Most retro gamers know the classic Konami Code (Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, Start). In the original Contra, this gave you 30 lives. In Super Contra, Konami changed the rules.
Entering the classic code on the title screen of Super Contra grants you 10 lives instead of 30. While 10 lives are generous, for players trying to conquer the alien-infested zones of the Bunker or the relentless final stage, 10 lives evaporate quickly—especially when you lose the S-Power.
The "S-Power 30 Lives Fix" refers to the community-driven desire to combine two impossible things:
The "fix" isn't a single button code. It is a multi-layered approach involving level select codes, specific death management, and (for purists) a hardware or ROM patch. super contra s power 30 lives nes fix
Before we discuss the "fix," we must acknowledge what Konami actually gave us. There is a legitimate way to get 30 lives in Super Contra, but it is not a start-up code. It is a Level Select + 30 Lives code.
To perform this, do the following on the title screen (where it says "Super C" or "Super Contra"):
Wait—did you just do the code twice? Yes. Most retro gamers know the classic Konami Code
If done correctly, you will see a stage number (0-7) blinking. Use Up/Down to choose your stage. Press Start. You now have 30 lives. However, there is a catch: You start with the standard rifle, not the S-Power.
This is the official "30 lives" mechanic, but it fails the "S-Power" part of the fix. You still have to survive long enough to find an S-Power icon, which usually sits right in the middle of a kill zone.
On the NES version of Super C, the correct button sequence for 30 lives is: The "fix" isn't a single button code
Right, Left, Down, Up, A, B, Start
(Alternatively, some sources list: Right, Left, Down, Up, B, A, Start — both variations work on certain revisions.)
This must be entered on the title screen (before pressing Start on the single player or co-op menu). If done correctly, you’ll hear a confirmation sound, and your life count will jump to 30.