As games and gaming technology have advanced, we often look back on NES games as nostalgic, simpler times. Yet, many of these seemingly straightforward titles were packed with NES Game Secrets that remained undiscovered for years.
Publications like Nintendo Power exposed some early NES Game Secrets but most gamers relied on word of mouth to unearth the first Easter eggs, glitches, and hidden surprises. At that time, even if someone found these secrets, they had few ways to spread the word. It often took decades for more gamers to learn that the games they once played held hidden details, missed by even the most devoted fans
1. Play as an Invisible Football Team in Tecmo Bowl
While some players think picking the Bo Jackson-led Raiders in Tecmo Bowl is already cheating, this classic sports game actually includes real cheat codes. One of the most obscure ones even lets you play as an “invisible” football team.
By entering the code 397BFFA5 in Tecmo Bowl’s password system, you can play as a gray team on a gray field, making the players almost entirely invisible. It’s unclear exactly what happens when you use this code, but it seems like the game creates a new team that it doesn’t fully recognize or know how to display properly. Still, it’s a hilarious and unique way to enjoy the game!
2. Metroid Has a Strange (and Very NSFW) Password
Metroid is home to some of the most unusual and iconic cheat codes in NES history. But only a few fans know about the bizarre results of entering the password “Engage Ridley Mother F*****” (with the stars replaced by the actual letters) on the game’s password screen.
What happens after entering this code varies depending on the game version. Some fans claim it allows you to skip part of the original NES game, while most versions of Metroid (including the Switch release) either load a glitched version of the game or crash entirely when the NSFW code is used. This effect occurs because Metroid‘s password system works based on ranges of characters rather than exact character matches. So, other random letter and number combinations could trigger a similar effect—but this particular phrase amusingly does the trick!
3. Discover a Creepy Easter Egg on The Punisher’s Ending Screen
The NES adaptation of The Punisher might not be the best game, but it offered fans the chance to play as a dark anti-hero. However, even longtime players may not know that it hides one of the most unusual ending screen surprises in NES history.
After reaching The Punisher‘s default ending screen, press “Up, B, and Select” simultaneously. This secret combination transforms Frank Castle’s face into a bizarre, monstrous version. It appears one of the game’s designers couldn’t resist adding this hidden, unsettling design into the final game.
4. Punch-Out Features a Unique Password That’s a Real Phone Number
Punch-Out is one of those NES games known for its collection of interesting (and useful) cheat codes. However, one particular code stands out as unusually quirky and may seem to have no effect at all.
If you input the code “800 422 2602” on the password screen in Punch-Out, you’ll hear an 8-bit version of a busy signal play in the background. This is more than just a funny trick; it was actually the former customer service phone number for Nintendo of America. If only more players had been aware of this back in the day, they might have reached out to Nintendo for help with Mike Tyson!
5. Discover the Hidden Black and White Mushroom House in Super Mario Bros. 3
Super Mario Bros. 3 was, without a doubt, one of Nintendo’s most ambitious games at the time, packed with numerous secrets. However, one of its biggest hidden features—the special black and white mushroom house—remained relatively unknown for years after its release.
It turns out you can unlock a rare black-and-white version of Toad’s House on the world map by collecting a certain number of coins in specific levels. For example, gathering at least 44 coins in Level 1-4 or 30 coins in Level 2-2 will make the house appear. The unusual placement of these levels, combined with the exact coin count needed to trigger the house, made this secret hard to find. It’s no surprise that most players missed it entirely, and those who did probably had no idea how they managed it
6. Rare’s NES Games Share a Secret Link Through Hidden Initials
In certain versions of California Games, naming your character Paul or Rachel reveals the text “PP & RME” on the sidewalk during the rollerskating level. Although unexplained in the game, these initials also appear in other NES titles by Rare, like Marble Madness, Wheel of Fortune, and Wizards & Warriors. Years later, it was revealed that the initials are a nod to programmers Paul Proctor and Rachel M. Edwards, who worked on each of these games. While hidden initials are common in gaming, it’s amusing to see how they managed to connect their names across multiple titles, creating a subtle shared universe
7. Familiar Tunes Hidden in Maniac Mansion
The NES version of Maniac Mansion underwent extensive censorship to align with Nintendo’s content standards, resulting in many cuts from the original game. However, this NES adaptation includes some unique surprises in the form of amusing audio Easter eggs. Head to the arcade room and pop a quarter into the Meteor Mess machine—you’ll hear the game’s theme, which starts with the opening notes of the Super Mario Bros. theme. Additionally, calling the Meteor Police in the NES version triggers a chiptune rendition of the Indiana Jones theme.
8. The Lion King’s NES Version Has One of the Oddest Difficulty Settings
As the last official NES game released in the U.S., the NES version of The Lion King is largely unremarkable, though it does hide a truly unusual difficulty setting. To access it, first activate the game’s complex Invincibility Code, which involves partially completing the game, exiting, and reloading it at a specific point. Instead of reloading, go to “Options,” hold “Up” or “Left,” and press “A.” This changes the Skill Level to “Boy Love,” an obscure reference that’s perhaps best left unexplored
9. A Hidden Move Turns Ninja Gaiden’s Challenge Down a Notch
The original Ninja Gaiden is famous for its punishing difficulty, but recent discoveries have revealed a hidden move that can make even the toughest boss fights surprisingly manageable. After performing a basic jumping slash, holding “Down” and the attack button allows players to unleash a series of rapid air attacks, bypassing the usual cooldown time between slashes. Likely a glitch, this maneuver has proven invaluable for many fans (especially speedrunners) tackling this notoriously difficult NES classic.
10. Duck Hunt’s Hidden Multiplayer Mode Is a Troll’s Dream
While some NES players with siblings may already know this trick, many are unaware that Duck Hunt includes a hidden second-player mode seemingly made for trolling. By connecting an NES controller to the console while playing in “Game A” mode, a second player can actually control the ducks’ flight path. Though this feature was mentioned in the game’s manual, most players either stumbled upon it by accident or discovered it years later. Unsurprisingly, it was a popular trick for older siblings wanting to join in—or disrupt—the fun.
11.The Legend of Zelda’s Dungeons Secretly Spell “Zelda”
Many fans know that The Legend of Zelda features a hidden “second quest” with altered challenges. But there’s also a clever Easter egg within the modified dungeon layouts of that quest. If you arrange the layouts of the first five dungeons in this specific order—Level 5, Level 1, Level 3, Level 4, and Level 2—they spell out “Zelda.” This subtle nod is more than just a fun detail; typing “Zelda” as your player name actually lets you start directly in the second quest.
12. Mega Man 2 Introduces a Hidden Weapon that Changes Everything
Mega Man 2 is beloved for its engaging gameplay and memorable bosses, but many players may not realize that it also features a hidden weapon that can significantly alter the game. By defeating the boss of the Bubble Man stage, players can acquire the Bubble Lead weapon, which is effective against several bosses. However, what most don’t know is that if you use this weapon to hit an enemy and then jump on a platform, you can perform a glitch that makes Mega Man temporarily invincible, allowing you to breeze through difficult sections. This hidden mechanic has turned many challenging encounters into effortless victories, making it a favorite among speedrunners.
13. Jumping Over the Flagpole in Super Mario Bros. Is Possible
Jumping over the flagpole in Super Mario Bros. is often compared to the childhood myth of swinging so high that you complete a loop on the swing set—something many believed to be impossible. However, it turns out that one of these long-standing beliefs is indeed partly true.
You can actually jump over the flagpole in Super Mario Bros. by executing a specific series of moves in certain levels, especially in Levels 1-1 and 3-3. While successfully clearing the top of the flagpole is an exhilarating achievement, your triumph may be short-lived. Jumping over the flagpole triggers a glitch that causes Mario to run endlessly in a loop of the level, rendering the feat more frustrating than rewarding.
14. Final Fantasy Hides a Well-Concealed Puzzle
The original Final Fantasy is a classic NES title, renowned for offering countless hours of gameplay when most console games were much shorter. If that extensive adventure isn’t enough to satisfy you, there’s a secret minigame puzzle waiting to be discovered.
After obtaining and boarding the ship in the NES version of Final Fantasy, you need to press the “A” and “B” buttons simultaneously 55 times. While this may seem like an absurd challenge, successfully completing this task unlocks a special tile sliding puzzle game, where your goal is to arrange a series of marked squares in numerical order. Completing the puzzle rewards you with extra Gil. Interestingly, this puzzle appears in many later ports of the game, often offering significantly better rewards for solving it.
15. The Secret Developer Room in EarthBound
EarthBound, an iconic RPG released for the Super Nintendo, is celebrated for its offbeat humor, relatable characters, and innovative gameplay mechanics. However, hidden within the game’s quirky world is a fascinating secret: a developer room that most players will likely never stumble upon without a bit of luck or knowledge.
To access this elusive area, players must utilize a specific glitch that involves the game’s save system. By manipulating certain actions and entering a sequence of commands, players can gain entry into a hidden room filled with inside jokes and messages from the developers. Here, you’ll find humorous commentary, references to pop culture, and even playful nods to the game itself.
This developer room not only serves as a testament to the creative minds behind EarthBound but also gives players a rare glimpse into the game’s development process. The presence of these hidden messages adds an intriguing layer of depth to the game, as fans can appreciate the thought and humor that went into its creation. Discovering this secret is a delightful experience for dedicated players, transforming their understanding of the game from merely a fun adventure to a deeply interconnected tapestry of ideas and inspirations.
Security verified