Which version of Contra is on this page?
This is the 1988 North American NES release. Its English title screen includes the Nintendo of America license line; the Japanese Famicom edition is a separate version with additional presentation features.
Contra (1988 North American NES)
Play the 1988 North American NES version of Contra online. Its English title screen and Nintendo of America license line distinguish it from the Japanese Famicom release. This guide covers the original NES controls, the 30-lives code, two-player selection, and practical stage tips.
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Overview
Konami released separate North American NES and Japanese Famicom editions in 1988. The game on this page reaches the English Contra title screen with a Nintendo of America license line, identifying it as the North American NES release rather than the Japanese Famicom version.
The NES adaptation expands the arcade game into eight defense zones that alternate side-scrolling, vertical, and behind-the-character base stages. One or two players run, jump, aim in multiple directions, and collect weapon upgrades while advancing toward Red Falcon's final defenses.
The Japanese Famicom edition adds presentation features and version-exclusive commands that are not part of this North American NES build. The codes below keep those regional boundaries explicit.
Cheat Codes
North American NES: 30 lives: At the title screen, before the demonstration begins, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, then Start. For two players, press Select before Start.
Japanese Famicom only: stage select: After the title-screen music begins, hold Up + Left + A, press Start, then immediately hold Select. This command does not apply to the North American NES build on this page.
Japanese Famicom only: sound test: At the title screen, hold A + B and press Start. This command does not apply to the North American NES build on this page.
Controls
- NES Control Pad
- Run left or right, crouch, and combine directions to aim
- B Button
- Fire; combine with the Control Pad to shoot in different directions
- A Button
- Jump; combine with left or right to control the jump direction
- Select Button
- Choose 1 Player or 2 Players, and choose Continue or End after a game over
- Start Button
- Start the selected mode or pause and resume play
Before you play
- A single enemy hit or projectile costs a life, so learn each enemy entrance and clear the landing area before committing to a jump.
- Shoot the flying capsules and pill-box sensors for weapon symbols. The Spread Gun covers several angles, while Rapid Fire improves the firing rate of the current weapon.
- In the two base stages, movement is into the screen rather than along a side-scrolling route. Clear each sensor room before the timer expires and save jumps for the side-scrolling zones.
- The NES version allows up to three continues per mission. Treat early runs as route practice instead of spending every life chasing a risky weapon capsule.
Known limitations
- The North American NES build does not include the Japanese Famicom edition's extra cutscenes, animated backgrounds, stage-select command, or sound-test command.
FAQ
How do I get 30 lives in NES Contra?
At the title screen, before the demonstration begins, press Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, then Start. For a two-player game, press Select before Start. These are the original NES controller inputs.
What are the original NES controls for Contra?
Use the Control Pad to move, crouch, and aim; B fires and A jumps. Select chooses one or two players, while Start confirms the mode or pauses play. All inputs in this guide use the original NES controller labels.
Does Contra support two players?
Yes. The original NES game supports two players at the same time. On the title screen, press Select to highlight 2 Players and press Start; each player uses a separate NES controller in the original setup.
What is different in the Japanese Famicom version?
The Japanese Famicom release adds stage-transition scenes, animated backgrounds, and version-exclusive stage-select and sound-test commands. Those Famicom-only commands do not apply to the North American NES build on this page.
