Expert: gameusurper - 7/27/2007

Question
QUESTION: Alright, I own a Nintendo 64, and I have one gameshark for it, which is a version 1.09 (yes, very old).  In addition, I have tried to use Banjo Kazooie, which I bought used at Gamers, with the Gameshark.  Problem is, anytime I turn on the system with the two cartridges together, nothing happens.  However, anytime I run Banjo Kazooie on its own or the Gameshark with ANOTHER game, they start right up and work like a charm.  So, what's the problem?  Is Banjo Kazooie in some way damaged, or do I need a higher version of the Gameshark?

ANSWER: Alright, I did a little research because at first I thought it might be an incompatibility with the N64 expansion pak. In case you're wondering what that is, it's the cartridge that you can buy that plugs into the slot under that plastic flap on the top of the system in front of the cartridge slot. It adds memory to the system and is required to play some games and will improve the graphics in others.

The reason I thought that at first was that there are some cartridge games for various systems that have special chips in them that will not allow a gameshark, or a game genie to be used with them. That was most prevalent on the SNES with the game genie. Perhaps if you had the N64 expansion pak, it could have been causing an interference somehow. Though I found out that Banjo doesn't need or use that device, so it probably isn't that.

Unfortunately, I don't and haven't used a cheat device on my consoles for a very long time. I used to own gamesharks in the past, but never for the N64.

Now from what you say, the game nor the gameshark will even boot up when you power-on the system? I do know that Banjo has a master code that needs to be entered for any other codes to work correctly. But you need to be able to get to the gameshark screen for that to be possible, and from the way it sounds you can't even get that far. Correct?

As far as the game being damaged, not likely. If it were, it would probably have issues just playing normally. From what you say, it does not. And anyhow, this is an N64 cart we're talking about. They're not invincible, but they are pretty resilient.

And I don't believe you need a higher version of gameshark, though that could be a possibility. Most games will work with any version of a gameshark, at least from the ones I've had and used before. The version number seems to be more to get you to THINK you have to buy a newer version. The only thing noticeable between the versions of gamesharks I've had are the codes in the books or the ones that come preloaded in the gamesharks. And even then if it WERE the gameshark, I don't think it would effect the systems power-on sequence to that extent.

The only other idea I have is that your game and the gameshark may need cleaning. You can dampen the end of a Q-tip and scrub the connections to get any dirt that may be on them off. Depending on how dirty they are, you may need more Q-tips. This can be done to the cartridge and gameshark connectors, as well as the slot the game plugs into on the gameshark; though that is more difficult. Then just use a dry Q-tip to dry any excess wetness. Let it air dry for a few after that and try to get it to work again.

If this does not help, let me know and I will see what I can do to dig up any more info for you. I can't guarantee I can help you, as I am not there in person to troubleshoot myself nor have I owned an N64 gameshark before. Cheat devices in general are not something I know much about.

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Actually, shortly before I got your response, I had been researching myself and found a solution.  I did the keycode thing.  Banjo Kazooie requires the right keycode to be on in order for it to powerup when the Gameshark is in.  So, I used a different N64 game cartridge to access the keycode menu, selected the "Diddy Kong Racing Keycode", and followed the prompt, which told me to turn off the system and put the correct game in.  I put Banjo Kazooie in, and voila, it started.  But now, I have a new problem.  Even though it the game will now run with the Gameshark, it doesn't operate anything like it should.  See, normally, if someone uses a gameshark with Banjo Kazooie, it will run smoothly and without error.  But in my case, if I opt to play without any cheats selected, the system crashes as soon as I select "start game without selected cheat codes".  But if I choose cheats, then the game starts, but is super-glitchy.  Basically, most of the screen is covered in a glitchy black blanket that moves and acts like a boundary fog (this hinders my view greatly, as I can only see a few objects at a time).  Furthermore, lots of animations or objects don't appear anymore, and Banjo walks in slow motion, looking like he's ice-skating.  Furthermore, selected cheats don't even work due to this mess, so if you can, try to answer this for me.  Otherwise, recommend a good expert on this problem or other places I can go.

Answer
This one is a real stumper, as the gameshark as we remember it is not made anymore. Otherwise I would just contact Interact and ask them. :( Even the gameshark site:

http://www.gameshark.com/corporate/2010/Support.htm

doesn't have any info on N64 gamesharks. And to make matters worse, it seems Mad Catz has taken over gameshark and cannot answer any questions concerning the old products.
And obviously, since gamesharks are not officially supported by game companies, calling Nintendo wouldn't do any good.

I will try and help you as best I can. If after trying what I suggest in this answer still doesn't work, let me know and I'll see what else I might be able to find.

Now you said that you used the Diddy Kong Racing keycode? I have never heard of that measure before. How did you come about that? Can you direct me to the place you found that, as I would like to read up on it and possibly include that site(s) in my own database. I have never seen a game where you have to use a gameshark code from another game to make it work properly.

Going by what kinds of issues with the graphics and animations you are describing, it sounds as if even though you used this DK Racing code, you may not have the real master code for this game input. I have several official gameshark update books from back then, and all of them list this code as:

DE0004000000
8124C9D81700
812876A41700
812D3DC01300

It states that this code MUST be on for all other codes input to work properly. Like I said, I do not know where you got the info about the DK Racing workaround, but I can tell you the code above is necessary for proper operation. I have not played Banjo before or tried it with a gameshark, so I can't confirm that the hiccups you are descibing are a result of the master code not being on or if it is from the DK Racing code. I can tell you that they sound similar to other games I have used a gameshark on that require a master code that I either didn't put in or put in wrong, so I experienced similar issues. Especially if the cheats you selected aren't working, I would have to say that it sounds like the master code is either not on, missing, or input wrong.

As far as an expert to recommend to assist you further with this problem, there is Russell in the same category you found me. I read through them all for the Video Game experts, and his is the only one that explicitly says he knows about gameshark. Unfortunately, he is on vacation as of now until the end of August. I think you would like to get help for this before that.

Feel free to contact me again if none of the above helps. Sorry I can't be of faster or better assistance. Troubleshooting something without seeing it myself is kind of hard, especially since I don't have much experience with gamesharks on N64.