Atari 2600 · Strategy
Checkers
| System | Atari 2600 |
|---|---|
| Released | 1980 |
| Genre | Strategy |
| Developer | Activision |
| Publisher | Activision |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Deep cut |
Checkers is a strategy game released in 1980 for the Atari 2600, developed by Activision.
It landed about 3 years into the 2600's life. Other notable 2600 releases from 1980 include Adventure, Phoenix and Boxing.
Activision also made River Raid, Kaboom! and Barnstorming for the 2600.
Checkers supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to think and plan
- 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 2600 hits and want something less obvious
Maybe skip it if…
- you want quick action without planning ahead
What playing Checkers is like
Strategy games reward planning over reflexes: command armies, manage resources and outthink opponents on turn-based or real-time battlefields.
Tip for newcomers: Read the manual or tutorial if one exists: retro strategy games often assume you know their rules. Save between missions.
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Playing 2600 games today
Most 2600 games are built for short, score-chasing sessions, which makes them perfect for a quick nostalgia hit. Original hardware is cheap and plentiful, the Atari 2600+ reissue plays original cartridges on modern TVs, and official collections such as Atari 50 bundle many first-party classics.
Checkers FAQ
When did Checkers come out on the 2600?
Checkers was released for the Atari 2600 in 1980.
Who made Checkers?
It was developed by Activision.
Is Checkers multiplayer?
Yes. Checkers supports up to 2 players.
How long does Checkers take to play?
As a strategy game, Checkers 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.