Action Replay DS
| Action Replay DS | |
|---|---|
| File:Action replay ds large.jpg | |
| Developer(s) | Datel |
| Publisher(s) | Datel |
| Platform(s) | Nintendo DS |
| Release | August 2006 |
| Genre(s) | Cheating |
Action Replay DS is one of a line of products manufactured by Datel, specifically designed for use with the Nintendo DS. It is used to input 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, version 1.52 and later allows users to enter codes through a PC application, which are copied to the software via USB. [1][2]
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.[3]
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 $24.99, but at other stores like Target, they have reduced the price to $19.99.
Both of these methods have the user searching the DS's RAM for certain addresses that hold information that the hacker wishes to modify. The most common method involves comparing "screenshots" of the RAM to determine the values of the code, and editing said values. The resulting codes have a wide variety of uses, such as skipping sections of a game, uncovering unused data in the RAM, or simply making the player invincible. Example In Super Mario 64 DS, you can play as heaps of characters and in Mario Kart you can design your own world.
The DS Action Replay is used to gain advantages in DS Games.
Versions
The previous model of Action Replay DS fits into slot 1, and has its own "pass-through" slot, in which you insert the DS game cartridge of your choice. When inserted, the ARDS detects which game is in it. After you turn the DS on, the ARDS goes directly to that games cheats, but only if recognized by the Action Replay. Then, instead of choosing the game, choosing which cheats are activated, saving those changes, then turning off the DS, then switching the Action Replay to the game; the method is now easier. Instead, you put the ARDS in, the chosen game in the ARDS, then turn it on. You choose which cheats to use, and press the "start" button on the touch screen, and the Action Replay automatically saves the changes and starts the game.
The current model of Action Replay DS fits 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)
Annoyances
Action Replay DS can be used in games such as Mario Kart DS to cheat online. Players cheating in this fashion can choose to 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 unfair. An example is when a player uses blue spiked shells repeatedly to take the lead ( the shells only explode on the leader and it has a large blast radius).
On occasion while playing Pokemon Diamond or Pearl while using Action Reply your game can be in risk of losing progress. If you use cheats such as "1HP Left" or various others while in battle your game may freeze due to the data reading the data wrong and you will be forced to start over. Its advised that you save your game often if you're using Action Replay.
Things that may go wrong--able to attack Bad Egg (male), enemy KOs even if HP is not 0, still able to attack enemy after defeated, and glitchy cities.