Released in 1990 as on the Nintendo Entertainment System, Super Contra
is widely regarded as one of the best "arcade-to-home" translations of the 8-bit era. While it maintains the brutal difficulty of its predecessor, the NES version actually improves upon the arcade original by adding unique levels and refining the controls for the D-pad. The Iconic 30 Lives Cheat
Because the game follows the "one-hit-kill" rule, many players consider the extra lives cheat essential for a fun experience. Regional Differences : Crucially, the standard American NES version only awards
with the cheat code, whereas the Japanese (Famicom) and European (Probotector II) versions grant the full : Unlike the original , this game does use the standard Konami Code. At the Title Screen Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Two Players
: Highlight "2 Players" first, then input the code and press Contra Arcade vs NES | Indie Gamer Chick
The 30 Lives code for Super Contra (known as Super C in North America) varies significantly depending on the region of the NES ROM you are using. While the original Contra famously used the Konami Code for 30 lives, its sequel changed the sequence and, in the American version, reduced the lives awarded. Regional Differences & Codes
The number of lives awarded depends on the specific ROM region: North American Version (Super C): Effect: Grants 10 Lives.
Code: On the title screen, press Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start.
Japanese (Super Contra) & European (Probotector II) Versions: Effect: Grants 30 Lives.
Code: On the title screen, press Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start.
Note: In the Japanese version, you may only need to press A+B instead of A, B separately, followed by Start. ROM Hacking & Patches
If you are specifically looking for a "30 Lives NES ROM" for the North American Super C, it likely refers to a modified/patched ROM.
Restoration Patch: Because the original U.S. release only gave 10 lives, fans created patches to restore the 30-lives count to match the Japanese and European versions.
Konami Code Patch: Some ROM hacks change the input sequence back to the traditional Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start) to make it easier for players to remember. Cheat Sequence Comparison Super C Cheats, Codes, and Secrets for NES - GameFAQs
In the original North American release of Super Contra (better known as
) for the NES, the iconic 30-lives "Konami Code" from the first game does not exist. By default, the official game only offers a code for
However, because the 30-lives feature is so legendary, the retro gaming community has created
and discovered regional variations to bring that experience to Super C. 1. Official In-Game Codes (Standard ROM)
If you are playing an unmodified version of the game, these are the built-in cheats: 10 Lives (North American "Super C"): On the title screen, press Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, and Start For 2 Players: Press the same sequence but add 30 Lives (Japanese/European Versions): Interestingly, the 30-lives code
present in the Japanese (Famicom) and European (Probotector II) versions. On the title screen, press Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, and Start 2. 30-Lives ROM Hacks
To get exactly 30 lives in the North American version, you can apply a patch to your legal ROM backup using tools found on community sites: Super C Konami Code 30 Lives: This hack by user "bogaa" allows you to use the classic Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A sequence to grant 30 lives. You can find this patch on Romhacking.net Super Contra Out Of Control Edition
A more extensive hack of the Japanese version that starts you with
by default, increases gameplay speed, and ensures you don't lose weapons upon death. This is also available on Romhacking.net 3. Game Genie Codes If you prefer not to use a hack, you can use these Game Genie codes with your emulator or physical hardware: Infinite lives (Player 1 & 2).
Start with 9 lives (closest to a high-count start without a hack). with these life-boosting hacks? NES Super Contra: Secret Extra Lives Trick!
Final Review Verdict
Score: 9/10 (for the ROM experience with the 30-lives code)
Usefulness of the code: Essential for anyone not aiming for a speedrun or masochistic challenge.
Bottom line:
- Without the code: Frustrating, dated checkpoint cruelty.
- With the code: A fair, exhilarating arcade blast.
Download a verified No-intro ROM, use Mesen or Nestopia, punch in the code, and enjoy one of the best co-op shooters on the NES without controller-throwing rage.
Ethical note: Only download the ROM if you own the original cartridge or have legally obtained it via a licensed compilation (e.g., Contra Anniversary Collection).
5. Conclusion
The "Super Contra 30 Lives NES ROM" is more than just a game file; it is a symbol of 80s and 90s gaming culture. It represents an era where developers built secret shortcuts to help players succeed.
Whether you are playing the original Japanese Super Contra with its top-down levels, the US Super C with its alternating perspectives, or a fan-hacked version that grants infinite continues, the "30 Lives" code remains the key that unlocks the full potential of the cartridge.
ROM Information
For those looking for the specific "30 Lives" version, most standard NES ROMs of Super C require the code above. However, "Pre-patched" ROMs exist where the game code has been modified to start the player with 30 lives automatically without needing to enter the cheat.
- File Name: Super Contra (USA).nes
- Console: Nintendo Entertainment System (NES)
- Region: USA / Europe / Japan
- Genre: Action, Platformer, Shooter
Step 3: Applying the Patch Yourself (The Safe Way)
If you already own a clean ROM of Super C but want to convert it into a 30-lives version, you do not need to download a pre-hacked file. You need a tool called Lunar IPS (or Floating IPS for Windows) and a patch file (.ips).
- Download the "Super C 30 Lives" IPS patch from a ROM hacking forum.
- Open Lunar IPS.
- Select "Apply Patch."
- Choose your original, clean
Super C (U).nesfile. - The program will generate a new, patched ROM with 30 lives ready to go.
