InterAct Accessories GameShark Pro

The GameShark Pro is an advanced game enhancer designed for the Sony PlayStation™ game console, allowing users to modify gameplay and unlock new levels of fun and excitement. It enables the addition of codes and enhancements to PlayStation games that were previously thought impossible, such as gaining infinite lives and customizing game specifications.

The device operates through a completely menu-driven interface, eliminating the need for manual, letter-by-letter or number-by-number code entry each time the console is powered on. Users simply highlight the desired enhancement from the menu and begin playing. The GameShark Pro is designed to be more technologically advanced than other game enhancers, aiming to elevate gameplay by providing access to powerful codes and offering tools for users to create their own.

A key component of the GameShark Pro is the GameShark (GS) Button. This button is used to activate specific GameShark codes and to access the Code Generator, which is a feature for creating custom codes. If a code requires the GS button for activation, this will be noted in its description.

To assist users in mastering code creation, the GameShark Pro comes with a 5-minute video titled "How to Hack Like A Pro." This video demonstrates how to use the Code Generator to search for and create GameShark codes, aiming to transform users into proficient code hackers.

For initial setup, the PlayStation console must be turned off. The GameShark Pro is then plugged into the expansion port located at the back of the PlayStation, which may be covered by a small plastic panel that needs to be removed. It's crucial to ensure the GameShark Pro is firmly in place with its label facing the front of the PlayStation. A game controller is inserted into Controller Port #1, and the game CD is placed into the console before turning the PlayStation ON. A critical safety note emphasizes that the GameShark Pro should never be plugged into the PlayStation while the power is on, as this could damage either or both devices.

The Main Menu of the GameShark Pro offers five primary options: "Start Game," "Select Cheat Codes," "V-Mem," "Explorer," and "Options." Users navigate these options using the directional pad (D-Pad) and select them with the X button.

The "Start Game" option leads to the Start Game Options menu, presenting three choices: "Start Game With Selected Codes," "Start Game Without Codes," and "Cancel." "Start Game With Selected Codes" initiates the game with enhancements chosen from the Select Cheat Codes menu, appearing only after codes have been activated for a game. "Start Game Without Codes" allows playing the game normally, without any enhancements. "Cancel" returns to the Main Menu. A shortcut allows users to bypass the GameShark Pro and go directly into a game by powering up the PlayStation while pressing the GS button, releasing it once the GameShark Pro's opening screen appears.

The "Select Cheat Codes" option provides access to a built-in, alphabetically organized list of supported PlayStation titles. Users highlight a game with the D-Pad and select it with the X button. The O button returns to the previous menu, while L1 and R1 scroll the list up and down. The bottom of this screen displays the highlighted game, the number of active enhancement codes for that game, and the percentage of available storage space in the GameShark Pro's memory for codes.

Upon selecting a game, a comprehensive list of enhancement codes appears. These descriptions represent individual codes. Users highlight a code with the D-Pad, and the X button toggles it on or off. Almost any combination of enhancements can be activated, with active codes highlighted in yellow. To delete a code, the Triangle button is pressed. Once code selection is complete, the O button returns to the previous menu, or the Start button goes to the Start Game menu.

Some games require an access code labeled (M), which "ALWAYS MUST BE ON." These codes are highlighted in green and are essential for the GameShark Pro to load the game correctly. Future titles may also require such access codes, which will be provided with the game's codes.

New enhancement codes for newly released games can be found through several channels: the Official GameShark World Wide Web page (www.gameshark.com), various videogame magazines, the Official GameShark Newsletter Dangerous Waters, and the Official Code Hotline (1-900-773-SHARK, costing $1.29 per minute, requiring callers to be over 18 or have parental permission).

Adding new games to the GameShark Pro involves first adding the game's title if it's not already in the built-in list. This is done by going to the Select Cheat Codes menu, pressing the Select button, and highlighting "Add New Game." Alternatively, "New Game" can be selected from the top of the list. The New Game Edit screen then appears, offering options to "Edit Name," "Detect Game CD," "Exit and Save," and "Exit and Discard." "Edit Name" allows users to spell out the game's title using a box filled with letters, numbers, and symbols, navigating with the D-Pad and selecting characters with the X button. The Select button toggles between upper and lower case, Square backspaces, and Triangle deletes the entire name. "Detect Game CD" attempts to find the game's name from the CD. "Exit and Save" saves the new title, and "Exit and Discard" deletes it. Once a game title is added, users can then add codes to it.

Deleting games from the GameShark Pro is straightforward: highlight the game title in the Select Cheat Codes menu, press the Triangle button, and choose "Delete." To cancel, highlight "cancel."

Adding new codes to the GameShark Pro involves highlighting "New Code" in the Select Cheat Codes menu, which leads to the New Code Description screen. Here, users provide a description for their new enhancement codes, such as "Infinite Lives." After entering the description and pressing the O button, the Code Entry box (left, with dots) and Options box (right) appear. The D-Pad navigates between them, with a yellow border indicating the active box.

Selecting the Code Entry box with the X button allows users to input their new code(s). A small text entry box facilitates choosing letters and numbers for the cheat code. Most codes are a single line of 12 numbers and letters, but some can be longer. The D-Pad highlights characters, and the X button selects them. If a mistake is made, L1 or R1 moves the cursor to re-enter a character. After entering the code, pressing the O button returns to the Options menu.

The Options menu for codes includes "Default On," which keeps a code active at all times, toggled with the X button. "Exit and Save" saves the code to the specific game and returns to the Select Cheat Codes menu. "Exit and Discard" deletes the entered code and returns to the Select Cheat Codes menu. Once codes are entered and saved, they can be used, provided they are activated if not set to "Default On." Additional codes can be added by selecting the game, highlighting "New Code," and following the entry steps. Each code should have one description, and multiple codes should not be grouped under a single description.

Deleting a code involves highlighting its description and pressing the Triangle button, then confirming "Delete."

The GameShark Pro also allows saving codes to a PlayStation memory card. This enables sharing codes with friends or transferring them via InterAct's DexDrive for e-mail or internet posting. To save codes: insert a memory card into slot #1, highlight "Select Cheat Codes" from the Main Menu, select the desired game, press the Select button to display the Options menu, and then highlight "Save Codes To Memory Card." Only one set of codes can be stored on a memory card at a time; saving new codes will overwrite existing ones. GameShark Pro code saves are identifiable by a solid blue save icon labeled "CODES" followed by the game's name.

Loading codes from a memory card is also supported. This feature automatically adds the game title and codes to the GameShark Pro, even if the game isn't in the built-in list. To load codes: insert the memory card into slot #1, highlight "Select Cheat Codes," press the X button, in the Select Game menu, press the Select button for Options, highlight "Load Codes From Memory Card," and press the X button. The Save/Load screen will confirm if codes are found. Highlight "Add Codes" to transfer them. Note that only PlayStation game codes can be loaded into a PSX GameShark Pro, and not into GameShark versions lower than 3.0.

V-MEM™ (Virtual Memory Cards) is a feature that allows the GameShark Pro to store up to 8 standard PlayStation memory cards' worth of saves in its internal memory. This eliminates the need for physical memory cards and enables transfer of game saves between V-Mem and standard PlayStation memory cards. V-Mem uses special compression techniques, though its overall capacity might be reduced for games that already compress save data.

To use V-Mem, select it from the Main Menu. A message will guide navigation between V-Mem, the GameShark Pro, and the PlayStation's Memory Manager menu. Pressing Start returns to the GameShark Pro. The V-Mem Interface screen displays a virtual PlayStation with one memory card port and 8 virtual memory cards at the bottom, numbered 1 to 8. Users scroll with the D-Pad to view cards. Green cards are empty, while red cards contain save data. Selecting a card with the X button makes it active. A bar on the left shows available V-Mem storage space, and a colorful Status Bar on the right indicates data processing time. The V-Mem card in the left virtual port is the active one; the right port cannot be used. The Triangle button activates or disables the V-Mem memory card port, indicated by a number appearing on the card when active.

Saving a game on V-Mem cards is done by simply saving the game as usual, as if using a standard memory card. The game will be stored on the previously chosen virtual memory card. To start a game within the V-Mem Interface, press the Start button, which returns to the GameShark Pro Main Menu, from where the game can be loaded.

Viewing game saves on any V-Mem card is accomplished by scrolling to the desired card and pressing the O button. Game save icons for all PlayStation titles on that card will be displayed. This feature works only on red V-Mem cards; green cards have no save data.

Copying game saves requires using the Memory Manager Menu of the PlayStation console. From the V-Mem Interface screen, press the Select button, open the PlayStation CD lid, and press the X button to access the Memory Manager Menu. To copy saves between a V-Mem card and a standard memory card: select the desired virtual memory card, insert a standard memory card into memory card port #2, open the CD lid, press the SELECT button to go to the PlayStation Memory Manager Menu, and follow on-screen instructions.

The Explorer CD System is another feature, designed for viewing graphics files and listening to sound files stored on game CDs. It also allows upgrading the GameShark Pro with special enhancement CDs. The Explorer menu has five items: "View Video Image," "View CD Image," "Play CD Music," "Use Enhancement CD," and "Exit." Options are highlighted with the D-Pad and selected with the X button. The O button returns to the Explorer menu.

"View Video Image" displays images stored in the PlayStation's VRAM since the last reset. The Square button toggles between 24-bit and 16-bit mode, and L1/R1 change screen resolution. The X button returns to the Explorer menu. "View CD Image" searches for and displays images stored on the game CD. If found, a list of filenames appears. Selecting an image with X displays it. Square toggles between 24-bit and 16-bit, L1/R1 change resolution, and the D-Pad moves the image. The O button returns to the Explorer menu. "Play CD Music" plays music tracks from PlayStation game CDs or normal audio CDs. The D-Pad highlights CD Player buttons, and X activates them. "Use Enhancement CD" is for upgrading the GameShark Pro with special CDs, with instructions available on the GameShark website. Note that GameShark Pro versions 2.0x to 2.9x will not read Enhancement CDs; specially marked CDs will be released. Pressing O returns to the Explorer Menu. "Exit" returns to the Main Menu.

The "Options" menu from the Main Menu allows for various tasks: "Change Background" lets users select different background settings and patterns using the D-Pad and X button. "Scroll Background On/Off" toggles background scrolling. "Menu Scrolling On" toggles menu scrolling or flashing. "Sound Enabled/Disabled" toggles sound. "Exit" exits the menu.

The In-Game Menu is a new feature accessible by pressing the GS button during gameplay. It provides options to toggle active codes on/off and to find new codes using the Code Generator. Options include: "Codes are ON" (toggles active codes), "Code Generator" (accesses the Code Generator menu), "Memory Editor" (views game programming), and "Return Resolution" (changes screen resolution if graphics are corrupted, toggling between normal and high resolution with X). Both the START button and the GameShark Pro button can return the user to the game from the In-Game Menu. While generally compatible, some hi-res games like Tekken 3™ may require user input.

The Code Generator is a built-in software for independent code hacking, allowing users to find codes for infinite lives, weapons, and secrets. This feature is advanced and complex. A "How to Hack Like A Pro" video demonstrates its use. InterAct's Consumer Services Department does not answer questions about hacking with the Code Generator due to its complexity, but users are encouraged to try and use the GameShark website's discussion board for support. A general knowledge of programming code is recommended but not required, and practice is essential.

To use the Code Generator, press the GS button during a game, highlight "Code Generator," and press X. Options include: "Return To Game," "Exit To Main Menu," "Known Value Search," and "Unknown Value Search." "Known Value Search" finds addresses with specific values (e.g., scores, money). "Unknown Value Search" (for advanced hackers) locates addresses without specific values (e.g., health meters). If the game crashes, press the PlayStation's RESET button and restart.

For a Known Value Search: In the Main Menu, highlight "Start Game," press X. Decide on a variable (e.g., Infinite Ammo in Syphon Filter, starting with 15 bullets). Once in-game, press the GS button, highlight "Code Generator," then "Known Value Search," and "Equal To." Enter the initial value (15), press X. An orange status bar shows "Possibilities Remain." Return to game with Start. Shoot a bullet (14 left). Press GS, highlight "Equal To," enter 14, press X. Repeat until possibilities are manageable (10 or less). Highlight "View Search Results," press X to see possible codes. In the menu, the right box lists codes. Use D-Pad to highlight, X to copy to "Active Codes" (left box). Press Start to return to game. Test codes one at a time. If the variable remains constant (e.g., bullets don't decrease), it's the correct code. If incorrect, go back to "View Search Results," highlight the wrong code, press Triangle to remove it. Highlight the next code, press X to copy, and test.

Editing an active code allows changing its value (e.g., 15 bullets to 99). Select "View Search Results," highlight the active code, press Square. The Edit Value menu appears. Use D-Pad to select and change a number, X to select, O to exit. Press Start to return to game. This procedure also applies to codes found via Unknown Value Search.

To copy active codes to the GameShark Pro: Press Reset on PlayStation. Highlight "Select Cheat Codes." Select a game or create a New Game and enter description. When ready to add code, a menu with Active Codes appears. Press R2 to access Active Codes, use D-Pad to highlight, X to copy.

Tips for Known Value Search: If an error is suspected, "Reset Code Generator." If possibilities are less than 10, "View Search Results" can be used.

Unknown Value Search is for variables without known numeric values (e.g., health meters). Highlight "Unknown Value Search" in Code Generator, press X. The menu has: "Return To Game," "Exit To Main Menu," "Reset Code Generator," and "Start." "Change Search Area" (now 1) divides PlayStation memory into 9 areas for hacking.

To perform an Unknown Value Search: In Main Menu, highlight "Start Game," press X. Decide on an unknown value (e.g., Infinite Health for Player #1 in Mortal Kombat Trilogy). Press GS, highlight "Code Generator," then "Unknown Value Search." Select a memory area (e.g., area Four for SoulBlade health code), highlight "Start," press X. An orange status bar indicates search start. Return to game with Start. Lose some health, press GS. Options now include: "Greater Than Last," "Less Than Last," "Different To Last," and "Equal to Last." Highlight "Less Than Last," press X. Orange status bar indicates search. If possibilities are too high, return to game. Lose more health, press GS. Repeat until possibilities are manageable (10 or less). "View Search Results" displays codes. Copy to "Active Codes" and test one by one. If the variable doesn't decrease, it's the correct code. If incorrect, remove and test the next. If character dies and health increases, use "GREATER THAN LAST." If health is full at start of round, use "Equal To Last."

Memory Editor allows viewing game programming. Left side shows programming, right side shows corresponding text. R2 toggles cursor. D-Pad scrolls. L1/R1 page up/down. Triangle increases character, X decreases. O exits. Using a known code's address can uncover new codes by altering nearby addresses, but this relies on luck.

Advanced Features in Memory Editor (accessed by pressing Select): "Go to Address" allows inputting a specific memory address to view. "Text Search" searches for programmer's cheats, passwords, or text clues. D-Pad inputs text, X confirms. If text is not found, "String Not Found, Press X" appears. Most cheats are stored in the same area, so finding one can lead to others. "Back To Editor" returns to Memory Editor. "Return To Game" exits In-Game Menu.

For advanced code creation, GameShark Pro can connect to a PC via a standard printer lead (25 Pin Male to 25 Pin Female Connectors). SharkLink Software, downloadable from www.gameshark.com, enables PC-based code generation.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) are available on www.gameshark.com. The GameShark Pro uses hexadecimal (hex) numbering (0-f, where a=10, f=15). A code's first eight digits are the RAM address, and the last four are the value (0000 to ffff). A 'Known Value Search' is for identifiable numeric values (scores, lives), while an 'Unknown Value Search' is for values without numeric representation (health meters). Hacking tips include ensuring "Codes Are ON" in the In Game Menu and avoiding zero-value searches for known values.

Troubleshooting: Ensure the cartridge is properly plugged in and codes are entered correctly. Some games require "ALWAYS MUST BE ON" access codes, highlighted in green. If problems persist, contact InterAct Technical Support at (410) 785-4064 or support@gameshark.com, or visit www.gameshark.com. Do not call for codes. If graphics are corrupted in-game, switch to "High Resolution" in the In-Game Menu after resetting the PlayStation. Hacking requires patience and practice.

Warranty Information: InterAct Accessories, Inc. warrants the GameShark Pro for 90 days from purchase against defects in materials/workmanship. Defective units will be repaired or replaced. To obtain service, send the GameShark Pro, postage pre-paid, with a $5.00 check/money order for return postage/handling, and proof of purchase to: InterAct Accessories, Inc., ATTN: CONSUMER SERVICE, 10999 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, MD 21031. The warranty covers internal works and external housing, not normal wear, abuse, or misuse. InterAct is not liable for incidental/consequential damages, and implied warranty is limited to the warranty duration. Customer service hotline for questions/troubleshooting: 410-785-4064.

InterAct Accessories, Inc. (10999 McCormick Road, Hunt Valley, Maryland, 21031) holds copyrights and trademarks for InterAct and GameShark Pro. GameShark codes are ©1996-1999 InterAct Accessories, Inc. PlayStation and Gran Turismo are Sony Computer Entertainment Inc. trademarks. SoulBlade and Namco are Namco LTD. trademarks. March Madness is an Electronic Arts trademark.

InterAct Accessories GameShark Pro Specifications

General

Type	Cheat Device
Platform	PlayStation
Manufacturer	InterAct Accessories
Compatibility	PlayStation
Function	Enables cheat codes and game modifications
Features	code entry

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10 pages

InterAct Accessories GameShark Pro - User Manual

Table of Contents

Summary

Introduction and Setup

Product Description

Start-Up Instructions

Main Menu and Game Launch

Main Menu Navigation

Start Game Options

Cheat Code Management

Select Cheat Codes

Finding New Enhancement Codes

Adding New Games

Game and Code Management

New Game Edit Options

Deleting Games

Adding and Entering Codes

Adding New Codes

Entering Codes

Code Options and Memory Card Saving

Code Entry Options

Saving Codes to Memory Card

Memory Card Operations

Loading Codes from Memory Card

Virtual Memory Cards (V-Mem)

Using V-Mem

Saving Games to V-Mem

Explorer CD System

V-Mem and Save Management

Explorer System Introduction

Explorer System Features

Explorer Menu Options

Options Menu

System Options and In-Game Menu

Customization Options

In-Game Menu Functions

Code Generator Introduction

Using the Code Generator

Code Generator Operations

Code Generator Menu Options

Known Value Search

Performing a Known Value Search

Search Initiation

Finding and Viewing Code Values

Code Editing and Transfer

Editing Active Codes

Copying Codes to GameShark Pro

Unknown Value Search

Known Value Search Tips

Unknown Value Search Commands

Performing an Unknown Value Search

Changing Search Area

Unknown Search Initiation

Unknown Value Search Refinement

Value Comparison Options

Viewing Search Results

Advanced Hacking Utilities

Unknown Value Search Tips

Memory Editor Functionality

Memory Editor and PC Connection

Memory Editor Advanced Options

PC Hacking Setup

Frequently Asked Questions

Hexadecimal and Code Meaning

Known vs. Unknown Value Search

Known Value Search Guide

Code Testing and Memory Mapping

Testing Found Codes

Memory Area Definitions

Unknown Value Search Guide

Unknown Value Search Example

Code Logic and Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting and Settings

Resolution Settings

General Troubleshooting

Warranty and Support

Warranty Information

Overview

InterAct Accessories GameShark Pro Specifications

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