Play Video Chess Online

Atari released Video Chess for the 2600 in 1978, a straightforward adaptation of the classic board game. It was one of the earliest attempts to bring chess to a home console, fitting right in with the system's growing library of simple, focused experiences. The game doesn't pretend to be anything more than chess on your TV, and for its time, that was enough.

You control all your pieces using a blocky cursor to select and place them on the checkered board. The main objective is to checkmate your computer opponent, which offers several difficulty levels to test your strategy. Signature mechanics include the distinct, audible feedback for moves; the game emits a sharp beep if you attempt an illegal placement, and the AI's processing time increases noticeably on higher settings, making you wait for its response. The pacing is slow and thoughtful, demanding patience as you plan several moves ahead. It feels like a quiet, solitary battle of wits against a stubborn and sometimes sluggish opponent.