Cheat cartridge

Cheat cartridge
Game Genie cartridge for the Mega Drive/Genesis.

A cheat cartridge is a device that connects to any sort of cartridge-based video game system. It allows a user to input special cheat codes to manipulate a game in a way not permitted by its original programming. Usually the effect is to gain infinite lives, ammunition, unlock secrets, or do things that would otherwise allow an unfair advantage (or disadvantage in some cases). Some games even have codes to activate unreleased levels, weapons, or items that may not have been available normally, and some even have codes to access debug menus used by programmers. Equivalent non-cartridge devices have been released and sold for modern game systems that use optical media instead of cartridges to store games.

Contents

Functions

A cheat cartridge's operation is simple. The device connects to the same port as normal game cartridges, thus allowing it to be plugged into the console's game slot. The game to be cheated is then attached to the device itself using another identical port.

When powered on, the console will run the software stored on the cheat device. This is usually a menu from which the correct game is selected, and various cheats toggled on or off. When the user is ready, the device then runs the actual game. However, the activated cheats modify values in the game's code as it passes through the device, producing the desired effects, such as infinite lives and ammunition.

Publisher Reaction

Publishers of some video game consoles, such as Nintendo actively attempted to thwart such devices, both through legal action and hardware or software alterations in the platform. Others were indifferent to the existence of such devices, or in the case of the Sega Genesis console, actually embraced their development.

Devices

Some popular commercial cheat devices:

See also


Wikimedia Foundation. 2010.

Игры ⚽ Поможем решить контрольную работу

Look at other dictionaries:

  • Cheat code — A Cheat code (also called debug code or backdoor) is a code that can be entered into a computer program to alter the run time behavior or configuration of that program. The code may consist of an alphanumeric string entered via a keyboard, a… …   Wikipedia

  • Retro Replay Cartridge — Das Retro Replay Cartridge ist ein Steckmodul für den Heimcomputer C64. Das Modul wird von der deutschen Firma Individual Computers aus Aachen vertrieben. Das Steckmodul ist eine Weiterentwicklung des „Action Replay“ Moduls für den C64, bietet… …   Deutsch Wikipedia

  • Nintendo DS storage devices — Main article: Nintendo DS accessories The internals of an Acekard 2.1 DS flashcart shown below to a quarter and Micro SD card. Nintendo DS storage devices are some of the devices used to store a licensed developer s work in progress images,… …   Wikipedia

  • Game-altering device — A cheat cartridge is a device that connects to any sort of cartridge based video game system. It allows a user to input special cheat codes to manipulate a game in a way not permitted by its original programming. Usually the effect is to gain… …   Wikipedia

  • Cheating in video games — Cheatcodes redirects here. For the gaming website, see CheatCodes.com. Cheating in video games involves a video game player using non standard methods for creating an advantage beyond normal gameplay, usually to make the game easier, or may also… …   Wikipedia

  • Konami Game Master — Infobox VG title = Game Master developer = Konami publisher = distributor = designer = engine = version = released = 1986 genre = Cheat device modes = Single player ratings = platforms = MSX media = Cartridge, # RC 735 requirements = input =… …   Wikipedia

  • Banjo-Kazooie (series) — Banjo Kazooie series The official logo of the series Developers Rare Platforms Nintendo …   Wikipedia

  • Super Nintendo Entertainment System — Super Nintendo Entertainment System …   Wikipedia

  • Equalizer (Datel) — The Equalizer is a game hacking, cheat cartridge by Datel that was released for the Nintendo 64. The Equalizer is a second generation version of the Pro Action Replay for the Nintendo 64, with a new name and new features. Its features were later… …   Wikipedia

  • Mace: The Dark Age — box cover Developer(s) Midway Games Publish …   Wikipedia

Share the article and excerpts

Direct link
Do a right-click on the link above
and select “Copy Link”