The phrase refers to methods, typically codes or exploits, used to alter the standard gameplay experience of the Pokmon Gold version on the original Game Boy handheld console. These methods modify aspects such as obtaining rare items, leveling up Pokmon quickly, or manipulating in-game events. For instance, entering specific button sequences during gameplay could trigger effects beyond the game’s intended design, granting access to resources or abilities not normally available at that point.
The enduring popularity of Pokmon Gold has resulted in a substantial community seeking to explore its possibilities beyond conventional play. Using these alterations allows players to bypass challenges, experiment with different team compositions early on, or revisit the game with a fresh perspective, either for entertainment or research into the game’s internal mechanics. In the era before widespread internet access, sharing these discoveries through magazines and word-of-mouth was common, creating a subculture around maximizing the possibilities of the limited hardware.