Backyard Basketball GBA box art

Game Boy Advance · Sports

Backyard Basketball

SystemGame Boy Advance
Released2004
GenreSports
DeveloperHumongous Entertainment
PublisherAtari SA
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesBackyard Sports
ESRBE
LegacyDeep cut

Backyard Basketball is a sports game released in 2004 for the Game Boy Advance, developed by Humongous Entertainment and published by Atari SA.

It landed about 3 years into the GBA's life. Other notable GBA releases from 2004 include The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap, Mario vs. Donkey Kong and Sonic Advance 3.

It is part of the Backyard Sports series; on the GBA you can also try Backyard Baseball, Backyard Baseball 2006 and Backyard Football. The series also appears on other systems with Backyard Hockey (DS) and Backyard Football '09 (DS).

Backyard Basketball 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
  • you've played the GBA hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you need current teams and rosters

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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Backyard Basketball gameplay screenshot on GBA
In-game screenshot (GBA)

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Playing GBA games today

The GBA is one of the best-value retro libraries around, with deep RPGs and tactics games that suit portable play. A growing selection is on Nintendo Switch Online + Expansion Pack, and Rec0m88 supports GBA if you own the games.

Backyard Basketball FAQ

When did Backyard Basketball come out on the GBA?

Backyard Basketball was released for the Game Boy Advance in 2004.

Who made Backyard Basketball?

It was developed by Humongous Entertainment and published by Atari SA.

Is Backyard Basketball multiplayer?

Yes. Backyard Basketball supports up to 2 players.

How long does Backyard Basketball take to play?

As a sports game, Backyard Basketball 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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you