Game Boy Controller Kensa Cartridge

The Game Boy Controller Kensa Cartridge (Game Boy Controller Test Cartridge) allowed Nintendo Service Representatives to test the buttons on the Game Boy unit (or an SNES controller, if plugged into a Super Game Boy). This cartridge appears to be a modified version of the standard Game Boy Test Cartridge, starting at the Controller Test section.

What do you call a bunch of Nintendo Service Representatives trapped inside an elevator? A Famicom Box

Unused Music
Two unused songs were likely used to test the Game Boy audio system as part of the DMG test. Game Genie code will play either of the two during the Controller Test, while Gameshark code  will play the unused music anywhere. Replace in the codes with one of the following song IDs:

Song ID:

Song ID:

Unused DMG Test


Game Genie code will start a DMG hardware test. Raccoon Marios will march around a giant pillar, followed by a palette test sequence, and title screens from Super Mario Land and Alleyway will scroll away, resetting back to the DMG Test screen.

The Japanese text reads "CPU Inner RAM .... OK" and "Timer Error".

Aging Test Message
Game Genie code will display a message upon starting up. Translates to "Aging Test complete". Likely refers to the internal name of the Test Cartridge, which is "DMG AGING TEST".

Unused Graphics
Several graphics are found within the Test Cartridge, some are familiar and others are anyone's guess. None of the graphics are visible during the final sequence of the DMG Test where the title screens scroll.

Game Boy Controller Bank
Found in the first tile bank are graphics for an unused font set, a man with a pellet gun and several bald Mario sprites. No one knows why the bald Mario sprites exist though it is possible that they may have been used during the planning stages of Mario's appearance in Alleyway given the graphic style that was used for the cameo, as opposed to the fuller look that portrays Mario in Super Mario Land.

Alleyway
All of the graphics from Alleyway are present in the Test Cartridge, however they have been split since the ending graphics are used for the Controller Test completion screen. Additional unused graphics were moved into the third and fourth bank.

Super Mario Land
A few unused graphics from the title screen are scattered about the third and fourth bank occupying space with Alleyway graphics.

Development-Related Text
Text for the DMG Hardware test can also be found at.