10 Most Famous Video Game Cheat Codes

There was never any question as to what the most popular, well known and widely used cheat code is out there in the world of video games. The Konami Code dates back to 1986 in the NES game, Gradius, and since then, has been used to an equal degree in over a hundred more games across multiple platforms.

Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A. This combination is emblazoned on the minds of all who have used it, and though the code was, indeed, invented by Konami, its influence on the modern gaming industry has made it a self-sustaining pop culture phenomenon all of its own.

Famously, the Konami Code can be used in the viciously hard shoot 'em up game, Contra, to grant the player a game-changing 30 lives. Other uses can be seen in the Castlevania series, Dance Dance Revolution, Metal Gear Solid, all the way to completely off-the-wall choices such as Ratchet & Clank 3 (you know how you always wanted to see Captain Qwark in a tutu? Well, there you go).

So widespread is awareness of the Konami Code that it has transcended the boundaries of gaming, making it into movies, TV shows and even a Fischer-Price controller toy. The next time you watch Wreck-It-Ralph, maybe you'll pay closer attention to that door panel King Candy is prodding at...