Handball

About

Handball is a simple arcade game from Atari that reimagines the Pong formula as a handball match. You control a paddle on screen, bouncing a ball toward your opponent’s side while trying to score points. The single-player mode pits you against the computer, with basic controls and straightforward mechanics. Released in 1977 as part of the Atari 2600’s launch lineup, it’s one of the earliest examples of sports-themed arcade gameplay. The simplicity feels dated by today’s standards but captures the stripped-down fun of early home console games. As one of two handball variations in the original Video Olympics compilation, it’s a minor historical footnote in the evolution of digital sports games. While modern players might find the lack of depth limiting, it’s a quick reminder of how rudimentary early game design could still be engaging. No community metrics exist for a game this old, but its place in the 2600’s library speaks to the era’s experimental spirit.