Qix NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Action / Puzzle

Qix

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1991 (originally 1981)
GenreAction, Puzzle
DeveloperTaito
PublisherTaito
Players1–2 players
CommitmentAn evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through)
LegacyWell-known · legacy score 7

Qix is an action game released in 1991 for the Nintendo Entertainment System, developed by Taito. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1981. It blends action and puzzle elements.

It landed about 6 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1991 include Pac-Man, Battletoads and Yoshi.

Taito also made Arkanoid, Space Invaders and Bubble Bobble for the NES.

Qix 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 Qix 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.

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

Qix cheats & codes

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

1 Life For Player 1PEEAPZGA
1 Life For Player 2PEEEAZGA
Start On Level 5, Player 1 GameIANAZZPA
Start On Level 10, Player 1 GameZANAZZPE
Start On Level 20, Player 1 GameGPNAZZPA
Start On Level 5, Player 2 GameIEEEGZPA

See all Qix cheats

Qix walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Qix FAQ

When did Qix come out on the NES?

Qix was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1991; the original game dates back to 1981.

Who made Qix?

It was developed by Taito.

Is Qix multiplayer?

Yes. Qix supports up to 2 players.

How long does Qix take to play?

As an action game, Qix 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 Qix 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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