Driver FixRecommendedSound, Wi-Fi or graphics acting up? Check drivers firstFind missing or outdated drivers fast.Check DriversOctober DealsAmazon USOctober deal check: compare before you payAmazon US: current deals, useful picks and tech finds.Check DealsPC HealthRecommendedCrashes, freezes, slowdowns? Check your PC nowSpot repairable issues before they interrupt work.Check PC×
Skip to content
VGSources
Blog

How to Use the Konami Code: Sequence, Steps, and What It Does

Enter Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A—but check your game’s instructions for the right screen and effect.
Length2 min Posted Quest giverVGSources Team
Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

The standard Konami Code is Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A. Enter it at the screen or gameplay moment specified by the game you’re playing: there is no universal entry point or effect. In the original Gradius, the code powered the player’s ship up to almost its strongest equipment.

How to enter the Konami Code

  1. Check the instructions for your exact game and release. Find out whether the code is supported and where it should be entered.
  2. Go to the specified screen or gameplay moment. The code may need to be entered somewhere specific; the sources do not establish one screen or timing window for every game.
  3. Enter the sequence: Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A. Konami writes the ending as “BA”; Guinness lists B and A as separate inputs.
  4. Check the game’s response. What happens depends on the game and version.

If nothing happens, confirm that your release supports the code, that you are entering it in the right context, and that the game’s controls use the button names you expect. A failed attempt does not necessarily mean the sequence is wrong.

What does the Konami Code unlock?

There is no single reward across all games. Konami says the code first appeared in the FC version of Gradius, released April 25, 1986. In that game, entering it powered up the ship to almost its strongest equipment. Other games can use the sequence differently, so check instructions for the specific title rather than assuming it grants lives, power-ups, or another particular reward.

Where should you enter it?

The entry point depends on the game. The available official sources do not establish a universal title screen, pause menu, timing window, or platform-specific button mapping. Guinness notes that effects vary and says that in most cases entering the code while paused grants most of the game’s available power-ups; treat that as a general observation, not an instruction that applies to every title.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.
#1 Best Overall
Rii Classic Retro USB Wired Game Controller for PC Gaming, Grey, 2 Pack
  • 【Supported Operating System】The Game Controller is specifically designed for playing classic old school retro snes games on computer or laptop. Compatible with Windows 98 / ME / Vista / 2000/2003 / XP / 7 / 8 / 8.1 / 10/11, Mac OS X/ OS X 10.0 and beyond, Raspberry Pi, Raspberry PI 2 model B,Model A, Raspberry Pi 1 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 2,Raspberry Pi OS, Raspberry Pi 3 Model B+, Raspberry Pi 3, Raspberry Pi Zero.
  • 【Simple USB Plug and Play】If your program or application accepts USB controller input, this classic game controller do not need install drivers or patches. 1.5 meter external cable(approx. 5 ft. Long). Notice: Please download the game emulator first before start the games, and then you must manually set the buttons and directionals within the emulator you're using, and the controller not automatically assigns buttons/directional axes. If on the Steam platform, you need to first enable Steam's "Universal Controller Configuration Support" and then restart Steam. After entering the game, you also need to manually bind key positions in the game
  • 【High Sensitivity without Delay】Super sensitive buttons for precision control: 6 fire buttons, a 'Start' button and a 'Select' button, motion control cross. Play your favorite old school games with classic retro feel. Fits perfectly in the hand and also perfect for two player action.Note: Not applicable to Switch/PS games. Not Compatible with TV/ TV Box, third Mini Games Box and Tesla Model 3
  • 【Supported Game Emulators】The game controller works with most emulators. Download any emulator you wish to download and use from Google and do the same with ROMS. Notice:Third party controller, not original controller. But it works phenomenal with the Raspberry Pi game emulation and so on
  • 【Product Service】If you have any problem during use, send message to us and we will help you to solve the problem soon

For reliable directions, look up the exact game and release, then verify four details:

  • Entry context, such as a title screen or in-game moment.
  • Required inputs, including any additional buttons.
  • The expected effect.
  • Whether the release and platform support the code.

How to try the code in Gradius today

Konami describes its Arcade Archives collection as faithfully reproducing classic games, including Gradius, and identifies PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch as platforms for the series. Konami support also says original-game secret codes and cheats remain intact in the Nintendo Switch collection it discusses. These statements do not confirm identical behavior in every release. Check the listing and version for the particular game before relying on the code.

Rank #2
Sale
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller for Switch 1/2, Windows PC, G Classic
  • Hall Effect Joystick Update.
  • Compatible with Switch/Switch 2, Windows, Apple, Android, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi.
  • Compatible with iPhone, iPad, macOS and Apple TV now. (Officially Supported)
  • Full-featured retro controller- clickable joysticks, rumble vibration, motion controls, wireless Bluetooth, rechargeable battery, home and screenshot Buttons and a USB-C connector
  • Perfect classic d-pad.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Support on Ko-Fi

Does the Konami Code work in every game?

No. The sequence is widely recognized, but a game must implement it, and its entry context and effect can differ. Guinness reports that the code had been included in 151 games on its record page; the excerpt does not establish when that count was made, so it should not be read as a current total.

Quick Recap

SaleBestseller No. 2
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller for Switch 1/2, Windows PC, G Classic
8Bitdo SN30 Pro Bluetooth Controller for Switch 1/2, Windows PC, G Classic
Hall Effect Joystick Update.; Compatible with Switch/Switch 2, Windows, Apple, Android, Steam Deck, and Raspberry Pi.
$38.99
Bestseller No. 3
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Purple)
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Purple)
Compatible with Windows and Android.; 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection); Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
$29.99
Rank #4
ZAMPAM 2 Pack Wireless SNES Controllers, 2.4GHz USB Gamepads for PC
  • Wide Compatibility – Compatible with Nintendo Switch (Switch 1 only), Windows PC, Mac OS, Linux, Raspberry Pi, RetroPie, Recalbox and more. Perfect for retro gaming, emulators, and classic game systems. Not compatible with Nintendo Switch 2.
  • Advanced 2.4GHz Wireless Connection Stable 2.4GHz RF wireless technology provides a fast and responsive gaming experience with up to 10 meters (32 ft) of range. No lag, no drops — just smooth gameplay.
  • Simple Plug & Play Setup: No drivers or software required. Just plug the USB receiver into your device and start playing instantly. Compatible with most programs and emulator platforms that support standard USB game controllers.
  • Classic Retro Design with Precision Controls Features a familiar SNES-style layout with super-sensitive buttons for accurate, responsive control. Ideal for NES, SNES, Genesis, GBA, RetroArch, BSNES, OpenEmu, and more.
  • Rechargeable Battery with Long Life Built-in 240mAh rechargeable battery provides up to 3 hours of continuous gameplay. Fully charges in about 1 hour. Includes battery level indicator for convenient monitoring.
Rank #3
8Bitdo Ultimate 2C Wireless Controller for Windows PC and Android, with 1000 Hz Polling Rate, Hall Effect Joysticks and Triggers, and Remappable L4/R4 Bumpers (Purple)
  • Compatible with Windows and Android.
  • 1000Hz Polling Rate (for 2.4G and wired connection)
  • Hall Effect joysticks and Hall triggers. Wear-resistant metal joystick rings.
  • Extra R4/L4 bumpers. Custom button mapping without using software. Turbo function.
  • Refined bumpers and D-pad. Light but tactile.

Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Free tools Windows power users keep installed

One-click scans. No signup required.

Special offer. See more information about Outbyte and uninstall instructions. Please review EULA and Privacy policy.

More quests from Patch Notes

  1. How to Turn On Vibrant Visuals in MinecraftMinecraftBlog3min
  2. Best Multiplayer Games for Low-End PCsBlog4min
  3. Minecraft: How To Use And Install OptiFineBlog5min
Recommended PC Tool
Recommended PC Tool
Crashes, No Sound, or Screen Glitches?Free driver scan
PC Slower Than It Used to Be?Free scan - under a minute

Two free Windows tools

One Free Minute Could Fix That PC

Before you go - each of these free tools takes about a minute and tackles what quietly slows a Windows PC down.

Special offer. View Outbyte info, uninstall instructions, EULA, and Privacy Policy.