Famicom · 1988
Contra
Contra on Famicom combines directional shooting, Spread Gun pickups and side-view and base stages.
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- Super ContraDOS · Another game or edition in this series
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Read the playing helpPlaying on a touch screen
Start the game, then use its on-screen direction pad and action buttons. If they are hidden, choose Show touch controls above the game. Turn your phone sideways for more room; use Fullscreen when your browser supports it.
Touch support varies by emulator and game. You can still expand the keyboard layout below, or connect a compatible keyboard or gamepad.
Control panel
Console controls
Arrow keys move · Z = controller A · X = controller B · Enter starts · V selects.
A compatible gamepad can be used after launch.
Keyboard layoutOpen / close
MOVE
Up arrowLeft arrowRight arrowDown arrow
Buttons
ZPad AXPad B
Default Player 1 keys are shown. If you changed them or use a gamepad, check the player’s control settings.
System: Move the pointer over the game screen to reveal the player toolbar, or tap its menu button on touch devices. Use the toolbar for save and load states, fullscreen, and control settings.
Save or load game progress
Importing replaces the save stored for this game on this browser. Download your current backup first if you want to keep it.
Launch the game to check save-state support.
Save progress keeps one emulator snapshot for this game on this browser. Saving again replaces that snapshot. Download a backup before clearing site data or changing devices. No account or cloud sync is provided.
Import an OLDGAMES backup on this same game page, then launch and choose Resume saved game. Older .state files use the player’s Load State menu.
Favorites bookmark this page; they do not save progress.
- After launching, reveal the player toolbar by moving the pointer over the game screen or tapping its menu button.
- Choose the save-state download option when available and keep the file.
- To restore it, launch the same game and choose the load-state option. Check the restored progress before replacing an older backup.
In-game saves and emulator states are different. Availability varies by game and player. Browser storage can be cleared; a downloaded backup is not cloud sync.
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About Contra
Contra on Famicom combines directional shooting, Spread Gun pickups and side-view and base stages.
Before you play this edition
NES / Famicom run-and-gun game. The reference is a transcription of the original Konami NES manual; regional details can differ.
Players: Two players can team up simultaneously using separate controller mappings. For a second player, configure Player 2 in the player’s control settings or connect a second gamepad.
Language: The exact language and revision of this browser copy have not been independently confirmed. Check the title screen before following a regional guide.
On a phone: A controller is recommended for two-player games. Physical Android and iPhone compatibility has not been verified.
Spread shots and enemy bases
The console campaign switches between outdoor shooting and enemy-base sections. Weapon capsules change your attack pattern, with Spread covering multiple directions. Losing a life also loses your weapon, so protecting a useful pickup can matter more than chasing another one.
A death also costs your weapon
The Spread Gun covers several firing angles, but losing a life sends you back to the basic weapon. Carrying it through a difficult stretch is worth more than collecting it repeatedly. Use the control panel to practise diagonal aim before approaching a raised enemy.
Choose a guide for this campaign
Contra in the arcade uses a different campaign. Follow the Famicom/NES guide for the version on this page.
Background and mechanics: Instruction manual reference.
Secret Codes & Cheats
Check the edition and timing requirements before entering a code. Button names refer to the emulated controller; use your assigned keyboard or controller inputs.
30 Lives (The Konami Code)
Up, Up, Down, Down, Left, Right, Left, Right, B, A, StartEnter this legendary sequence on the title screen before pressing Start (or press Select then Start for 2 Players) to begin the campaign with 30 reserve lives.
Stage Select
Hold Up + Left + Select + A, then press StartOn the title screen, hold Up-Left on the directional pad together with Select and A button, then tap Start to jump directly into your chosen mission.
Sound Test
Hold A + B, then press StartHold both A and B buttons during the title screen and press Start to open the hidden audio test player and sample all background music tracks.
Playing this edition
Where are the controls?
The control panel below the game screen shows this edition’s keys. Click inside the game before using your keyboard.
How do I save or change controls?
Open the player menu for the options available in this emulator. Save support varies by game and player; see the playing help for more guidance.
Where can I find more games like this?
Browse Platform games across systems, or stay with the Famicom catalogue. Related picks below explain how each game connects.
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Guides for Contra
Editorial Game Guide - Reviewed
Contra Famicom Tips: Weapons, Stages, and 30 Lives
An English Contra guide for the Famicom edition: choose weapons deliberately, use the prone position, read each defense zone, and decide when the 30-life code helps rather than hurts practice.
Read the reviewed guide