SNES vs DS Version Differences
Chrono Trigger exists across multiple platforms: SNES (1995), PlayStation (1999), DS (2008), PC, iOS, and Android. The DS version introduced a new translation with hundreds of renamed items, enemies, and locations. All versions released after the DS - including PC and mobile - use the DS names. For boss stat differences, see the Boss Guide.
This guide uses DS/PC naming throughout. If you're playing the SNES or PS1 version, use the tables below to translate.
Platform Overview
SNES (1995). The original. Ted Woolsey's localization gave Frog olde English dialogue and changed various names for character limits. No cinematics, no extras menu, no added dungeons. Still a great way to play if you want the classic experience.
PlayStation (1999). Identical to SNES gameplay-wise, but adds anime cinematics by Akira Toriyama's studio and an Extras Mode to replay cutscenes and music. The tradeoff? Load times. Every battle, every menu, every door - noticeable delays that add up fast. Most players skip this version.
Nintendo DS (2008). The complete package. New translation closer to the Japanese original. Frog speaks normally now; no more "thee" and "thou." Adds the Lost Sanctum, Dimensional Vortex, Arena of Ages, and a 13th ending that ties into Chrono Cross. Dual-screen interface works well for maps and menus.
PC, iOS, Android (2018+). Based on the DS version. Same translation, same added dungeons, same 13th ending. Missing the Arena of Ages since it required DS wireless features. PC had some initial issues at launch but patches fixed most of them.
Translation Changes
The DS retranslation is more literal and uses longer names since cartridge space limits no longer apply. Some changes are minor ("Tonic" → "Potion"); others are significant ("Mystics" → "Fiends," "Cathedral" → "Manolia Cathedral").
Frog's dialogue. In the SNES version, Frog speaks in early modern English: "Thou must rescue the Queen!" The DS version drops this entirely. He speaks normally like everyone else. Whether this is better or worse depends on who you ask.
Item and spell names. Tonics became Potions. Ethers kept their name. Many weapons and armor got completely new names. See the Items and Equipment pages for full lists.
Location Names
Most location changes add detail or match the Japanese names. "Cathedral" becomes "Manolia Cathedral"; "Lab 16" becomes "Site 16."
| SNES | DS/PC |
|---|---|
| Cathedral | Manolia Cathedral |
| Denadoro Mts | Denadoro Mountains |
| Mystic Mts | Mystic Mountains |
| Tyrano Lair | Tyranno Lair |
| Lair Ruins | Tyranno Lair Ruins |
| Factory | Derelict Factory |
| Lab 16 | Site 16 |
| Lab 32 | Site 32 |
| Sewer Access | Abandoned Sewers |
| Sun Keep | Sun Temple |
| Sun Palace | Sun Shrine |
| Melchior's Hut | Melchior's Cabin |
| Meeting Site | Meeting Grounds |
| Village | Surviving Village |
| Commons | Village Commons |
| Ticket Office | Ferry Office |
| Cave | Small Cave |
Era names. "Dark Ages" became "Antiquity." "Prehistoric" became "Prehistory." "Apocalypse" (the 1999 A.D. event) became "Cataclysm."
Generic buildings. SNES used town prefixes like "Truce Market," "Porre Market," "Dorino Market." DS simplified these to just "Market," "Residence," "Elder's House" - the game knows which town you're in from context.
Enemy Names
Many enemies were renamed. Some for accuracy, some for consistency, some just because. A few names swapped between different enemies, which can cause confusion.
Naming conflicts. The SNES "Goblin" became "Ogan" in DS. But there was already an SNES enemy called "Ogan" - that one became "Ogan (Hammer)" in DS. If you see "Ogan" in this guide, we mean the DS Ogan (the basic one). The hammer-wielding variant is specifically noted.
Race terminology. "Mystics" became "Fiends" throughout. This affects the race name, not just individual enemies.
Exclusive Content by Version
| Feature | SNES | PS1 | DS | PC/Mobile |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Lost Sanctum | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Dimensional Vortex | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Arena of Ages | No | No | Yes | No |
| 13th Ending | No | No | Yes | Yes |
| Anime Cinematics | No | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Extras Menu | No | Partial | Yes | Yes |
| Retranslation | No | No | Yes | Yes |
For full details on DS-exclusive dungeons and the 13th ending, see the Added Content section.
PlayStation Extras Mode
The PS1 version's one unique feature. An Extras menu on the title screen lets you replay cinematics and listen to music tracks you've unlocked during gameplay. The DS version has this too (plus more), so PS1's Extras Mode isn't a compelling reason to choose that version.
What you unlock:
- Theater - Rewatch anime cutscenes
- Music - Play any track from the soundtrack
The DS and PC versions expanded this significantly with an Art Gallery, Bestiary, Item Encyclopedia, Tech viewer, Ending Log, and (DS only) a Treasure Atlas.