Q*bert 5200 box art

Atari 5200 · Platformer / Puzzle

Q*bert

Certified classic

SystemAtari 5200
GenrePlatformer, Puzzle, Action
DeveloperD. Gottlieb & Co.
PublisherParker Brothers
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyCertified classic · legacy score 8

Developed by D. Gottlieb & Co. and published by Parker Brothers, Q*bert arrived on the Atari 5200 as a platformer. It blends platformer, puzzle and action elements.

Among the 12 5200 platformers in our database, it ranks #4 by legacy score.

Q*bert supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.

Pick it if…

  • you want to run, jump and explore
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you have a friend to play against
  • you want to experience one of the 5200's defining games

Maybe skip it if…

  • you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives

What playing Q*bert is like

Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.

Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.

Q*bert gameplay screenshot on 5200
In-game screenshot (5200)

Q*bert walkthroughs & guides

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

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Popeye box art
Popeye 5200 · Platformer Classic

Playing 5200 games today

The 5200 library is small and arcade-focused, so it suits players who enjoy classic coin-op ports. The original non-centering joysticks are famously fragile, which is why many collectors use refurbished or modern replacement controllers.

Q*bert FAQ

Who made Q*bert?

It was developed by D. Gottlieb & Co. and published by Parker Brothers.

Is Q*bert multiplayer?

Yes. Q*bert supports up to 2 players.

How long does Q*bert take to play?

As a platformer, Q*bert 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 Q*bert 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.

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