Because the inner workings of a game console are ruled by bits and bytes, the relatively simple ability to rewrite data passing from the cartridge to the console was all that was needed for the Game Genie to pull off some incredibly neat tricks.

So, how did Game Genies grant their game wishes? Game Genies-there were versions available for the NES, the Super NES, and the Game Boy, as well as the Sega Genesis and the Game Gear-worked by intercepting communications between the console and game cartridge. Each password would affect your game in a different way, and no two games used the same passwords. Instead of the game starting up as usual, you’d be greeted with a mysterious screen that prompted you enter nonsensical passwords 1.

Then, usually with some degree of difficulty (because it was a rather tight fit), you’d wedge the combination Game Genie and game into your console and power the console on. First, you’d plug one of your game cartridges into the Game Genie. This clever gadget sat between the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and standard game cartridges and gave gamers the ability to tweak difficulty levels, jump ahead in a game, or just have fun messing around with things.įor 90s kids, the Game Genie was effectively magic. The Game Genie was probably the first video game cheat device that your average home console gamer ever encountered. This is part one of a four part series on the wonders of video game cartridges. Let’s take a look back at three of these quirky middlemen to see why the creators of lock-on cartridges bothered with an extra cartridge slot in the first place, how these cartridges took advantage of the games that were plugged into them, and just what each lock-on cartridge’s unique design had to offer gamers. Less known are the cartridges that were not quite so simple, including a subset that were designed to have other cartridges plugged into them. Nearly all video gamers of a certain age are familiar with game cartridges and how to use them: plug a cartridge into your console, turn the console on, and start playing. Lock ‘n roll: a tale of three cartridges - ideas & ramblings ideas & ramblings Lock ‘n roll: a tale of three cartridges

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