How to Fix the Action Replay on Nintendo DS

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Last Updated: July 27, 2024

Action Replay is a specific brand of video-game cheating device for Nintendo DS and other systems.^{[1]
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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

Method 1 of 3:

Fixing an Undetected Action Replay

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1
Check to make sure your action replay is detected. Insert your action replay as you normally would into your Nintendo DS. After you receive the "Warning - Health and Safety" warning message, if your Action Replay does not load, your DS is not detecting your action replay. In this case, you should see the following options:
- Pictochat
- DS Download play
- There is no DS card inserted
- There is no Game Pack inserted^{[2]
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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.

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3
Clean the cartridge connectors. Common household cleaners can damage the connectors that link your Action Replay to your DS, so it's best to avoid these. Instead, take a Q-tip or cotton-ball, apply a little bit of Isopropyl Alcohol (70-90% strength, also called rubbing alcohol), and wipe the metal connectors on your Action Replay.
- 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.
4
Attempt using your Action Replay again. Now that you've cleaned the connectors on your action replay, there should be better connectivity between it and your DS and, hopefully, it will start normally.
- If this does not solve your problem, your Action Replay might be broken or your situation might require a different fix.

Method 2

Method 2 of 3:

Fixing Code Input with a Soft Reset

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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.
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.
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.
4
Input codes and check that your Replay is working correctly. Your product is now reset, and will likely accept codes once more. To make sure that all is well with your Replay, input codes as normal. If your codes work, you've fixed your Action Replay.
- If this does not fix your action replay, it may be irreparable or you may need to try another solution to fix your problem.

Method 3

Method 3 of 3:

Fixing a White/Black Screen Error

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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.
2
Connect your Replay to a computer. Your Action Replay should have come with a USB cable to link your Replay to a computer. Use this cable to hook up your Replay to an available computer.
- 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.
3
Open the Replay code manager. The Replay code manager is a way for you to input and adjust cheats that are on your Replay. Some versions of Action Replay come with a disk that has this software on it, but in the event you don't have this disk or lost it, a quick Internet search for "Action Replay DS code manager" should populate a list of sites where you can potentially download this software.^{[3]
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- 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.
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.
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."
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

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Question

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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Question

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.

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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.

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Warnings

The error occurring with your technology could be the result of manufacturer error, damaged components, or a programming error. This being the case, some or none of these methods may fix your Action Replay.

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