Ski or Die NES box art

Nintendo Entertainment System · Sports

Ski or Die

Deep cut

SystemNintendo Entertainment System
Released1988 (originally 1990)
GenreSports
DeveloperElectronic Arts
PublisherUltra Games
Players1–6 players
CommitmentQuick session (Under an hour, or endless arcade fun)
LegacyDeep cut · legacy score 3

Released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988, Ski or Die is a sports game developed by Electronic Arts and published by Ultra Games. This NES release is a port or adaptation of a game that first appeared in 1990.

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.

Electronic Arts also made Skate or Die 2: The Search for Double Trouble, Jordan vs. Bird: One on One and Kings of the Beach: Professional Beach Volleyball for the NES.

Ski or Die supports up to 6 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 Ski 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Tip for newcomers: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Ski or Die gameplay screenshot on NES
In-game screenshot (NES)

Ski or Die cheats & codes

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

More snowballs picked upZENXTTPA
Start with more timeOOEPVAAV
Start with less timeAKEPVAAT
More time gainedIOKXITAP
Less time gainedIEKXITAP
Start with more ammoGAUPVAZA

See all Ski or Die cheats

Ski or Die walkthroughs & guides

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

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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.

Ski or Die FAQ

When did Ski or Die come out on the NES?

Ski or Die was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1988; the original game dates back to 1990.

Who made Ski or Die?

It was developed by Electronic Arts and published by Ultra Games.

Is Ski or Die multiplayer?

Yes. Ski or Die supports up to 6 players.

How long does Ski or Die take to play?

As a sports game, Ski 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 Ski 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.

Not sure? Let the Matrix pick for you