GameShark

GameShark was a brand of video game cheat cartridges and software, primarily used on video game consoles. Developed and marketed by InterAct Accessories, and later Mad Catz, GameShark devices allowed players to modify game data in real-time, typically to gain advantages or unlock hidden features. This was accomplished by intercepting and altering the flow of data between the console and the game cartridge or disc.

GameShark cartridges typically plugged into the console in a pass-through manner, with the game cartridge then plugged into the GameShark. Software-based versions, used on later consoles like the PlayStation 2, often used a disc-based boot system. Users could select pre-loaded cheat codes from a database or manually input their own codes, which were typically in Action Replay format.

Popular applications of GameShark included granting infinite health or ammunition, bypassing levels, unlocking characters or vehicles, and modifying character attributes. While popular amongst gamers seeking an easier or more customizable experience, the use of GameShark could also be controversial, particularly in multiplayer games where it gave an unfair advantage.

The GameShark brand lost prominence as console manufacturers implemented stronger anti-cheat measures and as online gaming services developed their own methods for detecting and preventing cheating. Modern consoles often have built-in accessibility options that partially negate the need for external cheat devices. The term "GameShark" has also become a genericized term, often used to refer to any cheat device or software for video games, regardless of the specific brand.