Best Atari 2600 sports games

The Matrix has 46 sports games on file for the Atari 2600, released between 1977–1989. 38 of them support multiplayer. 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.

Sports games bring football, baseball, hockey, golf, tennis, wrestling and more to the console, from simulation-style management to over-the-top arcade action.

Typical commitment: quick session (under an hour, or endless arcade fun). Tip: Arcade-style sports games are the easiest to enjoy today; simulation titles may have outdated rosters but still offer satisfying gameplay.

Just pick one for me

#1 Karate box art
Karate 1982 · Fighting Classic
#16 Skiing box art
Skiing 1980 · Sports Deep cut
#20 Golf box art
Golf 1980 · Sports Deep cut

Sports games on other systems

Other 2600 genres