How to Connect Game Genie to NES (Pass-Through Cartridge Setup)

The Game Genie (Galob / Codemasters) is a **pass-through cartridge** that sits between the game pak and NES console.

Connection Steps

1. Power Off NES and unplug AC adapter.
2. Insert Game Pak into **Game Genie slot** (top). Label facing front.
3. Insert Game Genie (with game inside) into **NES cartridge slot**. Firm, even pressure. Gold fingers down.
4. Plug in AC adapter and power on.
5. Game Genie Menu Appears: “GAME GENIE CODE ENTRY” screen. Enter codes (A–Z, 0–9) via controller. Select “START GAME”.

Important Notes

• Contact Quality: Clean game pak & Genie pins with 90% IPA + cotton swab. Dirty contacts = glitches, black screen.
• Game Genie + Top-Loader NES (NES-101): Works, but tight fit. May need **Game Genie Adapter** (rare) or careful alignment.
• Game Genie + Famicom: Requires **60-pin to 72-pin adapter** (different pinout).
• Codes: 6–8 characters (e.g., SXIOPO). Find at GameHacking.org.
• Multiple Codes: Up to 3–6 simultaneous (version dependent).
• Risk: Bad code = crash, corrupted save (if game saves to cart SRAM). Always backup saves (Retrode, Kazzo).

Troubleshooting

• Black Screen: Reseat both carts. Clean pins. Try different game.
• Menu Doesn’t Appear: Genie not seated, dead Genie, or game has copy protection (rare).
• Graphical Glitches: Code conflict or bad code. Disable codes one by one.

That’s it. Game Genie → Game Pak → NES. Power on. Enter codes. Play.