13 ’80s Video Game Sounds You’ll Never Forget
These 13 video game sounds from the 1980s became part of gaming history and are still recognized today.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 4 min read
The 1980s marked the rise of arcade and home console gaming, creating sounds that became deeply familiar. Due to limited hardware, developers used short loops, tones, and beeps to create distinct audio effects. Many of these sounds became iconic and are still remembered decades later.
1. Pac-Man – Waka Waka Sound
Bandai Namco Entertainment America on Wikimedia Commons
Pac-Man’s movement sound is one of the most recognizable audio effects in gaming history. It plays as the character moves through the maze, eating pellets. The repetitive “waka waka” sound was created using simple frequency shifts. It became permanently linked to the feeling of fast-paced arcade gameplay.
2. Super Mario Bros. – Coin Sound
Buena Vista Pictures on Wikimedia Commons
The coin collection sound from Super Mario Bros. was created using the Nintendo Entertainment System’s sound chip. It plays whenever Mario grabs a coin, offering instant audio feedback. The sound is high-pitched, short, and bright, helping players track their progress. It has remained nearly unchanged in later Mario games.
3. Donkey Kong – Jump Sound
Joho345 on Wikimedia Commons
When Mario jumps in the original Donkey Kong arcade game, a short, sharp sound plays. This jump sound had to be made with limited memory and audio channels. Despite its simplicity, it gave the action weight and rhythm. It helped define early platform game audio.
4. Tetris – Game Over Music (Korobeiniki)
Tetris Company on Wikimedia Commons
The original Game Boy version of Tetris popularized the Russian folk song “Korobeiniki” as background music. While the melody existed before the game, its arrangement on the Game Boy became widely known. The tune plays in fast loops and increases tension as the game speeds up. It remains closely connected to the Tetris name.
5. The Legend of Zelda – Secret Found Sound
Nintendo on Wikimedia Commons
When players discover a hidden item or solve a puzzle in Zelda, a rising tone plays. This simple chime quickly became associated with achievement and mystery. It was used across several titles in the series. The original sound came from the NES audio chip and still triggers nostalgia.
6. Space Invaders – Marching Alien Sound
Jordiferrer on Wikimedia Commons
As aliens move in Space Invaders, the background sound gets faster with each row cleared. This increasing tempo adds pressure and builds tension during gameplay. The effect was one of the first examples of adaptive audio in games. It shaped how music and sound were used in future game design.
7. Metroid – Item Collection Sound
Nintendo on Wikimedia Commons
When Samus collects a power-up, a futuristic rising chime plays. This sound gave players an immediate sense of progress and reward. It was designed using the NES’s limited sound tools but still sounded distinct and sci-fi. The series continued to use similar audio cues in later games.
8. Frogger – Hop Sound
Frogger on Wikimedia Commons
Each time the frog jumps in Frogger, a short, digital blip sound is played. The sound is basic but gives clear feedback with each move. In a game that required precise timing, the hop sound became part of the rhythm. It is closely tied to the experience of playing on an arcade cabinet.
9. Punch-Out!! – KO Bell Sound
Rob Boudon on Wikimedia Commons
When a knockout happens in Punch-Out!!, a loud bell rings, followed by a dramatic fall sound. These effects made the fights feel more dramatic and intense. The bell was modeled after a real boxing ring sound. It created a strong emotional cue for victory or defeat.
10. Contra – Power-Up Sound
Dmonnens on Wikimedia Commons
In Contra, grabbing a new weapon triggers a quick, punchy sound effect. This noise told players immediately that their weapon had changed. With fast gameplay, quick audio cues were essential. The power-up sound stood out and became part of the game’s fast-paced feel.
11. Galaga – Enemy Explosion Sound
Charalambos2002 on Wikimedia Commons
When players shoot an enemy in Galaga, a rapid explosion sound plays. It’s short and crunchy, designed to match the game’s visual effects. It helped make shooting feel satisfying, even with limited graphics. The sound reinforced the game’s fast rhythm and reaction-based gameplay.
12. Duck Hunt – Zapper Shot Sound
Poolperson87 on Wikimedia Commons
When pulling the NES Zapper trigger in Duck Hunt, a short, electronic click or zap sound plays. This sound, combined with the flash on the screen, gave players feedback from the light gun. It’s tightly linked to early home console interactivity. Players still recall this sound clearly, even decades later.
13. Mega Man 2 – Boss Intro Sound
Nacaru on Wikimedia Commons
Before each boss fight in Mega Man 2, a fast jingle plays along with the boss screen animation. The sound creates a sense of anticipation and urgency. It was composed using the NES’s 8-bit sound system. This short theme became one of the most memorable in the series.