California Games Lynx box art

Atari Lynx · Sports

California Games

SystemAtari Lynx
Released1989 (originally 1987)
GenreSports
DeveloperEpyx
PublisherAtari
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 3

California Games is a sports game released in 1989 for the Atari Lynx, developed by Epyx and published by Atari. This Lynx release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.

It belongs to the Lynx's earliest wave of games. Other notable Lynx releases from 1989 include Chip's Challenge and Blue Lightning. Among the 13 Lynx sports games in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.

Epyx also made Gauntlet: The Third Encounter, Chip's Challenge and Blue Lightning for the Lynx.

California Games 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 need current teams and rosters

What playing California Games is like

Sports games bring football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, wrestling and more to the console, from simulation-style management to over-the-top arcade action.

Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

California Games gameplay screenshot on Lynx
In-game screenshot (Lynx)

California Games walkthroughs & guides

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

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Playing Lynx games today

The Lynx library is small, so it is easy to find its best games, and it remains a cult favorite among handheld collectors.

California Games FAQ

When did California Games come out on the Lynx?

California Games was released for the Atari Lynx in 1989; the original game dates back to 1987.

Who made California Games?

It was developed by Epyx and published by Atari.

Is California Games multiplayer?

Yes. California Games supports up to 2 players.

How long does California Games take to play?

As a sports game, California Games 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 California Games 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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