplay screenshot on SNES
In-game screenshot (SNES)

Power Instinct cheats & codes

8 codes on file (Pro Action Replay). Here are a few Pro Action Replay codes to start with:

Infinite Time7E135063
P1 Infinite Health7E1225FA
P2 No Health7E122700
Play As Oume7E1E8B08
Play As Young Otane7E1E8B0F
Hit Anywhere Both Players6DAE-EDFF

See all Power Instinct cheats

Power Instinct walkthroughs & guides

Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Power Instinct.

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Shaq Fu SNES · 1994 · Fighting Classic

Playing SNES games today

The SNES library has aged exceptionally well, especially its RPGs, platformers and puzzle games. A large selection is available on Nintendo Switch Online, and if you own the cartridges you can play your backups in an emulator such as Rec0m88, including online with friends.

Power Instinct FAQ

When did Power Instinct come out on the SNES?

Power Instinct was released for the Super Nintendo in 1994.

Who made Power Instinct?

It was developed by Atlus.

Is Power Instinct multiplayer?

Yes. Power Instinct supports up to 2 players.

How long does Power Instinct take to play?

As a fighting game, Power Instinct typically falls into the "Quick session" category: under an hour, or endless arcade fun. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.

Facts on this page are compiled from the open libretro database and Wikidata; "legacy score" reflects how widely a game is documented across Wikipedia's language editions. Spotted an error? Let us know.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you