
Play Shanghai Online
Shanghai is one of the first video game adaptations of the tile-based game played with the Chinese mahjong stones - essentially a puzzle game that has little to do with real mahjong rules.
The gameplay involves 144 tiles, each depicting different images, which have to be removed by matching them into pairs. The tiles are arranged in a gridded pattern, which is higher near the centre. A tile can only be removed if it has no tile next to it on at least one side.
This computer implementation can generate a random board layout to take on and features five preset challenges, some of which have time limits of five or ten minutes, as well as a multiplayer mode.
Available Versions
Shanghai (USA, Europe) (1987)(Master System)
Shanghai (Japan) (1986)(Turbografx-16)
Shanghai (1987)(MSX 2)
Shanghai (USA) (1985)(Game Body(GB))
Shanghai (J)(Rising Sun) (1985)(Game Boy Advance(GBA))
About Shanghai
Shanghai was first released in 1987 by Activision, Inc. for the Master System system. Developed by Activision, Inc., this game quickly became a fan favorite for its Puzzle and Strategy elements.
Game Features
- Authentic Master System experience directly in your browser
- Save and load your game progress at any time
- Full screen gameplay option for immersive experience
- Customizable keyboard controls
- Puzzle and Strategy gameplay that defined a generation
Shanghai Series
How to Play Shanghai in Your Browser
1. Click Play
Simply click the "Play Now" button at the top of this page to start the game immediately.
2. Use Controls
Use your keyboard to control the game. Check the keyboard configuration section below for details.
3. Save Progress
Use the save feature to preserve your progress at any point in the game.
Pro Tip
For the best experience playing Shanghai, use a desktop or laptop computer with a keyboard. Full-screen mode provides the most immersive gameplay.
Emulator Keyboard Configuration

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Last updated: 2025-03-14T08:17:42.722Z
This page is part of our effort to preserve classic video game history. Shanghai © 1987 Activision, Inc.. This online emulation is provided for historical preservation and educational purposes only.
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