How to Fix the Action Replay on Nintendo DS

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Action Replay is a specific brand of video-game cheating device for Nintendo DS and other systems. [1] X Research source Unfortunately, many users report bugs and glitches while trying to use the Action Replay. In some cases, there is nothing you can do to repair your Replay, but there are some tricks you can use that might get it up and running again!

Method 1 of 3:

Fixing an Undetected Action Replay

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DS Download play
There is no DS card inserted
There is no Game Pack inserted [2] X Research source

Remove your action replay. It is recommended that you turn off your DS before inserting or removing DS Game Cards or Gameboy Advance Game Paks. After your DS has powered off, remove your Action Replay from the device.

The connectors that link your Action Replay to your DS are on the bottom back of your Replay. They are shaped like a series of flat, metallic teeth, much like the teeth of a comb.
You can also use electronics cleaner, which is available at most electronics stores or larger retailers that have technology departments, like Target or Walmart.
Do not use too much of your cleaner. This can do damage to the internal parts of your Action Replay or your DS. Instead, dampen your cotton-ball or Q-tip with your cleaner, wipe the connectors, and then dry with a clean, soft cloth.

If this does not solve your problem, your Action Replay might be broken or your situation might require a different fix.

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Fixing Code Input with a Soft Reset

Turn off your Nintendo DS. While turned off, press and hold the A and B buttons on your DS. Continue holding both of these buttons and turn on your DS. Continue to hold A and B while your DS powers up.

Press and hold Start and Select. You will need to do this while continuing to hold down the A and B buttons. Wait until you see the Nintendo screen displayed, but before the Action Replay screen stating, "This product is not endorsed by Nintendo" before you press Start and Select.

Hold all four buttons. You may need to continue holding these buttons for a few seconds, but when you see the main screen for your Action Replay displayed, you can release the buttons you've been holding.

If this does not fix your action replay, it may be irreparable or you may need to try another solution to fix your problem.

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Fixing a White/Black Screen Error

Remove your Action Replay from your DS. Before you remove your Replay from your DS, you should first power it down completely. Failing to do so could create even more problems with your Replay.

USB slots usually be found in the back or on the sides of your computer. You can determine a USB slot from other ports by finding the slot with a rectangular wafer in the middle; this will be your USB slot.

Before you download anything from the Internet, be sure that it is safe and does not contain viruses or malware that could harm your computer, Action Replay, or DS.

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Go into the code manager option menu. Toward the top of the code manager, you should see four colored dots to the left of the words "Action Replay DSi/DS Code Manager." This icon represents the menu options for your Replay. Click this to view a list of options.

Reset the device. Among the list of options in the menu for your Action Replay, there will be one labeled "About Action Replay DSi/DS Code Manager." When you click on this, the option to reset the device should be available to you. Select "Reset Device."

Verify that your Replay is fixed. Restart your Gameboy DS and your Action Replay along with it. Turn the power on and wait for your device to boot. If your device still reverts to an all white/black screen, your Action Replay may be completely broken, or your situation may require a different fix.

Community Q&A

What if the bottom screen turns red after the action replay boots up? Community Answer

This means that you need to either reset the cartridge, or update your Action Replay to the latest firmware- both of which can be done by connecting the AR to a Windows PC and downloading the code manager from Datel's website.

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How do I fix my Nintendo DS if there is a message on the screen reading, "gz"? Community Answer You'll need to either re-install the Action Replay on your virtual machine or get a brand new one.

What do I do if this doesn't work? Community Answer Get a new Action Replay. If none of the fixes above work, yours is most likely irreparably broken.