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Here is a list of some well-known SNES cheat codes for popular games, many of which became staples in retro gaming culture:
1. Super Mario World
- 30 Extra Lives: On the title screen, hold L + R, then press A to start the game with 30 lives.
2. Super Metroid
- Infinite Health: At the title screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R, Start to enable infinite health for Samus.
- Unlock All Items: After starting a new game, pause and enter A, B, L, R for all items.
3. Contra III: The Alien Wars
- 30 Extra Lives: At the title screen, input Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start for 30 extra lives.
4. Street Fighter II
- Infinite Time: At the character selection screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R to have infinite time during a match.
- Unlock Hidden Fighters: At the character select screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, A + B simultaneously to unlock all hidden characters.
5. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past
- 99 Bombs: Hold L + R and press A + Start on the file select screen to start with 99 bombs.
- Activate Debug Mode: Hold L + R and press A, B, Start to activate the debug menu.
6. Super Punch-Out!!
- All Fighters: At the title screen, press Right, Left, Down, Up, L, R to unlock all fighters in the game.
7. Donkey Kong Country
- Level Select: At the title screen, press Left, Right, Down, Up, L, R, Start to enable the level select menu.
- Unlock All Stages: On the file select screen, input Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R to unlock all stages.
8. F-Zero
- Unlock All Cars: At the title screen, press Left, Right, Up, Down, L + R + Start to unlock all cars and vehicles in the game.
9. EarthBound
- Unlock All Weapons: In the game’s inventory screen, input Left, Right, Down, Up, B + A to unlock all weapons for your characters.
10. Super Mario Kart
- Unlock All Tracks: At the title screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R, A + Start to unlock all tracks.
11. Super Mario RPG: Legend of the Seven Stars
- Infinite HP: While in battle, hold L + R + X to activate infinite HP for all party members.
- Unlock All Spells: On the character stats screen, input L, R, X, A to unlock all magical abilities.
12. Yoshi’s Island
- All Levels Unlocked: On the title screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R to unlock all stages.
13. Super Castlevania IV
- Level Select: Pause the game and press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R to access the level select screen.
14. Kirby Super Star
- Unlock All Modes: At the title screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R, A + Start to unlock all modes for instant access.
15. Star Fox
- All Weapons and Shields: At the title screen, press A + B + Start to unlock all weapons and shields for Fox.
16. Chrono Trigger
- Unlock All Characters: On the file selection screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R, Start to unlock all playable characters.
17. Mega Man X
- Unlimited Lives: Hold L + R and press A at the title screen for infinite lives.
18. Final Fantasy III (VI)
- Unlock All Espers: On the save screen, press L, R, X, A to unlock all Espers in the game.
19. Tetris Attack
- Unlock All Stages: On the title screen, press Left, Right, Left, Right, A + Start to unlock all stages in the game.
20. Ninja Gaiden Trilogy
- Infinite Health: During gameplay, press L, R, A, B, Up + Down to activate infinite health for your ninja.
These are just a few of the famous SNES cheat codes that made games more fun and accessible, especially for players who wanted to explore more or face fewer obstacles. Cheat codes were a common part of retro gaming culture, offering secrets, easter eggs, and shortcuts that made the gaming experience unique and memorable. Many of these cheats are still cherished by retro gaming fans today as part of the legacy of the SNES era.