Checkers (Atari 2600, 1980) is Atari’s attempt to take grandma’s favorite board game and shove it onto your TV screen—with all the thrills of moving blocky pieces at a snail’s pace. Forget explosions or laser beams—this is pure, uncut strategy rendered in 8-bit boredom for some, but low-key nostalgia gold for others.

Released in 1980 and published by Atari, Checkers lets you face off against the computer or another player in a digital version of the age-old classic. It’s got no frills, no fancy effects, just that satisfying moment when you finally get to yell “KING ME” while your joystick creaks in protest. The AI? Brutal for its time, which means you’ll probably still get dunked on by a 40-year-old algorithm.

1. Classic gameplay: the timeless board game rebuilt for Atari’s blocky pixels.
2. Solo or two-player: battle the computer or destroy friendships one jump at a time.
3. Simple but savage: the AI doesn’t play around—it will wreck you if you slip up.
4. Retro authenticity: no gimmicks, just pure strategy the old-fashioned way.
5. Collector’s staple: one of those titles that proves Atari really tried to cover everything.

If you’re hunting for those quirky Atari titles that didn’t need aliens or tanks to be fun, Checkers is the minimalist champ. Looking to buy retro games on Retro Games eXchange? Add this digital board game oddball to your collection and flex that strategy muscle.