Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Bubble Bobble
Certified classic Co-op
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1988 (originally 1986) |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Taito |
| Publisher | Taito |
| Players | 1–2 players (co-op) |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Bubble Bobble |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 11 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, Bubble Bobble is a platformer developed by Taito. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1986.
It landed about 3 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1988 include Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Final Fantasy II.
It is part of the Bubble Bobble series; on the NES you can also try Rainbow Islands: The Story of Bubble Bobble 2 and Rainbow Islands: Bubble Bobble 2. The series also appears on other systems with Bubble Bobble (Master System) and Bubble Bobble (Saturn). Taito also made Arkanoid, Space Invaders and Sky Destroyer for the NES.
Bubble Bobble supports up to 2 players, including cooperative play, which makes it a strong pick for playing with a friend.
Pick it if…
- you want to run, jump and explore
- you have time for an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
- you want a game to beat together with a friend
- you want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Bubble Bobble is like
Platformers are all about movement: running, jumping and timing your way across levels full of gaps, enemies and secrets. The best ones feel great to control within seconds and then slowly teach you to master every leap.
Tip for newcomers: Retro platformers often have limited lives and few checkpoints. Learn one level at a time, look for hidden 1-ups, and don't be shy about using a save feature when it is available.
Bubble Bobble cheats & codes
91 codes on file (Game Genie, Action Replay, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Both Players Start With 1 Life | PAUKEZLA |
|---|---|
| Both Players Start With 6 Lives | TAUKEZLA |
| Both Players Start With 9 Lives | PAUKEZLE |
| Start Game On Level 10 | ZAUGEZPE |
| Start Game On Level 25 | PPUGEZPE |
| Start Game On Level 50 | ZLUGEZPA |
Bubble Bobble walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Bubble Bobble.
If you like Bubble Bobble, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. Classic
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Battletoads Classic Co-op
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Classic Co-op
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.
Bubble Bobble FAQ
When did Bubble Bobble come out on the NES?
Bubble Bobble was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1986.
Who made Bubble Bobble?
It was developed by Taito.
Is Bubble Bobble multiplayer?
Yes. Bubble Bobble supports up to 2 players, including co-op play.
How long does Bubble Bobble take to play?
As a platformer, Bubble Bobble 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 Bubble Bobble 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.