These alphanumeric strings, when used with a specific peripheral device, altered the behavior of a Super Nintendo Entertainment System game title. For instance, a player might input a code to grant invincibility or infinite lives in a popular platformer from that era.
The utility of these modification tools stemmed from providing players with the ability to tailor the gameplay experience. This could range from overcoming challenging sections to simply exploring aspects of the game that would otherwise be inaccessible. Their prevalence marked a period where consumers actively sought to extend or modify their entertainment software.