Hoops NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Sports

Hoops

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1989
GenreSports
DeveloperAicom
PublisherJaleco
Players1–2 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 4

Developed by Aicom and published by Jaleco, Hoops arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989 as a sports game.

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.

Aicom also made Amagon, Totally Rad and All-Pro Basketball for the NES.

Hoops supports up to 2 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 Hoops 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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Hoops gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Hoops walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Hoops FAQ

When did Hoops come out on the NES?

Hoops was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989.

Who made Hoops?

It was developed by Aicom and published by Jaleco.

Is Hoops multiplayer?

Yes. Hoops supports up to 2 players.

How long does Hoops take to play?

As a sports game, Hoops 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 Hoops 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