The GameShark for Nintendo 64 is an ultimate game enhancer designed to elevate the gaming experience by allowing users to add codes and enhancements to their N64 games. It offers a menu-driven interface, making it easy to navigate and select desired enhancements without needing to re-enter codes every time the console is turned on. A key feature is its built-in memory, which allows users to save codes permanently after entering them once.
Function Description:
The primary function of the GameShark is to provide players with an array of enhancements for their Nintendo 64 games. These enhancements can range from gaining infinite lives to modifying game parameters to suit specific preferences. The device operates by allowing users to select cheat codes from a pre-loaded list or to enter new codes manually. Once activated, these codes alter the game's behavior, offering new levels of fun and excitement.
Important Technical Specifications:
- Compatibility: Designed specifically for the Nintendo 64® game system.
- Memory: Features built-in memory for saving codes, eliminating the need for repeated entry.
- Interface: Completely menu-driven, ensuring ease of use.
- LED Display: Includes an LED display on the front of the unit that counts down from 5 to 0 to indicate readiness for use.
- Smart Card Port: Equipped with a unique Smart card reader/writer slot at the rear, supporting various Smart cards like Ram, Rom, and Flash Rom cards. This port is designed for future expansion, offering special game cheats and memory card support.
- Memory Card Manager: Allows viewing the contents of any memory card up to 1998 blocks in size, enabling loading, saving, and copying between memory cards. It also supports copying game saves from inside game cartridges onto memory cards.
Usage Features:
- Start-up: To begin, users must switch off their N64, plug the GameShark firmly into the cartridge port with its label facing forward, and then push the desired game cartridge firmly into the GameShark's socket, also with its label facing forward. Powering on the console initiates the GameShark, indicated by the LED countdown.
- Main Menu: The main menu offers three options: "Start Game," "Select Cheat Codes," and "Memory Card Manager." Navigation is done using the direction pad, and selection with the "A" button. The "B" button returns to the previous screen.
- Starting Games:
- "Start Game With Selected Codes": Launches the game with any enhancements chosen from the "Select Cheat Codes" menu.
- "Start Game Without Codes": Starts the game normally, without any enhancements.
- "Cancel - return to previous menu": Returns to the main menu.
- Selecting Cheat Codes: This option leads to an alphabetical list of supported games. After selecting a game, a list of available enhancements appears. Users can toggle enhancements on/off using the "A" button. Activated enhancements are highlighted in green. The "B" button returns to the previous menu, while the "start" button goes to the "Start Game Options" menu.
- Adding New Enhancements: Users can add new game names and their corresponding enhancement codes. This involves selecting "New Game" from the "Select Cheat Codes" menu, entering the game name using a text entry box (navigating with the direction pad and selecting letters with "A"), and then entering the "New Code Description" and the actual "Enhancement Code." The "L" trigger button functions as backspace, and "R" for space during code entry. The "C-upper" button toggles between upper and lower case characters for descriptions.
- Default Box: An option to set enhancements for a particular game to be always active (ON) or require manual activation each time (OFF).
- Keycodes: Some games require a "Keycode" for enhancements to work. If a game doesn't load with the GameShark present, a keycode is needed. Keycodes are provided via the GameShark website or Technical Support.
- Activating Keycodes: From the main menu, pressing "L" & "R" triggers accesses the keycode menu. Users select a keycode using the analog stick and "A" button. A warning is displayed, emphasizing that the game associated with the keycode must be available. If the game is not present, the GameShark will lock up until it is inserted. After activation, the system must be turned off, the "set-up cart" removed, and the keycode-requiring game inserted to play with enhancements. Keycodes are a "one-shot" operation, meaning they revert to factory settings after the system is turned off, requiring re-activation for subsequent play sessions.
- Getting New Codes: New codes can be obtained through "Dangerous Waters" (a members-only source), "Surfing With The Sharks" (www.gameshark.com), a dedicated "900 number" (1-900-773-SHARK (7427), $1.29/minute, 18+ or parental permission), and video game magazines.
Maintenance Features:
- Troubleshooting: For issues, users should first ensure the cartridge is properly plugged in and codes are entered correctly. If problems persist, Technical Support can be contacted at (410)238-1426 (note: this number is not for codes).
- Warranty: InterAct Accessories, Inc. provides a 90-day warranty from the date of purchase, covering defects in materials and/or workmanship. Defective units will be repaired or replaced at no charge. To claim warranty service, the GameShark must be sent pre-paid with a $5.00 check/money order for return postage and handling, along with proof of purchase, to InterAct Accessories, Inc., 9611 Pulaski Park Drive, Suite 309, Baltimore, MD 21220, ATTN: CONSUMER SERVICES. The warranty covers internal works and external housing but excludes normal wear and tear, abuse, or misuse.
- Customer Service Hotline: For questions, troubleshooting, or additional instructions, the GameShark customer service hotline is 410-238-1426.
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