Play Track & Field on GB Online

Konami released Track & Field on the Game Boy in 1987, a time when portable gaming meant small screens and simple, direct controls. It was one of many attempts to bring the arcade experience home, fitting the athletic theme into a handheld format.

You control an athlete competing in a series of Olympic events, from the 100 meter dash to javelin throw. The main objective is to qualify for each event by meeting a minimum score, then advance through rounds to win medals. Signature mechanics include rapid button mashing to build speed for running events, and precise timing for jumps and throws; the hammer event, for instance, uses a top-down perspective where you spin your character before releasing. The pacing is relentless, and the difficulty is unforgiving, especially with the limited visual feedback on the tiny screen. It feels like a genuine test of endurance, both for your athlete and your thumbs.