# cheating video game hardware
**Wikidata**: [Q100151136](https://www.wikidata.org/wiki/Q100151136)  
**Source**: https://4ort.xyz/entity/cheating-video-game-hardware

## Summary
Cheating video game hardware is a specific class of computer hardware and cheat mechanism comprising physical components used to modify video game behavior. It is distinct from software-based cheats, typically functioning by attaching to a home computer or console to directly alter the game code.

## Key Facts
*   **Class:** Classified as a subclass of both **computer hardware** and **cheat**.
*   **Definition:** Consists of physical components of a computer system utilized for cheating purposes.
*   **Alias:** Also referred to as **cheating hardware**.
*   **Specific Type:** Includes the **cheat cartridge**, a device defined as a cartridge attached to a home computer or console that allows for the modification of game code.
*   **Wikipedia Presence:** Maintains a low visibility on Wikipedia with a sitelink count of 1 (compared to 127 for general computer hardware and 5 for cheat cartridges).
*   **Commons Repository:** Media files related to this topic are categorized under **Cheating hardware** on Wikimedia Commons.

## FAQs
### Q: How is cheating video game hardware different from cheating software?
A: Cheating video game hardware is a physical component (computer hardware) rather than a digital program. While software cheats exist as code, hardware cheats are physical devices, such as cartridges, that attach directly to a console or computer.

### Q: What is a primary example of cheating video game hardware?
A: The most prominent example cited in this class is the **cheat cartridge**. This is a physical cartridge unit that connects to a home computer or console to enable the modification of the game code.

### Q: Is cheating video game hardware considered a computer peripheral?
A: Yes, it is classified strictly as **computer hardware**, meaning it consists of the physical components or devices attached to a computer or console system.

## Why It Matters
Cheating video game hardware represents a tangible intersection between physical computing architecture and gameplay modification. Unlike purely software-based exploits, which rely on programming vulnerabilities, hardware cheating involves the manufacture and distribution of physical devices that interface directly with a console or computer. This distinction is significant in the history of gaming technology, as it highlights the lengths to which users went to alter game difficulty or access hidden features before digital distribution and patching became standard. By existing as a physical subclass of "cheat," these devices—such as cheat cartridges—demonstrate a unique method of code manipulation that occurs outside the standard software environment of the game itself. This category serves as a record of the hardware-based methods used to customize or break the intended constraints of video game systems.

## Notable For
*   **Physical Code Modification:** It is distinguished by its ability to modify game code through physical hardware attachments rather than internal software programming.
*   **Hybrid Classification:** It is uniquely classified as a subclass of both "cheat" (a general concept) and "computer hardware" (a physical entity).
*   **Cheat Cartridge Relation:** It serves as the parent class or category for the specific "cheat cartridge" entity, which has a higher sitelink prevalence (5) than the general hardware category (1).
*   **Commons Categorization:** It is a recognized category on Wikimedia Commons specifically for "Cheating hardware."

## Body
### Classification and Hierarchy
Cheating video game hardware functions as a bridge category between general computer components and specific game modification tools. It is formally categorized as a **subclass of** both **computer hardware** and **cheat**.
*   **Computer Hardware:** It shares this classification with any physical part of a computer system (sitelink_count: 127).
*   **Cheat:** It shares this classification with tools like "cheat sheet" software (sitelink_count: unlisted for specific entity) and cheat cartridges.

### Functionality and Usage
The primary function of this hardware is to alter the gaming experience via external physical intervention.
*   **Mechanism:** The hardware typically attaches to a home computer or console.
*   **Operation:** Once attached, the device allows for the **modification of the game code**. This allows users to manipulate game variables that are normally locked or inaccessible through standard gameplay.

### Specific Hardware Types
While the category is broad, the "cheat cartridge" is the most explicitly defined entity within this class in the provided knowledge base.
*   **Cheat Cartridge:** A specific type of cheating hardware defined as a cartridge attached to a home computer or console. It possesses a slightly higher distinct visibility (sitelink_count: 5) than the general cheating hardware category (sitelink_count: 1).