< Back to All Articles on Arcade Game Cheat Codes
The Super Nintendo Entertainment System (SNES), released in 1991, quickly became one of the most beloved consoles of the 16-bit era. Known for its iconic library of games and classic franchises, the SNES also became famous for its use of cheat codes, which allowed players to unlock new features, access hidden content, and make their gaming experience more enjoyable. Many of these cheats became staples of retro gaming culture, offering players the chance to break through difficult levels, gain infinite lives, or even discover hidden easter eggs within their favorite games. Here’s a look at some of the most popular and memorable cheats for the SNES.
1. Super Mario World – Extra Lives (30 Lives)
One of the most famous cheat codes in SNES history came from Super Mario World, one of the console’s flagship titles. Players could unlock a hefty amount of extra lives by using a simple trick. At the title screen, hold L + R, then press A to begin the game with 30 lives. This cheat helped players progress further in the game, especially when facing tough levels like Bowser’s Castle. This was a lifesaver for many players who were eager to explore every corner of Dinosaur Land without fear of running out of lives.
2. Street Fighter II – Infinite Time
Street Fighter II is one of the most iconic fighting games of all time, and it offered some clever cheats for players who wanted to improve their experience. The most notable cheat in Street Fighter II was the ability to get infinite time during a match. To activate this, simply press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R while on the character selection screen. This allowed players to fight without the pressure of time running out, making it ideal for those who wanted to practice or extend their matches.
3. The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past – 99 Bombs
In The Legend of Zelda: A Link to the Past, bombs are a crucial item used to uncover hidden paths, defeat enemies, and solve puzzles. To make things easier, players could activate a cheat to unlock 99 bombs, which gave them unlimited access to one of the game’s most valuable items. To trigger this cheat, hold L + R and press A + Start while on the game’s file select screen. This made adventuring through Hyrule much more manageable, especially when facing tricky dungeons or bosses.
4. Contra III: The Alien Wars – 30 Extra Lives
Contra III: The Alien Wars was known for its brutal difficulty, making it one of the most challenging games of the SNES era. To help players survive the alien onslaught, a cheat code that granted 30 extra lives was essential. To activate this cheat, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start at the title screen. With this cheat, players had a much better chance of making it through the game’s tough stages and overcoming its fierce bosses, providing a better experience for fans of the Contra series.
5. Super Metroid – Infinite Health
Super Metroid remains one of the most celebrated games in the action-adventure genre, but its exploration-heavy gameplay and difficult enemies often proved to be a challenge. For those who wanted to focus on the story and exploration rather than the combat, a cheat that granted infinite health was a welcome addition. To enable infinite health, players needed to enter a specific sequence at the game’s title screen: Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R, Start. This allowed players to explore the planet Zebes without fear of death, making it easier to uncover all of the game’s hidden secrets.
6. Super Mario Kart – Unlock All Tracks
Super Mario Kart introduced the world to the beloved kart racing series, and it also included a cheat code that unlocked all of the tracks in the game. To access every race track without having to complete the game, players could enter a special cheat. At the title screen, press Up, Down, Left, Right, L, R, A + Start. This cheat was especially useful for players who wanted to explore the game’s full range of challenging tracks without the time commitment of unlocking them through normal gameplay.
7. EarthBound – Unlock All Weapons
EarthBound is one of the most quirky and beloved RPGs of its time, and it had a hidden cheat to unlock all weapons for your party. This cheat was a fun way to make the game easier or experiment with different combat strategies. To access this cheat, players would need to input a special code in the inventory screen. This cheat gave players access to every weapon, item, and other equipment in the game, allowing them to test out powerful combinations against the game’s bizarre enemies.
8. Super Punch-Out!! – All Fighters
In Super Punch-Out!!, players control Little Mac as he punches his way through a series of tough opponents. If players wanted to skip the grind and face the entire roster of fighters without working their way through each bout, there was a cheat to unlock all the opponents. To activate it, press Right, Left, Down, Up, L, R at the title screen. This cheat allowed players to fight any opponent in the game, which was perfect for those looking for a quick challenge or simply wanting to see all of the unique characters in action.
9. Donkey Kong Country – Level Select
In Donkey Kong Country, players navigate through various jungle environments as Donkey Kong and Diddy Kong. One of the most useful cheats in the game was the level select cheat, which allowed players to jump directly to any level they wanted without needing to progress through the entire game. To access this, enter the following code at the title screen: Left, Right, Down, Up, L, R, Start. This cheat was a fantastic way for players to revisit their favorite levels or experience the game’s many stages without having to repeat sections they had already completed.
10. F-Zero – Unlock All Cars
F-Zero was a fast-paced racing game set in a futuristic world, and it featured a variety of vehicles, each with unique attributes. To unlock all the cars and race with every available vehicle, players could input the following cheat code on the title screen: Left, Right, Up, Down, L + R + Start. This cheat provided players with a wealth of vehicles to choose from, adding variety and excitement to the game’s races.
Conclusion
The SNES was home to a wide array of memorable cheat codes that added new layers of fun and excitement to classic games. Whether it was unlocking extra lives in Super Mario World, gaining infinite health in Super Metroid, or accessing hidden tracks in Super Mario Kart, these cheats gave players the ability to experience their favorite games in new and exciting ways. They not only enhanced gameplay but also allowed fans to explore every corner of the SNES library without frustration, contributing to the lasting legacy of one of the greatest consoles in gaming history.