Action Replay Lost All Cheats — Recovery Steps

Action Replay (DS/DSi/3DS/Wii/PS2/GameCube) losing its code database is common. Here's the recovery ladder:

1. Power Cycle (Soft Reset)

• Remove AR cartridge/disc.
• Power off console completely (unplug AC if Wii/PS2).
• Wait 30 sec. Reinsert AR. Boot.

2. Firmware / Database Update (PC Required)

1. Connect AR to PC via USB (DS/DSi: USB cable; Wii: SD card; PS2: USB keyboard port adapter? No — PS2 AR updates via disc).
2. Run Action Replay code manager (official software: ARCodeManager.exe for DS/DSi; AR_MAX for PS2).
3. Update firmware first (if available).
4. Subscribe / download codes: Official service (codejunkies.com) is dead. Use community mirrors:
   • GameHacking.org → download .xml / .codelist for your game/region.
   • DeadSkullzJr's AR database (GitHub) — curated, updated.
   • MaxConvert — converts between AR, CodeBreaker, Gameshark, Gecko, RAW formats.
5. Write updated database to AR device.

3. Factory Reset (Last Resort)

• DS/DSi AR: Hold A + B + Start + Select on boot → "format database?" → yes. Erases all custom codes.
• PS2 AR Max: Boot disc → "memory manager" → format AR partition.
• Wii AR (Gecko OS / USB Gecko): Delete /codes/ folder on SD/USB → re-download.

4. Hardware Failure Signs

• AR cart not recognized on any console.
• Corrupted text / garbage characters on boot screen.
• USB connection drops during update.

If hardware dead: replace. Datel (manufacturer) no longer sells/supports. Buy used working unit + flash community DB yourself.

Warning

Using AR on online games (Mario Kart DS, Pokemon, Animal Crossing) risks permanent Nintendo Wi-Fi / Nintendo Network ban (error 20100 / 20101). Use offline only.