Action Replay DS

Infobox VG
title=Action Replay DS


developer=Datel
publisher=Datel
released=August 2006
version=1.60
genre=Cheating
platforms=Nintendo DS
media=Game Card
requirements=Nintendo DS
input=D-Pad, buttons, touch screen

The Action Replay DS (abbreviated ARDS, AR) is one of a line of products manufactured by Datel, specifically designed for use with the Nintendo DS. It is used to apply cheat codes to alter a game, usually by giving the player extreme advantages not normally obtainable. While earlier versions of the software forced users to input codes manually via the DS itself, versions 1.52 and later allows users to enter codes through a PC application, which are copied to the software via USB. [cite web | url=http://doc.kodewerx.net/ _nds.html#action_replay | title=EnHacklopedia - NDS - Action Replay DS] [cite web | url=http://ds.qj.net/New-firmware-for-Action-Replay-DS/pg/49/aid/81747 | title=QJ.net- New firmware for the Action Replay DS]

In addition to functioning as a cheat device, with recent firmware versions, Action Replay DS can be used as a NoPass device by holding Select when powering on the system. However, this feature is not officially documented. It was added in version 1.02. [cite web | url=http://forum.gbadev.org/viewtopic.php?t=11687 | title=gbadev.org forums - Action Replay as a NoPass]

This product should not be confused with the similar Action Replay Duo, a save game device for DS games. The Action Replay Duo is for DS and Game Boy Advance.

Action Replay DS is sold in stores all around the world with a suggested retail price of $25.00 USD, but at "big box" stores like Target, the price is often reduced to $20.00. In Australia, it is $50.00 AUD.

Versions

A current model of Action Replay DS is inserted into slot 1, and has its own "pass-through" slot, into which you insert the DS game cartridge you wish to play. When inserted, the Action Replay detects which game is in it. After you turn the DS on, if the ARDS recognizes that game, it immediately loads that game's cheat list. Then, you may choose which cheats to use, press the "start" button on the touch screen, and the Action Replay automatically saves the changes and starts the game.

The previous model of the Action Replay DS is inserted into slot 1. It does not include a "pass-through" slot, and requires the cartridge to be replaced with the game cartridge when prompted. Apart from this change, its operations and functions are identical to the previous model. (Action Replay DS manual, 2006, Datel Design & Development Ltd., p4)

Cons

The Action Replay DS can be used in games such as Mario Kart DS to cheat online. Players cheating in this fashion can give themselves items at any point in a race. This behavior is frowned upon by regular and professional players as it requires absolutely no skill and makes online gaming rather unfair.

On occasion, while playing Pokémon Diamond or Pearl with the Action Replay, your saved game may be at risk of corruption, if not used carefully. If you use codes such as "1HP Left" or others while in battle, your game may freeze due to the game reading the data wrong and you will be forced to start overFact|date=August 2008. It is advised that you save your game often when using an Action Replay.

Bricking

It is possible to brick (i.e. render unusable) an Action Replay by interrupting the firmware upgrade process, by turning off the DS or disconnecting the USB cable while the transfer is in progress. Datel offers a 90-day warranty for Action Replays bricked by incomplete firmware upgradesFact|date=August 2008, but this warranty does not apply to Action Replays bought on eBay.

If a "code" transfer process is interrupted, it may corrupt the code list, but this can be easily fixed. Holding the A, B, Start, and Select buttons while turning the DS on will reset the code list to empty.

Instructions

The Action Replay device works when you either Add codes to the memory in the Device, Or loading the Pre-loaded codes on the device, Codes can be entered manually with the Stylus and a On Screen keyboard Or can be uploaded manualy to the DS via a cable that connects into the Device. They must be uploaded with an XML file.

The Action Replay device automaticlly loads up onto the 'Enter a DS into DS slot' screen as soon as the DS is turned on. People then enter the DS Card and click the Star icon to see what cheats are stored for that game, if none are stored, then the owner can make a file to store cheats in for that game in the Action replay device.

Problem Troubleshooting

With firmware version 1.60 of the Action Replay DS, Datel unfortunately included the incorrect drivers on the included code manager CD. While this does not break the Action Replay DS Cartridge it makes it impossible to update the codes from the computer. Many people have complained the Code Manager won't recognize the DS after it is plugged in. There is a well hidden FAQ on the Datel Customer support website, documented [http://www.datelcustomerservice.com/product_help/NDS_ARDS_Help.html here] , relating how to fix this problem. You must download the correct drivers from their website and install them per their directions.

References