The string of alphanumeric characters entered into a physical device, or sometimes an emulator, to alter the behavior of the Super Mario World game on the Super Nintendo Entertainment System. These codes, often user-discovered or shared online, manipulate the game’s memory, resulting in effects such as invincibility, altered character abilities, level skipping, or modified game graphics. For example, a code might allow Mario to start with 99 lives or grant him the ability to fly indefinitely.
Using these codes provided an avenue for players to experience the game in unconventional ways, extending replayability and fostering a sense of experimentation and discovery. In an era before widespread internet access and readily available game guides, their use often required ingenuity and collaboration among players, creating a community around sharing and discovering new and interesting alterations to the game. They circumvented the intended difficulty curve, offering accessibility for less skilled players and providing seasoned players with new challenges and creative freedom.