Carl Lewis Athletics 2000 is a sports game that focuses on Decathlon and its ten disciplines: pole vault, long jump, shot put, discus throw, javelin throw, high jump, and running (100, 110 hurdles, 400, and 1500 metres). The controls follow the traditional mechanics: rhythmic button mashing, followed if necessary by pressing an action button. Besides the traditional championship mode, the player can also participate in the arcade mode where a certain performance must be met to qualify for the next event. Winning the Decathlon unlocks a special mode with three additional disciplines: hurdles (200 and 400 metres) and a 100 metres relay race.
Up to two players can participate simultaneously; some disciplines also offer a hot-seat option with only one cartridge. Best times and a ghost can be transferred via infrared, allowing for competitive racing against the player's own best efforts.