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 |
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. [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]
Action Replay DS is sold in stores all around the world with a suggested retail price of $24.99 USD[4], but at "big box" stores like Target, the price is often reduced to $19.99. In Australia, it is $49.99 AUD.
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 upgrades[citation needed], but this warranty does not apply to Action Replays bought on eBay. Sometimes you will be lucky but you can also stuff up the Action replay DS and it will get rid of all game codes and you can't add them back on. Datel says that it rarely happens and that it must be malfunctioning but that is not true because many Action Replay devices get stuffed.[citation needed]
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 manually to the DS via a cable that connects into the Device. They must be uploaded with an XML file.
The Action Replay device automatically 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.
With the new Action Replay DS Media Edition, there is no need for you to have to remove the Action replay and then insert the game. Instead all you have to do is insert the Action Replay and then insert the game into the game slot on the back of the Action replay. The rest of the steps are basically the same except for a few extra features.
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 here, relating how to fix this problem. You must download the correct drivers from their website and install them per their directions.They are also extremely fragile and sometimes break after only a few uses. There have been several reports of NDS breaking down due to Action Replay.[citation needed]