The Konami Code — the legendary hidden command known to gamers worldwide — officially turns 40 on April 25, 2026. To mark the occasion, Konami Digital Entertainment has launched a special anniversary site, kicked off music streaming for six classic titles, and unveiled a line of commemorative merchandise.
The Konami Code made its very first appearance in the Famicom (FC) release of Gradius on April 25, 1986, and has since become one of the most recognizable cheat codes in gaming history — famous even beyond gaming circles. As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, music from six retro game titles, totaling 98 tracks, is now available via download and streaming services. The anniversary site is live within the PROJECT ZIRCON official website.
Konami Code 40th Anniversary Site:
https://zircon.konami.net/collab/40_UUDDLRLRBA.html
Classic Game Soundtracks Now Available for Streaming
The following six soundtrack albums are now available for download and streaming:
- Gradius (FC) ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
- Salamander (FC) ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
- Gradius II (FC) ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
- Gradius III (SFC) ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
- Nemesis (GB) ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
- Nemesis II (GB) ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK
Audio sources: Gradius III, Nemesis, and Nemesis II are re-recorded from "GRADIUS ULTIMATE COLLECTION" (2011); Gradius, Salamander, and Gradius II are from "Music From Konami Antiques Family Computer" (2023).
Download Services:
- iTunes Store
- Amazon Music
- music.jp
- レコチョク
- mora
- OTOTOY
Streaming Services:
- Apple Music
- YouTube Music
- Amazon Music Unlimited
- Amazon Music Prime
- Spotify
- KKBOX
- AWA
- LINE MUSIC
- Rakuten Music
- Deezer
- TIDAL
Also available on TikTok and Facebook/Instagram. For details, check each individual service.
40th Anniversary T-Shirts via Amazon Merch on Demand
A range of 40th anniversary T-shirts is now on sale through Amazon's on-demand print service "Merch on Demand." The designs feature the Konami Code (Up Up Down Down Left Right Left Right B A) and the FC Gradius 40th anniversary logo, created with everyday wear in mind for game fans.
https://zircon.konami.net/collab/40_UUDDLRLRBA.html
Celebratory Manga by Artist Hattori Shota on X
Manga artist Hattori Shota has shared two celebratory pieces on X to mark the anniversary.
Nami-chan Special Edition: FC Gradius 40th Anniversary
https://x.com/Project_Zircon/status/2046862318672486644?s=20
Nippen no Biko-chan
https://x.com/nippen_mikochan/status/2046861633650409835?s=20
The Konami Code Coming to PROJECT ZIRCON Game
As part of the 40th anniversary celebration, the Konami Code will also be implemented in the currently-in-development PROJECT ZIRCON game (trial version). Follow the PROJECT ZIRCON official X account for updates on game development.
