Game Boy · Action
Popeye
| System | Game Boy |
|---|---|
| Released | 1990 |
| Genre | Action |
| Developer | Sigma Enterprises |
| Publisher | Sigma Enterprises |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Popeye |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 4 |
Developed by Sigma Enterprises, Popeye arrived on the Game Boy in 1990 as an action game.
It came out in the Game Boy's second year on the market. Other notable Game Boy releases from 1990 include DuckTales, The Final Fantasy Legend and Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Fall of the Foot Clan.
It is part of the Popeye series; on the Game Boy you can also try Popeye 2. The series also appears on other systems with Popeye (2600) and Popeye (5200).
Popeye supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
Pick it if…
- you want to fight, blast and test your reflexes
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you have a friend to play against
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
What playing Popeye is like
Action games test reflexes and nerve. Expect fast enemies, tight controls and stages you clear by reacting quickly and learning enemy patterns.
Tip for newcomers: Retro action games are often short but tough. Treat early deaths as practice runs; every attempt teaches you where the next threat comes from.
Popeye cheats & codes
25 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Start With No Continues | 003-F7A-F7E |
|---|---|
| Unlimited Continues | 00A-1AA-19E |
| Invincibility After One Hit | 00E-83B-19E |
| Start With 2 Continues | 023-F7A-F7E |
| Start With 9 Continues | 093-F7A-F7E |
| Start With 1 Pow After 1st Life | 013-A7F-E66 |
Popeye walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Popeye.
If you like Popeye, the Matrix also picks…
Alleyway Classic
Operation C Classic
Darkwing Duck Classic
Mega Man: Dr. Wily's Revenge Classic
Mega Man III Classic
Mega Man IV Classic
Playing Game Boy games today
Game Boy games were designed for short bursts on the go, which makes them ideal for a coffee break today. Many are available through Nintendo Switch Online, and original carts play on any later Game Boy model.
Popeye FAQ
When did Popeye come out on the Game Boy?
Popeye was released for the Game Boy in 1990.
Who made Popeye?
It was developed by Sigma Enterprises.
Is Popeye multiplayer?
Yes. Popeye supports up to 2 players.
How long does Popeye take to play?
As an action game, Popeye typically falls into the "An evening or two" category: roughly 1–6 hours to see it through. Your time will vary with skill and how much you explore.
Read more about Popeye 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.