Super Mario Bros. Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
Popeye
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1986 (originally 1982) |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Nintendo |
| Publisher | Nintendo |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Series | Popeye |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 7 |
Developed by Nintendo, Popeye arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986 as a platformer. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1982.
It came out in the NES's second year on the market. Other notable NES releases from 1986 include Arkanoid, Metroid and Dragon Quest.
It is part of the Popeye series; on the NES you can also try Popeye no Eigo Asobi. The series also appears on other systems with Popeye (2600) and Popeye (5200). Nintendo also made Super Mario Bros., Super Mario Bros. 3 and Super Mario Bros. 2 for the NES.
Popeye supports up to 2 players, whether that means taking turns or going head-to-head.
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 have a friend to play against
Maybe skip it if…
- you get frustrated by precise jumps and limited lives
What playing Popeye 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.
Popeye cheats & codes
13 codes on file (Other codes). Here are a few Other codes codes to start with:
| Infinite lives for Popeye | GSGKXG |
|---|---|
| 1 life for Popeye | PAPKNA |
| 6 lives for Popeye | TAPKNA |
| 9 lives for Popeye | PAPKNE |
| Invincibility Against Enemy | ATGIYP |
| Invincibility Against Enermy's Shot | ATISTL |
Popeye walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for Popeye.
If you like Popeye, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Donkey Kong Classic
Mario Bros. Classic Co-op
Donkey Kong Jr. Classic
Gyromite Classic
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.
Popeye FAQ
When did Popeye come out on the NES?
Popeye was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1986; the original game dates back to 1982.
Who made Popeye?
It was developed by Nintendo.
Is Popeye multiplayer?
Yes. Popeye supports up to 2 players.
How long does Popeye take to play?
As a platformer, Popeye 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 Popeye 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.