Super Mario Bros. Classic
Nintendo Entertainment System · Platformer
The Karate Kid
| System | Nintendo Entertainment System |
|---|---|
| Released | 1987 |
| Genre | Platformer |
| Developer | Atlus |
| Publisher | LJN |
| Players | 1–2 players |
| Commitment | An evening or two (Roughly 1–6 hours to see it through) |
| Legacy | Well-known · legacy score 7 |
Developed by Atlus and published by LJN, The Karate Kid arrived on the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987 as a platformer.
It landed about 2 years into the NES's life. Other notable NES releases from 1987 include Final Fantasy, Metal Gear and Mega Man.
Atlus also made Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei, Digital Devil Story: Megami Tensei II and Wacky Races for the NES.
The Karate Kid 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 The Karate Kid 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.
The Karate Kid cheats & codes
42 codes on file (Game Genie, Other codes). Here are a few Game Genie codes to start with:
| Infinite Chances | SZOEKAVG |
|---|---|
| Infinite Crane Kicks | SXEXLYVG |
| Infinite Drum Punches On Pick-Up | SZNXAYVG |
| Start With 1 Chance | PENEZTLA |
| Start With 6 Chances | TENEZTLA |
| Start With 9 Chances | PENEZTLE |
The Karate Kid walkthroughs & guides
Stuck, or want to go deeper? These trusted sites have full walkthroughs, completion times and more for The Karate Kid.
If you like The Karate Kid, the Matrix also picks…
Super Mario Bros. 3 Classic
Ice Climber Classic Co-op
Super Mario Bros. 2 Classic
Chip 'n Dale Rescue Rangers Classic Co-op
Mappy Classic
City Connection Classic
Shadow of the Ninja Classic Co-op
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.
The Karate Kid FAQ
When did The Karate Kid come out on the NES?
The Karate Kid was released for the Nintendo Entertainment System in 1987.
Who made The Karate Kid?
It was developed by Atlus and published by LJN.
Is The Karate Kid multiplayer?
Yes. The Karate Kid supports up to 2 players.
How long does The Karate Kid take to play?
As a platformer, The Karate Kid 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 The Karate Kid 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.