Print pygame.version.ver to see the Pygame release your program imported. For a useful diagnosis when that result is unexpected, also print Python’s executable path and the location of the imported Pygame package. SDL has its own version number, so check it separately rather than treating it as the Pygame release.
Check the Pygame version and where it was imported from
Run this in the same program whose environment you want to diagnose:
As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
import sys
import pygame
print("Python executable:", sys.executable)
print("Pygame imported from:", pygame.__file__)
print("Pygame version:", pygame.version.ver)
print("Pygame comparable version:", pygame.version.vernum)pygame.version is automatically imported with the Pygame package. Its ver attribute is the release string; vernum is an integer tuple intended for version comparisons. The official Pygame reference documents both attributes.
The executable and package paths add context: compare them with the Python environment where you installed Pygame. If an editor, notebook, terminal, or launcher runs a different Python executable, it may import a different installation. These paths are diagnostic clues, not proof by themselves that a particular tool is misconfigured.
#1 Best Overall
Compare versions without string-ordering mistakes
Use vernum for a minimum-version check instead of comparing release strings lexicographically. For example:
if pygame.version.vernum >= (2, 2, 0):
print("This Pygame version supports the linked SDL argument")Pygame’s reference demonstrates comparing vernum with a tuple threshold. The tuple components represent version numbers, avoiding string-ordering problems such as treating a release beginning with “10” as earlier than one beginning with “2.”
Check SDL separately from Pygame
Pygame’s release number and SDL’s version describe different things. To inspect both SDL readings, use:
print("SDL linked version:", pygame.get_sdl_version())
print("SDL compiled-against version:", pygame.get_sdl_version(linked=False))With no argument, pygame.get_sdl_version() reports the SDL library linked to Pygame. Passing linked=False reports the SDL version Pygame was compiled against. Both results are three-component SDL version values, not Pygame package versions.
The linked argument was added in Pygame 2.2.0. If your code may run on an older Pygame release, do not assume that calling get_sdl_version(linked=False) will be supported.
If a Pygame module is missing or fails to initialize
A successful import pygame does not guarantee that every optional Pygame submodule is available. The reference notes that unavailable optional modules may be represented by placeholders. Check the specific module you need rather than treating the top-level import as a complete availability test.
You can also inspect initialization results:
import pygame
successful, failed = pygame.init()
print("Modules initialized:", successful)
print("Modules that failed:", failed)pygame.init() returns a pair of counts: successful and failed module initializations. Individual modules can also be initialized separately, which can help narrow down a problem to the subsystem your program uses. Consult the Pygame reference for the documented initialization and optional-module behavior.
What’s actually slowing this PC down?
Pick the symptom - the matching free tool is one click away.
What to include when asking for help
Share a compact diagnostic report from the process that has the problem. Include the Python executable, imported Pygame path, Pygame release string and comparable tuple. If SDL compatibility is relevant, include both SDL readings and label them as linked or compiled-against. That information helps distinguish a version mismatch from a missing optional module or an initialization failure.
A version value identifies what the running process reports; it does not establish that the release is the newest available. The cited Pygame reference page is labeled v2.6.0, and its version label alone is not evidence of the current latest release.
Quick Recap
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
