California Games NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Sports

California Games

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1989 (originally 1987)
GenreSports
DeveloperRareware
PublisherMilton Bradley Co.
Players1–8 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 5

Developed by Rareware and published by Milton Bradley Co., California Games arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 as a sports game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.

It landed about 4 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1989 include Mother, Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse and DuckTales.

Rareware also made Battletoads, Battletoads & Double Dragon and Cobra Triangle for the NES.

California Games supports up to 8 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 NES hits and want something less obvious

Maybe skip it if…

  • you need current teams and rosters

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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

California Games gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

California Games cheats & codes

13 codes on file (Other codes). Here are a few Other codes codes to start with:

50 Tries In Surfing Compete Mode.ZUUISGGA
75 Tries In Bmx Compete Mode.LKUUOILE
Jump Higher In Skating EventAXSILKGL
Jump Much Higher In Skating EventGOSILKGL
Don't Fall in Skating EventATKSGVOZ
Infinite Time (Half Pipe, Foot Bag, Surfing, BMX)0052:FF

See all California Games cheats

California Games walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

California Games FAQ

When did California Games come out on the NES?

California Games was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1987.

Who made California Games?

It was developed by Rareware and published by Milton Bradley Co..

Is California Games multiplayer?

Yes. California Games supports up to 8 players.

How long does California Games take to play?

As a sports game, California Games 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.

Read more about California Games 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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you