Link’s Awakening: GameShark Codes

What Was the GameShark for Game Boy?

The GameShark is the brand name for a well-known series of hardware cheat devices popular during the era of cartridge-based gaming. Designed for consoles like the Nintendo Game Boy and Game Boy Color, the GameShark typically acted as a pass-through device. You would insert the GameShark into the handheld, and then plug the game cartridge into the GameShark, which accepts GameShark codes or cheats as input. This allowed the hardware to intercept and alter game data in real-time.

By inputting specific alphanumeric codes, players could activate various cheats, such as infinite health, unlimited ammunition or currency, access to all items, or even modifying game physics like walking through walls. These devices, originally from InterAct and later Mad Catz, offered players ways to experiment with their games or overcome challenging sections.

This guide provides GameShark codes specifically for the classic Game Boy title, The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening, primarily focusing on codes compatible with the Game Boy Color enhanced version, Link’s Awakening DX.

GameShark Codes for Zelda: Link’s Awakening (GB / DX)

The following GameShark codes can be used with the Game Boy / Game Boy Color game The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening. These codes are primarily intended for the Link’s Awakening DX (GBC) version and may not function correctly on the original monochrome Game Boy version unless specifically noted or if your emulator/device handles code conversion.

Health

• Infinite Health (Hearts Don’t Deplete): 010344D0

Currency

• Infinite Rupees (999): (Requires both codes below)
  • 01997ED3
  • 01097FD3

Consumables (Infinite / Max)

• Infinite Bombs (Have 99): 016380D3 (Value 63hex = 99 decimal)
• Infinite Magic Powder (Have 99): 016381D3
• Infinite Arrows (Have 99): 016382D3

Dungeon Items

• Infinite Small Keys (Have 9): 010984D3 (Value 09 should be sufficient)
• Have Dungeon Map (For All Dungeons): 01FF8AD3
• Have Compass (For All Dungeons): 01FF8BD3
• Have Nightmare Key (For All Dungeons): 01FF8CD3

Equipment

• Have Power Bracelet (L-1): 01018DD3
• Have Shield (L-1): 01018ED3
• Have Sword (L-1 – Kokiri Sword): 010190D3
• Note: L-2 items often require different codes or might be enabled by having L-1 plus specific game flags. These simple codes grant the base item.
• Have Flippers: 010192D3
• Have Roc’s Feather: 010195D3
• Have Pegasus Boots: 010196D3

Key Items / Collectibles

• Have Ocarina: 010193D3
• Have All 8 Instruments of the Sirens: 01FF87D3
• Have Hookshot: 010194D3
• Have Magic Rod: 010197D3

Miscellaneous

• Walk Through Walls: 0100E1D1 (Highly likely to cause bugs or get you stuck! Use with extreme caution.)

Disclaimer: Code lists may not be exhaustive. Always double-check codes and be prepared for potential game instability, especially with codes like “Walk Through Walls”. Compatibility can depend on game revision, GameShark model, or emulator used.

Using GameShark Codes with Game Boy / Color Emulators

Even without the original GameShark hardware, you can use these cheat codes to modify your experience in The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX using the cheat features built into most Game Boy / Game Boy Color emulators. Here’s how to get started with some common emulators:

🕹️ VisualBoy Advance (Windows, macOS, Linux)

VisualBoy Advance (and its common fork VBA-M) makes adding GameShark codes easy:

1. Load Your Game:
   • Open your Link’s Awakening DX ROM file.
2. Access the Cheats Menu:
   • Click on the Cheats menu, then select Cheat list….
3. Add a New Cheat:
   • In the Cheat list window, click the Gameshark… button.
   • Enter a descriptive name (e.g., “Infinite Bombs”).
   • Paste the GameShark code (e.g., 016380D3) into the “Code” field.
   • Click OK.
4. Activate the Cheat:
   • Ensure the checkbox next to your added cheat in the list is ticked.

🕹️ mGBA (Windows, macOS, Linux)

mGBA is a modern, accurate emulator with good cheat support:

1. Load Your Game:
   • Open your Link’s Awakening DX ROM.
2. Access the Cheats Menu:
   • Go to the Tools menu and select Cheats.
3. Add a New Cheat:
   • In the Cheats window, click Add GameShark.
   • Enter a description for the cheat.
   • Paste the GameShark code(s) into the code input area. For multi-line codes like Infinite Rupees, add each line.
   • Click Add or OK.
4. Activate the Cheat:
   • Make sure the checkbox next to your added cheat is enabled in the Cheats window.

🕹️ BGB (Windows)

BGB is known for its accuracy and includes cheat functionality:

1. Load Your Game:
   • Open your Link’s Awakening DX ROM.
2. Access the Cheat Window:
   • Right-click within the emulator window and select other > cheats.
3. Add a New Cheat:
   • In the “Cheats” window, click Add….
   • Paste the GameShark code into the “Address / Cheat code” field. BGB should auto-detect the format.
   • Enter an optional description.
   • Click OK.
4. Activate the Cheat:
   • Ensure the checkbox next to the added cheat in the list is ticked to enable it.

Emulator Cheat Notes:

• Master Codes (M): Physical GameSharks sometimes needed a specific “(M)” code enabled first. These are typically not required for emulators and might cause crashes if entered. Use only the individual cheat codes.
• Stability Issues: Using multiple codes, or codes that drastically alter game physics (like Walk Through Walls), increases the risk of glitches or crashes. If the game becomes unstable, try disabling recently added cheats.
• Emulator Variations: Menu names and exact steps might vary slightly between different versions of these emulators.

By following these instructions, you can apply GameShark codes to gain infinite resources, acquire items early, or simply experiment with The Legend of Zelda: Link’s Awakening DX on your emulator. Have fun exploring Koholint Island in new ways!