Skate or Die! NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Sports

Skate or Die!

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1988 (originally 1987)
GenreSports
DeveloperKonami
PublisherUltra Games
Players1–8 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
SeriesSkate or Die
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Developed by Konami and published by Ultra Games, Skate or Die! arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988 as a sports game. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1987.

It landed about 3 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1988 include Super Mario Bros. 3, Super Mario Bros. 2 and Final Fantasy II.

It is part of the Skate or Die series; on the NES you can also try Skate or Die 2: The Search for Double Trouble. The series also appears on other systems with Skate or Die: Tour de Thrash (Game Boy) and Skate or Die! (C64). Konami also made Metal Gear, Castlevania and Castlevania III: Dracula's Curse for the NES.

Skate or Die! supports up to 8 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 Skate or Die! 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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Skate or Die! gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Skate or Die! cheats & codes

9 codes on file (Emulator memory codes). Here are a few Emulator memory codes codes to start with:

No Passes005C:00
P1's Win Modifier0069:00
P2/CPU's Win Modifier006A:00
Low Timer P1 (One's Digit)005D:01
Low Timer P1 (Minute's Digit)0061:00
Low Timer P2/CPU (One's Digit)0067:01

See all Skate or Die! cheats

Skate or Die! walkthroughs & guides

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

If you like Skate or Die!, the Matrix also picks…

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.

Skate or Die! FAQ

When did Skate or Die! come out on the NES?

Skate or Die! was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1987.

Who made Skate or Die!?

It was developed by Konami and published by Ultra Games.

Is Skate or Die! multiplayer?

Yes. Skate or Die! supports up to 8 players.

How long does Skate or Die! take to play?

As a sports game, Skate or Die! 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 Skate or Die! 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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