Athletic World NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Sports

Athletic World

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1987
GenreSports
DeveloperTRY
PublisherBandai
Players1 player
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesPower Pad
ESRBE
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Athletic World is a sports game released in 1987 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by TRY and published by Bandai.

It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.

It is part of the Power Pad series. TRY also made Family Trainer 1: Athletic World for the NES.

This is a solo experience: one player, no waiting on anyone else.

Pick it if…

  • you want to race and compete
  • you have time for a quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
  • you've played the NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you need current teams and rosters
  • you are looking for something to play with friends

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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Athletic World gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Athletic World walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Athletic World FAQ

When did Athletic World come out on the NES?

Athletic World was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987.

Who made Athletic World?

It was developed by TRY and published by Bandai.

Is Athletic World multiplayer?

No. Athletic World is a single-player game.

How long does Athletic World take to play?

As a sports game, Athletic World 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.

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