‹ ›

The Adventure of Link: Game Genie Codes

What Was the Game Genie for NES?

The Game Genie for NES

The Game Genie cheat device for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES).

A precursor to later devices like the GameShark, the Game Genie was a highly popular hardware add-on for the Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) and other consoles of its era. Developed by Codemasters and distributed by Galoob, it functioned as a pass-through device: the Game Genie plugged into the NES, and the game cartridge plugged into the Game Genie.

Upon starting the console, the Game Genie presented a menu screen where players could enter specific 6 or 8-letter alphanumeric codes. These codes altered the game’s programming in real-time, allowing for various cheats and modifications. Common uses included infinite lives or energy, starting with powerful equipment, level skipping, or altering game physics for fun and experimentation.

This guide provides a collection of Game Genie codes for the challenging NES sequel, Zelda II: The Adventure of Link.

⚠️ Important Warning: Activating Game Genie codes modifies the intended game code. This can sometimes lead to unexpected glitches, visual artifacts, game freezes, crashes, or other unintended side effects. Using multiple codes simultaneously, especially those affecting similar game aspects, increases the risk of conflicts. Use codes responsibly.

Game Genie Codes for Zelda II: The Adventure of Link (NES)

Input these codes at the Game Genie screen before starting Zelda II: The Adventure of Link to activate their effects.

Player Status (Lives, Magic, Levels)

  • Infinite Lives: SZKGKXVK
    Prevents the loss of a life when Link’s health reaches zero.
  • Infinite Magic: SXIZZIVK
    Casting spells does not consume magic power.
  • Start with 8 Lives: AANEVZZA
    Begin the game with 8 lives instead of the default 3.
  • Start with 8 Magic Containers: AANEUZZA
    Begin the game with a full magic bar (8 containers).
  • Max Attack Level After Gaining One Level: ELKEKYEI
    Reach Attack Level 8 after gaining your first Attack level-up.
  • Max Magic Level After Gaining One Level: XVKEYXEI
    Reach Magic Level 8 after gaining your first Magic level-up.
  • Max Life Level After Gaining One Level: EKKEYXEI
    Reach Life Level 8 (reducing magic costs) after gaining your first Life level-up.
  • Partial Invincibility: SLXELPSE
    Reduces or eliminates damage from many enemy contacts (may not protect from all hazards).

Starting Spells & Items

  • Start with Shield Spell: PEEEGLAA
  • Start with Jump Spell: ZEEEGLAA
  • Start with Life Spell: LEEEGLAA
  • Start with Fairy Spell: GEEEGLAA
  • Start with Fire Spell: IEEEGLAA
  • Start with Reflect Spell: TEEEGLAA
  • Start with Spell Spell: YEEEGLAA
  • Start with Thunder Spell: AEEEGLAA
  • Start with Candle: PAXELLAA
  • Start with Hammer: ZAXELLAA
  • Start with Handy Glove (Power Glove): TAXELLAA
  • Start with Raft: GAXELLAA
  • Start with Boots: LAXELLAA
  • Start with Flute: AAXELLAA
  • Start with Cross: YAXELLAA

Experience & Leveling

  • Enemies Give Maximum Experience Points: AEVAPZPA
    Most enemies will award 200+ EXP when defeated.
  • Need Only 1 EXP for Next Level Up: SZKAZPVK
    After defeating one enemy (or gaining any EXP), you will gain a level. Works well with Max EXP code.

Gameplay Modifications

  • Walk Through Locked Doors Without Keys: AEVAVIZE
    Allows passage through locked doors in palaces and caves without using a key.
  • Moon Jump (Hold A button): GASPLIPA
    Holding the A button allows for extremely high jumps.
  • Walk Through Walls/Floors (Glitchy): XTXALAEV
    Allows passing through some obstacles; very prone to causing bugs or getting stuck. Use with caution!

Note: Remember that activating too many codes, particularly those affecting core mechanics like levels or physics, can lead to instability. Test codes individually if you encounter problems.

Using Game Genie Codes with NES Emulators

The classic Game Genie experience can be replicated using the cheat functionalities present in most modern NES emulators. This allows you to use the codes listed above for Zelda II: The Adventure of Link without the original hardware. Here’s a guide for some popular emulators:

🕹️ Mesen

Mesen is a highly recommended NES emulator known for its accuracy:

  1. Load Your Game:
    • Open your Zelda II: The Adventure of Link ROM file.
  2. Access the Cheats Menu:
    • Navigate to Tools > Cheats.
  3. Add a New Cheat:
    • Click the Add (‘+’) button in the Cheats window.
    • Choose Game Genie Code as the cheat type.
    • Enter the 6 or 8-letter Game Genie code (e.g., SZKGKXVK) in the “Code” field.
    • Optionally, add a description.
    • Click OK or Add.
  4. Activate the Cheat:
    • Ensure the checkbox next to the cheat in the list is enabled.

🕹️ FCEUX

FCEUX is a versatile and long-standing NES emulator:

  1. Load Your Game:
    • Open your Zelda II: The Adventure of Link ROM.
  2. Access the Cheats Menu:
    • Go to the NES menu and select Cheats.
  3. Add a New Cheat:
    • In the Cheats dialog, locate the input area.
    • Type the Game Genie code (e.g., SXIZZIVK).
    • Ensure the format is recognized or selected as “Game Genie”.
    • Click the Add button.
    • Optionally add a description if the interface allows.
  4. Activate the Cheat:
    • The code should appear in the list, typically active by default. Use checkboxes or buttons if available to toggle activation.

🕹️ RetroArch (using Nestopia UE or FCEUmm core)

RetroArch provides a unified interface for many emulators (cores):

  1. Load Your Game:
    • Load an NES core like Nestopia UE or FCEUmm, then load your Zelda II: The Adventure of Link ROM.
  2. Access the Quick Menu:
    • Press the designated hotkey (often F1) to open the Quick Menu.
  3. Access the Cheats Menu:
    • Scroll down and select the Cheats option.
  4. Add a New Cheat:
    • Choose Add New Cheat to Top or Add New Cheat to Bottom.
    • Select the Code line.
    • Enter the Game Genie code (e.g., AEVAVIZE).
    • Optionally add a description on the “Desc” line.
    • Ensure the cheat is enabled (toggle the “Enabled” option ON).
    • Go back one level in the menu and select Apply Changes.
  5. Activate the Cheat:
    • Confirm the cheat shows as “ON” in the Cheats list. Ensure master cheat enabling is active in RetroArch settings if necessary.

Emulator Cheat Notes:

  • Code Format: Remember Game Genie codes use a specific 6 or 8-letter format (e.g., XXXXXX or XXXXXXXX).
  • Potential Conflicts: Using codes that affect the same game systems (like multiple codes modifying player stats or physics) might cause crashes or prevent codes from working correctly. Test problematic combinations by disabling some codes.
  • UI Differences: Exact menu labels and steps can vary slightly between different emulator versions.

Using Game Genie codes through emulation lets you revisit challenging classics like Zelda II: The Adventure of Link with helpful advantages, allowing you to max out Link’s abilities quickly, bypass frustrating sections, or simply experiment with the game’s limits.