Play Sampras Tennis 96 (J-Cart) Online

Sampras Tennis 96 came out for the Sega Genesis in 1995, published by Codemasters. It was one of the later sports titles on the system, arriving when the 16-bit era was winding down. The game is also known for its J-Cart format, a special cartridge that included two extra built-in games, Micro Machines 2 and Codemasters' own Cosmi's Cosmic Race, which you could play with friends without needing extra controllers.

You control Pete Sampras or another pro across various court surfaces, trying to win matches through precise shot placement and timing. The main objective is to outmaneuver your opponent, aiming for the corners and using different shot types like lobs and slices. Signature mechanics include a power meter for serves and a simple but effective control scheme for groundstrokes and volleys. The pacing is brisk, and the difficulty ramps up noticeably against stronger CPU players. It feels responsive and straightforward, capturing the quick back-and-forth rhythm of a real tennis match.