Circus Charlie NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Platformer

Circus Charlie

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1986 (originally 1984)
GenreAction, Platformer
DeveloperSoft Pro International
PublisherKonami
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 7

Developed by Soft Pro International and published by Konami, Circus Charlie arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 as an action game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1984. It blends action and platformer elements.

It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Arkanoid, Metroid and Dragon Quest.

Circus Charlie 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 Circus Charlie 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.

Circus Charlie gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Circus Charlie cheats & codes

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

Infinite Lives0060:04
Infinite LivesSXOKYZVG
InvincibilitySZETEPSA AEETSVZA AAUNLPPA

See all Circus Charlie cheats

Circus Charlie walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Circus Charlie FAQ

When did Circus Charlie come out on the NES?

Circus Charlie was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986; the original game dates back to 1984.

Who made Circus Charlie?

It was developed by Soft Pro International and published by Konami.

Is Circus Charlie multiplayer?

Yes. Circus Charlie supports up to 2 players.

How long does Circus Charlie take to play?

As an action game, Circus Charlie 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 Circus Charlie 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.

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