Best Atari 2600 platformers

The Matrix has 40 platformers on file for the Atari 2600, released between 1982–1990. 18 of them support multiplayer, including 4 with co-op. They're ranked below by legacy score, so the games that shaped the genre on the 2600 come first, with lesser-known picks further down.

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.

Typical commitment: an evening or two (roughly 1–6 hours to see it through). Tip: 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.