Level select:
Note: This code has sensitive timing. Tails will blink his eyes once, then two more times in quick succession. Hold Down/Left + 1 + 2 at the title screen and wait until Tail blinks for the third time. Press Start at exactly that moment, while Tails' eyes are closed. A sound will confirm correct code entry. Use Up or Down to select a level and press 2 to begin game play.

Alternately, hold Down/Left + 1 + 2 during the introduction sequence and keep them held as the title screen is displayed. Release the buttons after the sound of the bells are heard. Press Start to enter the level selection screen.

Alternately, hold Down/Left + Start + 1 + 2 when the Sega logo appears. Keep the buttons held through the intermission when Robotnic picks up Tails and Sonic is chasing them. When the main screen appears and "Press Start" is displayed, keep the buttons held until you hear three chimes. Release the buttons and press Start. The level selection screen will appear.

Level select (European version):
Enter the sound test screen and play tracks 19, 65, 9, and 17 (in order). Press Start to exit the screen. Wait until Sonic and Tails give a "thumbs up" and press 1 + Start, Start.

Level passwords (European version):

Level	Password
2	EAGF
3	CHFA
Bonus	(none)
5	DGBC
6	HBGA
7	FBHE
Bonus	(none)
9	BFCH

Hint: More than 9 lives:
Despite what the instruction manual states, you can exceed the maximum number of 9 lives. As you start to build up lives, if the total is over 9, every time you lose an extra life, the screen will still remain at 9. However, as you start to lose lives, the countdown returns to normal.