Basketball for the Atari 2600 is a vintage sports video game that simulates a simplified version of basketball. Released in 1978, it's categorized in the sports genre and was among the earliest basketball electronic games. Players control an on-screen athlete, aiming to score points by shooting a pixelated ball into the opponent's hoop. The game features basic graphics with a side-view perspective of the court, allowing for straightforward gameplay that includes dribbling, passing, and shooting. This two-player game offers competitive fun, capturing the essence of basketball's fast-paced action in an accessible, retro format.