Nintendo Entertainment System · Racing
Excitebike
Certified classic
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1985 |
| Genre | Racing |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1 player |
| Commitment | Quick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun) |
| Series | Excite |
| ESRB | E |
| Legacy | Certified classic · legacy score 28 |
Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985, Excitebike is a racing game developed by Nintendo.
It belongs to the NES's earliest wave of games. Other notable NES releases from 1985 include Super Mario Bros., Ice Climber and Battle City. Among the 48 NES racing games in our database, it ranks #1 by legacy score.
It is part of the Excite series. Nintendo also made Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Bros. 2 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 want to experience one of the NES's defining games
Maybe skip it if…
- you want a story or exploration rather than laps
- you are looking for something to play with friends
What playing Excitebike is like
Racing games range from realistic driving to kart racers with weapons and shortcuts. Races are short, making them great for quick sessions and split-screen rivalries.
Tip for newcomers: Learn each track's racing line and braking points; in kart racers, item strategy matters as much as driving.
Excitebike cheats & codes
61 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Never Overheat | SXXTYUVV |
|---|---|
| Recover Fast After Crashes | YEXIKOYA |
| Reduced Enemy Bikes In Game B | PEXIEZLA |
| Timer Runs At Half Speed | AAUSEYAO |
| Timer Runs At Quarter Speed | GAUSEYAP |
| When You Start A Race It Looks Weird | NNISZZ |
Excitebike walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Excitebike.
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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.
Excitebike FAQ
When did Excitebike come out on the NES?
Excitebike was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1985.
Who made Excitebike?
It was developed by Nintendo.
Is Excitebike multiplayer?
No. Excitebike is a single-player game.
How long does Excitebike take to play?
As a racing game, Excitebike 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 Excitebike 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.