How to Use Cheat Codes on Nintendo DS: Action Replay & Flashcarts

The Nintendo DS has no built-in cheat menu. You need external hardware or Custom Firmware.

Method 1: Flashcart + Kernel Cheat Database (Easiest / Modern)

1. Buy R4i Gold 3DS Plus, Ace3DS X, R4i-B9S, or SuperCard DSTWO (NDS Mode)
2. Install Kernel (Wood R4, YSMenu, TwilightMenu++) on MicroSD
3. Download cheat.dat / usrcheat.dat / cheats.xml (from GameHacking.org, GBATemp Cheats)
4. Place in _r4i / _nds/TWiLightMenu/extras/cheats folder per kernel instructions
5. In-game: Open Menu (L+R+START or Touch Icon) → Enable Codes → Start Game

Method 2: Action Replay DS / DSi (Legacy Hardware)

• Cartridge device. Boot → Select Game → Enable Codes → "Start Game" → Swap Cart (Motorized/Eject)
• Firmware updates via PC (CodeManager) required for newer games. DSi/3DS require "DSi Enhanced" AR (Black Cart)

Method 3: TWiLight Menu++ (DSi/3DS CFW — No Flashcart)

1. Install Unlaunch (DSi) / Boot9strap (3DS)
2. Install TWiLight Menu++
3. Enable NTR Cheat Plugin (.plg) or built-in Action Replay (.xml/.dat) support
4. Launch Retail Cart or ROM from SD

Critical Warnings

• Cheats can corrupt saves. Backup Save (Checkpoint / GodMode9i) first
• Online Play (Wiimmfi): Cheats = Ban
• AP (Anti-Piracy): Some games (Pokemon B/W, Dragon Quest IX) crash if cheats active without AP-patch