Open the RetroArch Quick Menu (default hotkey F1 ) and scroll down to Cheats .
A GameShark code consists of two parts: the target memory address and the value to inject. For example, a code might tell the system to constantly overwrite the "ammo count" memory address with the number "99."
DuckStation is widely considered the best emulator for PS1, offering built-in cheat management. Boot your desired PS1 game ROM. gameshark ps1 rom
Using a GameShark ROM is generally a two-step process in emulators: booting the "Shark" and then swapping to the game. Step 1: Set Up the Emulator
A GameShark PS1 ROM typically refers to a digital copy (ISO, BIN/CUE format) of the original GameShark software discs released by InterAct. Instead of containing a playable game, this ROM contains: Open the RetroArch Quick Menu (default hotkey F1
Infinite ammo and the "All Weapons" hack to bypass the limited inventory.
Finding the right codes for your game is half the battle. Fortunately, the internet is rich with resources. For the most reliable and up-to-date cheat lists, you can refer to community repositories. For instance, a GitHub collection specifically offers GameShark codes for popular PS1 titles like Gran Turismo and Gran Turismo 2 . For a more comprehensive and organized list, websites like gamehacking.org are excellent destinations, as they not only provide the codes but also indicate which region and version of a game they work with. Boot your desired PS1 game ROM
The foundational code types include , which directly insert a specific value into a memory location. But GameShark also introduced "conditional triggers," which perform actions only when certain conditions are met. For example, you can use an Equal-To Trigger ( E0XXXXXX 00YY ), which activates a subsequent cheat code only if a specific memory address holds a particular value. There are also button-activated "Joker" codes , allowing you to trigger a cheat—like a massive boost in power—only when you press a specific combination of buttons, such as R1 + R2.
If you aren't using a specific utility ROM, you are likely looking for the codes themselves. These hex strings (e.g., 800L 1234 0001) are widely available in community databases. Key resources include:
However, the device's hardware dependency became a liability when Sony released PS1 models that had the parallel port removed. To adapt, GameShark transitioned into a CD-ROM-based system. The process for using the disc was straightforward: you would boot the console with the GameShark CD, select your desired cheats from its menu, and then the system would prompt you to swap the disc with your actual game. The cheat data would remain loaded into the console's memory, altering your gameplay experience.