Atari 2600 · Racing
Dragster
| System | Atari 2600 |
|---|---|
| Released | 1980 |
| Genre | Racing |
| Developer | Activision |
| Publisher | Activision |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 5 |
Dragster is a racing 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. Among the 23 2600 racing games in our database, it ranks #4 by legacy score.
Activision also made River Raid, Kaboom! and Barnstorming for the 2600.
Dragster supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to race and compete
- you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
- you have a friend to play against
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a story or exploration rather than laps
What playing Dragster is like
Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.
Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.
Dragster walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Dragster.
If you like Dragster, the Matrix also picks…
Mario Kart 64 Classic
Mario Kart DS Classic
Super Mario Kart Classic
The Need for Speed Classic
Gran Turismo Classic
Need for Speed II Classic
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.
Dragster FAQ
When did Dragster come out on the 2600?
Dragster was released for the Atari 2600 in 1980.
Who made Dragster?
It was developed by Activision.
Is Dragster multiplayer?
Yes. Dragster supports up to 2 players.
How long does Dragster take to play?
As a racing game, Dragster 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.
Read more about Dragster on Wikipedia. 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.