Skip to main content

Gaming: Mike Tyson's Punch Out

A review and reaction to Mike Tyson's Punch-Out!! by Nintendo, the classic NES boxing game where Little Mac fights his way up to Iron Mike. Rated 87/100.

Game/Publisher/Developer

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, Nintendo, Nintendo. Released October, 1987 on the NES.

The Trailer

My Reaction

It’s a great game and from my very first bout against Glass Joe I was completely hooked, coming back again and again to work my way up the rankings toward Iron Mike himself.

Overview

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! is a boxing game developed and published by Nintendo for the NES. You play as Little Mac, an underdog from the Bronx trained by Doc Louis, as he battles a lineup of colorful opponents like Glass Joe, King Hippo, Bald Bull and Soda Popinski. Every fighter has their own patterns and tells, so winning comes down to timing, reflexes and learning when to strike. Waiting at the top is the champion himself, Mike Tyson.

What I Liked

  • Every opponent feels unique, with their own personality and fighting style.
  • Learning each boxer’s tells and patterns is incredibly rewarding.
  • The difficulty ramps up steadily, so every win feels earned.
  • Facing Mike Tyson at the end is one of the most memorable final bosses in gaming.

Verdict

Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!! is a timeless classic that’s easy to pick up and tough to master. It’s one of the best games on the NES and it still holds up today.

Rating

87/100