Atari Basketball

Step up to the court with Atari Basketball, released in 1979 and designed for two players. This black and white arcade game offers a simple but engaging basketball simulation controlled by a large trackball. Players maneuver their on-screen avatars to pass, shoot, and attempt to score against their opponent, using the trackball for precise movement and aiming. A single button is used for releasing the shot. The game’s visuals are presented on a 23-inch black and white monitor with a resolution of 256x224 pixels, creating a classic arcade aesthetic. Atari Basketball shares its distinctive 4.5-inch trackball with other popular titles like Atari Football and Missile Command, providing a unique and tactile control experience. The game’s presence in the film Tron further cemented its place within pop culture. Designed by Chris Downend, this two-player sports game measures 70 inches high, nearly 30 inches wide, and over 78 inches deep—a substantial piece of arcade history. It represents a foundational title in Atari’s library, demonstrating the company's early exploration of sports simulation gameplay.