The Game Genie cannot manipulate RAM, though it can make the console read different values from SRAM.īecause they patch the program code of a game, Game Genie codes are sometimes referred to as patch codes. Each code contains an integer value that is read by the system in place of the data actually present on the cartridge. Upon starting the console, the player may enter a series of characters referred to as a 'code' or several such series that reference addresses in the ROM of the cartridge. The Game Genie attaches to the end of a cartridge and is then inserted into the cartridge port of the console for which it was designed.