Q*bert NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer / Puzzle

Q*bert

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1989 (originally 1982)
GenrePlatformer, Puzzle
DeveloperKonami
PublisherUltra Games
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 7

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989, Q*bert is a platformer developed by Konami and published by Ultra Games. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1982. It blends platformer and puzzle elements.

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.

Konami also made Metal Gear, Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse for the NES.

Q*bert 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 Q*bert 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.

Q*bert gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Q*bert cheats & codes

18 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:

Infinite LivesSXSZGPVG
Start On Level 3AESPVGAE
Start On Level 6GOSPVGAA
Start On Level 9AXSPVGAA
Start With 1 LifePEUOOGIA PAXZLLIA
Start With 10 LivesZAXZLLIE ZEUOOGIE

See all Q*bert cheats

Q*bert walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Q*bert FAQ

When did Q*bert come out on the NES?

Q*bert was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1989; the original game dates back to 1982.

Who made Q*bert?

It was developed by Konami and published by Ultra Games.

Is Q*bert multiplayer?

Yes. Q*bert supports up to 2 players.

How long does Q*bert take to play?

As a platformer, Q*bert 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 Q*bert 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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