< Back to All Articles on Arcade Game Cheat Codes
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) revolutionized the world of gaming in the mid-1980s, bringing home console gaming into the mainstream. With its iconic games, the NES became a staple of every gaming household, but it also introduced something many gamers still fondly remember: cheat codes. These cheats often allowed players to bypass difficult sections, unlock secret content, or just have more fun with their favorite games. In this article, we’ll dive into some of the most memorable and classic NES cheats.
1. The Birth of Cheat Codes
Cheat codes on the NES began as a way for developers to test games more easily during the development process. Many of the early codes were simply meant to skip levels or give developers more control. However, as gamers began to discover these hidden tricks, cheat codes became a fun way to enhance gameplay and explore new elements within games.
2. The Konami Code: The Grandfather of Cheats
The Konami Code is arguably the most famous cheat code in gaming history. First appearing in Gradius (1985), it later found its way into a wide array of Konami games, including Contra (1987), where it became an iconic cheat. Entering the Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A) on the title screen granted players 30 extra lives, making a notoriously difficult game much more manageable.
3. The Contra 30 Lives Cheat
Speaking of Contra, the game’s cheat code is legendary for offering a vital advantage. As one of the hardest games of its time, Contra was incredibly difficult to complete without the help of this code. The 30 lives cheat made it possible to survive through waves of enemies and bosses, ensuring that players could progress through the game without constant restarts.
4. Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!: Secret Code for Tyson
In Mike Tyson’s Punch-Out!!, players battled their way through a roster of colorful boxers to reach the ultimate challenge: Mike Tyson himself. However, beating Tyson was no small feat. Entering a special code at the title screen would allow players to face off against the champion without going through the entire game. This code (Left, Right, Down, Up, Start) was a fun way for gamers to skip straight to the toughest fight in the game.
5. Super Mario Bros.: Warp Zones and Hidden Secrets
While not technically a cheat code, Super Mario Bros. had its own secrets hidden within the game. Players could find Warp Zones, which allowed them to skip entire worlds. These Warp Zones were cleverly hidden, often requiring precise jumping or the discovery of secret pipes. For example, in World 4-2, a well-placed block would reveal a Warp Zone that sent players directly to World 6.
6. The Legend of Zelda: Infinite Health
The Legend of Zelda introduced players to the vast world of Hyrule and its dangerous dungeons. While the game was not known for traditional cheat codes, there were ways to gain advantages. One trick was to perform the “infinite health” cheat. By entering the game’s second quest and using a combination of bombs and movement to manipulate the game’s mechanics, players could essentially make Link invincible to damage.
7. Metroid: The Power Suit Hack
In Metroid, Samus Aran’s journey to explore the planet Zebes was often hindered by a lack of upgrades and difficult enemies. However, savvy players discovered a cheat that allowed Samus to gain the Power Suit early in the game. This cheat would help players make their way through more difficult areas by giving them the advanced suit’s power-ups from the beginning of the game.
8. Castlevania: Level Skip Code
Castlevania (1986) became an NES classic due to its atmospheric horror and challenging gameplay. While the game’s difficulty was a big part of its appeal, it also made for frustrating moments. Thankfully, players could enter a cheat code to skip levels and avoid some of the most challenging stages. By pressing specific button combinations at the right time, players could bypass certain areas to get to the action faster.
9. Gradius: Infinite Lives
Gradius (1985), a space shooter, was notorious for its difficulty, especially for new players. One of the most well-known cheats in this game was the infinite lives code. Entering this cheat (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A) would grant players endless lives, making the game less about surviving and more about enjoying the chaos of space warfare.
10. Double Dragon: Infinite Continues
In Double Dragon (1987), a beat-‘em-up game where players fought to rescue a kidnapped girl, the game was tough, especially in its later stages. Luckily, players discovered a cheat that granted them infinite continues, which allowed them to keep playing even if they lost all their lives. This was particularly useful for those determined to beat the game without resorting to the frustration of starting over from the beginning.
11. Excitebike: Unlockable Tracks
Excitebike (1984) was a motocross racing game where players could race across various tracks. While there were no traditional cheats in this game, players could unlock new tracks by entering specific patterns during gameplay. These tracks would offer new challenges and obstacles, giving players more opportunities to improve their skills.
12. Ninja Gaiden: Stage Skip
Ninja Gaiden (1988) was another notoriously difficult game that was challenging for many players due to its precise platforming and complex combat mechanics. Entering a code would allow players to skip stages, a major help when they found themselves repeatedly dying on certain levels. This cheat allowed players to progress through the game without losing too much time or patience.
13. Duck Hunt: The Two-Player Trick
In Duck Hunt (1984), players would use the NES Zapper to shoot ducks flying across the screen. However, players discovered a trick to make the game easier by having a second player join in without a Zapper. By aiming the second controller at the screen, it would count as an additional shot, effectively allowing the first player to shoot ducks with more precision and success.
14. Super Mario Bros. 3: The White Toad House Trick
Super Mario Bros. 3 (1988) introduced a wide range of new power-ups and features. One trick that players loved to use involved finding secret white Toad Houses. These houses, when accessed correctly, would grant players extra lives, power-ups, or even an extra special item, like the Tanooki Suit. By knowing the right locations and performing a precise sequence of actions, players could stock up on these helpful tools.
15. Kirby’s Adventure: Infinite Health
Kirby’s Adventure (1993) featured the adorable pink puffball Kirby, who could copy the abilities of enemies. While the game wasn’t particularly known for being difficult, some players wanted an easy way to experience all of Kirby’s abilities without worrying about health. Entering the cheat code for infinite health allowed players to explore the game freely and experiment with all of Kirby’s unique abilities.
16. The Adventures of Link: Extra Lives
In The Adventures of Link (1987), the second entry in The Legend of Zelda series, players embarked on an RPG-style adventure. However, like many NES games, it was difficult to survive through the entire quest. Players discovered a cheat that would give them extra lives, helping them tackle the tougher dungeons and enemies. This cheat provided a much-needed advantage, making the game more accessible.
17. Punch-Out!!: Glass Joe’s Code
In the arcade version of Punch-Out!!, Glass Joe was the weakest boxer, but NES players found a cheat that allowed them to face Glass Joe again after losing to him. Entering a specific sequence at the title screen would allow players to rematch this surprisingly easy opponent, offering a fun way to practice their skills or gain extra points.
18. Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles: Infinite Health Cheat
In Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (1989), players took control of the four turtles as they fought to save the city. The game was often considered challenging, especially in later levels where players had to navigate complex mazes. A cheat code for infinite health allowed players to keep their turtles alive longer, making it easier to complete the game’s tougher sections.
19. Bionic Commando: Extra Lives and Continues
Bionic Commando (1988) was a unique action game where players used a bionic arm to swing across levels. The game could be difficult due to its lack of a jump button and tight controls. However, a cheat for extra lives and continues was discovered, helping players survive the tough challenges and enjoy more of the game.
20. Legacy of NES Cheats
Today, cheat codes on modern gaming consoles are still a big part of the gaming culture, but the NES codes will always hold a special place in gaming history. These cheats not only provided an easier way to enjoy games but also created a sense of camaraderie and discovery among gamers who exchanged codes and tips. The NES cheat codes were the foundation of a tradition that continues to influence gaming to this day.