GameShark, the famous cheating device from the 90s, is making a comeback
GameShark was one of the most memorable accessories for console gamers in the 1990s and 2000s. This device, which plugged in between the game cartridge and the console, offered players unlimited lives, hidden content, and different gameplay experiences, leaving its mark on an era. Having sold over $650 million worth of games and reached more than 15 million players over the years, GameShark is now back in the spotlight with a modern interpretation.
GameShark Returns This Time in a Different Way
Todd Hays, the creator of GameShark, launched a remarkable Kickstarter project on January 20, 2026. This comeback aims not so much to directly produce a classic cheat device for next-generation consoles, but rather to document the legacy of GameShark. The book, The Complete Cheatcode Compendium, prepared under Hays’ leadership, compiles the most iconic cheat codes, strategies, and different ways to “beat” games in gaming history into a single source.
The book, to be published under the Gamepro label, goes beyond being just a printed archive. The project will also include a digital platform featuring open-source and publicly available cheat codes. This platform will include guides to classic games, strategy articles, and a detailed account of the cheating culture accumulated over the years. The goal is to document the challenges players faced and how they overcame them during the golden age of console gaming.
The proceeds from the Kickstarter campaign aim to do much more than just print the book. Todd Hays confirmed they are working on RetroShark, which will be the first new GameShark hardware in nearly 20 years. While it’s not yet clear which platforms RetroShark will support and exactly what it will offer, it’s stated that it will allow modern players to progress without compromising the spirit of the game.
Kickstarter Prices
The Kickstarter campaign is rapidly approaching its goal. While the project’s target is $10,000, it raised over $6,400 in the first 24 hours. The support levels are as follows:
- $49: Launch Day Special – Access to books and digital content
- $59: Standard support package
- $99: Extended collection package
- $119: Premium support covering all content
- $1: Symbolic support option
GameShark’s new move creates a strong sense of nostalgia for a generation that grew up with cheat codes, while standing out as a remarkable project aimed at preserving gaming history.
