Note: This section is largely deals with troubleshooting problems when using a real Game Genie on a Genesis/Mega-Drive. You may find one or two of the tips useful for using Game Genie codes in emulators though.

Troubleshooting Guide.

 Problem.  Remedy.
Game "freezes," stops, or is interrupted
  • Problem code. THIS WILL NOT HARM YOUR GAME.
    • Press reset or turn deck power off and on and re-enter codes.
    • Recheck codes.
    • If using a single code, choose another code.
    • If using 2 or more codes, delete 1 or more codes, or try a different combination of codes.
  • Check if the game requires a Master Code.
  • Double-check that the Master Code has been entered correctly if one is required.
  • Dirt! Clean the metal contacts on your Genesis/Mega-Drive, Game Genie and Game Cart connectors by firmly inserting a clean game into deck and removing. Repeat 3-4 times. Then connect clean game to Game Genie and remove 3-4 times. Then insert Game Genie into deck and remove 3-4 times.
Scrambled or distorted picture.
  • Dirt! Clean the metal contacts on your Genesis/Mega-Drive, Game Genie and Game Cart connectors by firmly inserting a clean game into deck and removing. Repeat 3-4 times. Then connect clean game to Game Genie and remove 3-4 times. Then insert Game Genie into deck and remove 3-4 times.
  • Check if the game requires a Master Code.
  • Double-check that the Master Code has been entered correctly if one is required.
  • Make sure the Game Genie is pushed in as far as it will go.
No picture.
  • Make sure TV and Genesis/Mega-Drive are plugged in.
  • Make sure TV and Genesis/Mega-Drive are turned on.
  • Make sure TV and Genesis/Mega-Drive are connected properly.
  • Make sure Channel 3/4 switch on deck is set correctly.
  • Dirt! Clean the metal contacts on your Genesis/Mega-Drive, Game Genie and Game Cart connectors by firmly inserting a clean game into deck and removing. Repeat 3-4 times. Then connect clean game to Game Genie and remove 3-4 times. Then insert Game Genie into deck and remove 3-4 times.
  • Remove Game Genie, insert Game Cart into Genesis/Mega-Drive and check that the game and your Genesis/Mega-Drive are working correctly without the Game Genie.
  • Check if the game requires a Master Code.
  • Double-check that the Master Code has been entered correctly if one is required.
Game Genie Code Screen does not appear
  • Make sure Game Genie is pushed in as far as it will go.
  • The game may be incompatible with Game Genie. Try a different game.
  • Turn deck power off and then on again.
  • Remove Game Genie, unplug the Game Cart from Game Genie and carefully but firmly reconnect. Reinsert Game Genie into your Genesis/Mega-Drive.
  • Dirt! Clean the metal contacts on your Genesis/Mega-Drive, Game Genie and Game Cart connectors by firmly inserting a clean game into deck and removing. Repeat 3-4 times. Then connect clean game to Game Genie and remove 3-4 times. Then insert Game Genie into deck and remove 3-4 times.
  • Remove Game Genie, insert Game Cart into Genesis/Mega-Drive and check that the game and your Genesis/Mega-Drive are working correctly without the Game Genie.
  • Check if the game requires a Master Code.
  • Double-check that the Master Code has been entered correctly if one is required.
No picture or Code Screen some of the time.
  • The game may be incompatible with Game Genie. Try a different game.
  • Dirt! Clean the metal contacts on your Genesis/Mega-Drive, Game Genie and Game Cart connectors by firmly inserting a clean game into deck and removing. Repeat 3-4 times. Then connect clean game to Game Genie and remove 3-4 times. Then insert Game Genie into deck and remove 3-4 times.
  • Poor connection of Game Genie, Game Cart and/or Genesis/Mega-Drive. Remove the Game Genie from the Genesis/Mega-Drive and repeat the connection procedures.
Green Effects Active Light on Game Genie is not lighted with switch up (on).
  • Make sure the Game Genie is pushed in as far as it will go.
  • Make sure your Genesis/Mega-Drive is plugged in.
  • Make sure your Genesis/Mega-Drive is turned on.
  • Turn Genesis/Mega-Drive power off and then on again.
  • Remove the Game Genie and reinsert into your Genesis/Mega-Drive.
  • Check if the game requires a Master Code.
  • Double-check that the Master Code has been entered correctly if one is required.
Unintended effect that does not interrupt game.
  • Problem code. THIS WILL NOT HARM YOUR GAME.
    • Press reset or turn deck power off and on and re-enter codes.
    • Recheck codes.
    • If using a single code, choose another code.
    • If using 2 or more codes, delete 1 or more codes, or try a different combination of codes.
Game does not appear after pressing Start in Code Screen.
  • The game requires a Master Code. Check your codes and make sure the Master Code is active.
  • Incompatible game. Try another game.
Codes have no effect.
  • Make sure the Effects On/Off Switch is in the up (On) position and that the green Effects Active Light is on.
  • Problem code/incompatible game version. Sometimes a game publisher makes changes to later production runs of its games and codes will no longer work.
  • Check if the game requires a Master Code.
  • Double-check that the Master Code has been entered correctly if one is required.
Can't enter codes or control the Sword and "Swirling Star" Cursors.
  • Make sure Control Pad is plugged into Port 1.
  • Make sure you are using Control Pad 1 to enter codes.