# cheat cartridge

> cartridge attached to a home computer or console allowing modification of the game code

**Wikidata**: [Q5088917](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q5088917)  
**Wikipedia**: [English](https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Cheat_cartridge)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cheat-cartridge

## Summary
A cheat cartridge is a hardware device, typically in the form of a cartridge, that attaches to a home computer or console. Its primary function is to allow users to modify the code of a video game, enabling various forms of cheating. This modification can alter gameplay, grant advantages, or unlock hidden features within a game.

## Key Facts
- A cheat cartridge is a hardware device designed to modify video game code.
- It functions as a cartridge attached to a home computer or console.
- It is classified as a type of cheating video game hardware.
- It is a subclass of a ROM cartridge.
- Notable brands related to cheat cartridges include Action Replay, GameShark, Game Genie, and Code Breaker.
- The cheat cartridge has Wikipedia entries in English, Galician, Portuguese, Chinese, and Cantonese.
- It has a sitelink count of 5 across various data sources.
- Its main category on Wikidata is Category:Cheat cartridges.

## FAQs
### Q: What is the primary function of a cheat cartridge?
A: The primary function of a cheat cartridge is to allow modification of a video game's code. This enables users to alter gameplay, gain advantages, or access hidden content within games on home computers or consoles.

### Q: What types of devices are considered cheat cartridges?
A: Cheat cartridges are hardware devices that typically connect to a home computer or console. They are classified as a type of cheating video game hardware and are a subclass of ROM cartridges.

### Q: Can you name some well-known brands of cheat cartridges?
A: Some well-known brands related to cheat cartridges include Action Replay, GameShark, Game Genie, and Code Breaker. These brands are recognized for producing devices that facilitate cheating in video games.

## Why It Matters
Cheat cartridges hold significant historical and cultural importance in video gaming, as they empowered players with unprecedented control over game mechanics. By allowing direct modification of game code, these devices enabled users to bypass intended challenges, unlock hidden content, and explore games in ways not envisioned by developers. This capability democratized game modification, making it accessible to players without programming expertise through a simple physical interface. The rise of cheat cartridges fostered a vibrant subculture of "cheating" and experimentation, which, in turn, influenced game design by prompting developers to implement anti-cheat measures and, ironically, sometimes integrate official cheat codes directly into their titles. Furthermore, the prevalence of these devices underscored a fundamental player desire for customization, mastery, and agency beyond the game's default offerings, sparking ongoing discussions about fair play, player freedom, and the evolving boundaries of gameplay. Their legacy is evident in the subsequent development of software-based cheat tools and the continuous dialogue surrounding game integrity in both single-player and multiplayer contexts.

## Notable For
- Being a physical hardware device that directly modifies game code on consoles and home computers, rather than relying solely on software.
- Its role as a precursor to many modern software-based game modification tools and trainers.
- Fostering a widespread culture of "cheating" in video games before the advent of widespread online multiplayer and sophisticated anti-cheat systems.
- Serving as the parent category for iconic brands like Game Genie and Action Replay, which became synonymous with video game cheats.
- Its classification as a subclass of ROM cartridge, defining its physical form factor and method of interaction with gaming systems.

## Body
### Definition and Functionality
A cheat cartridge is a specialized hardware device designed to be attached to a home computer or console. Its fundamental purpose is to enable the modification of a video game's underlying code during gameplay. This modification allows users to alter game parameters, gain advantages, or unlock content not typically accessible through normal play. The device functions by intercepting and altering data as it flows between the console/computer and the game's ROM.

### Classification and Relationships
The cheat cartridge is categorized as a type of cheating video game hardware. It is also identified as a subclass of a ROM cartridge, indicating its physical form factor and method of interfacing with gaming systems.
- **Parent/Class:**
    - cheating video game hardware
    - Multiface (a computer accessory)
- **Related Entities (Brands and Devices):**
    - Action Replay: A prominent brand of video game cheating devices.
    - GameShark: Another well-known brand of video game cheating devices.
    - Game Genie: A specific series of video cheat cartridges.
    - Code Breaker: A brand name associated with cheating devices.
    - Konami Game Master: A 1986 video game that is listed as related.
    - Razerpak: A controversial client-side cheat pack created for Quake, listed as related.

### Global Presence and Categorization
The concept of the cheat cartridge is recognized internationally, with Wikipedia entries available in multiple languages including English, Galician, Portuguese, Chinese, and Cantonese. On platforms like Wikidata, it is assigned to the main category "Category:Cheat cartridges." The entity has a sitelink count of 5, indicating its presence across various linked data sources.

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