Nintendo Entertainment System · Action
Arkanoid
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1986 |
| Genre | Action |
| Developer | Taito |
| Publisher | Taito |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Arkanoid |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 31 |
Arkanoid is an action game released in 1986 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Taito.
It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Metroid, Dragon Quest and Ikari Warriors. Among the 164 NES action games in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.
It is part of the Arkanoid series. The series also appears on other systems with Arkanoid (SNES) and Arkanoid: Doh It Again (SNES). Taito also made Space Invaders, Bubble Bobble and Sky Destroyer for the NES.
Arkanoid 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
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you prefer slow, thoughtful games over reflex tests
What playing Arkanoid 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.
Arkanoid cheats & codes
77 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Player 1 Start With 1 Life | PAOPUGLA |
|---|---|
| Player 1 Start With 6 Lives | TAOPUGLA |
| Player 1 Start With 9 Lives | PAOPUGLE |
| Infinite Lives (Players 1 & 2) | OZNEATVK |
| Player 1 Start At Level 5 | IAOONGPA |
| Player 1 Start At Level 10 | ZAOONGPE |
Arkanoid walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Arkanoid.
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Mega Man Classic
Pac-Man Classic
Mega Man 2 Classic
Devil World Classic
8 Eyes Classic Co-op
Chubby Cherub Classic
Bomberman II Classic
Playing NES games today
NES games are short on paper but often famously tough, so expect to replay levels and learn patterns. Many first-party titles are available through Nintendo Switch Online, original cartridges remain easy to find, and you can play backups of games you own in an emulator such as Rec0m88.
Arkanoid FAQ
When did Arkanoid come out on the NES?
Arkanoid was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986.
Who made Arkanoid?
It was developed by Taito.
Is Arkanoid multiplayer?
Yes. Arkanoid supports up to 2 players.
How long does Arkanoid take to play?
As an action game, Arkanoid 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 Arkanoid 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.