BONUS | Lite Switch: Feb 5, 2026 | The Complete Cheat Code Compendium kickstarter
In this bonus midseason LiteSwitch episode, Cyril from Defunct Games is here to talk to Mike and Jaymo about GameShark Returns: The Complete Cheat Code Compendium, a book that Cyril’s working on with InterAct Accessories co-founder Todd Hays. With an already successful kickstarter campaign, GameShark Returns: The Complete Cheat Code Compendium is currently set for release in Fall 2026.
In this episode, we talk about what the differences are between easter eggs, glitches, and cheat codes, how cheat codes and hidden strategies were used to sell video game magazines, try to recollect if cheat codes were stigmatized in the 90s, and how cheat codes functioned as early accessibility options. Along the way we also look back on the loss of rentals in the video game ecosystem, try to figure out why Sonic the Hedgehog 2’s debug mode doesn’t get more attention, and decry how DLC is replacing cheat codes.
Thanks for listening, and a very special thanks to Kristal Fields of The Lazy Circles for our catchy theme song! Subscribe to The Old SwitchAroo to get more retro goodness delivered straight to your feed! You can also join the fun on https://www.theoldswitcharoo.com, where you'll find links to our Discord, social media, and so much more!
Game on, everyone.
(0:00) Intro
(1:15) Welcoming Cyril from Defunct Games
(5:18) The Complete Cheat Code Compendium - Kickstarter Description
(16:41) Cyril Meets Todd Hays
(22:53) Selecting the best cheat codes
(29:17) Remembering Dinosaurs for Hire for the Sega Genesis
(34:08) What constitutes a cheat code?
(38:32) Sega Saturn Pro Action Replay
(43:07) Outlaws re-release
(47:30) Code Vault
(49:09) Game Shark Ad Archive
(54:23) Hot Coffee
(57:20) Long-Hidden Cheats
(1:03:20) Favorite Cheat Codes
Check out the Kickstarter campaign for Gameshark Returns: The Complete Cheat Code Compendium: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/763614590/gameshark-returns-the-complete-cheat-code-compendium
The Cheat Code Compendium - Announcement Trailer | Defunct Games: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uRgU9OkQV7o
More info on the book and the rest of Cyril’s activities at Defunct Games: http://www.defunctgames.com/
How Yahtzee Created Unique Worlds in Starstruck Vagabond | GameMaker Memoirs | Second Wind: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XlFbH5B6ivs
Editor in Chief
Creator of the Defunct Games empire. Launched the Defunct Games website in 2001, followed later by the YouTube channel. Freelance critic since 2002, Electronic Gaming Monthly contributor and Retro-Bit Publishing marketer. Winner of the Nobel Prize for Good Game Reviews and three time runner-up for the Publishers Clearing House sweepstakes.
