Saving Action Replay Codes on GameCube: How It Works and Where Codes Live

Action Replay codes on GameCube are stored in the Action Replay device's internal memory—not on the console, not on a memory card (by default), and not on the game disc. The device is a physical cartridge that plugs into Memory Card Slot A; its onboard flash memory holds your code database.

Typical Workflow

1. Insert Action Replay disc (or boot via SD Media Launcher / Swiss on a modded system).
2. Insert Action Replay cartridge into Slot A.
3. Launch the Action Replay software.
4. Navigate to "Add New Code" or "Code List."
5. Enter the code manually via on-screen keyboard (tedious) or load a pre-made .codelist/.gct file from SD card (if using homebrew launchers).
6. Enable the code(s) (checkbox → "On").
7. Select "Start Game" (with disc inserted or disc swapped via "Eject Trick" on unmodded systems).
8. Code applies while the Action Replay device remains connected.

Persistence Rules

• Codes stay active only while the Action Replay cartridge is physically inserted. Remove it → codes disable → game runs vanilla.
• Power cycling the console clears active codes (they must be re-enabled each session unless saved to the device's DB).
• The device's internal database retains your code library across sessions—no re-entry needed unless you wipe it.

Storage Options

• Action Replay Internal DB (Primary): Holds hundreds of codes. Managed via the AR software.
• Memory Card Backup (Optional): Some AR firmware versions (v1.14+, v1.20) allow "Export to Memory Card" / "Import from Memory Card" in the menu. Saves codes as a standard GC save file. Useful for backing up your list or moving between AR devices.
• SD Card / USB (Homebrew Launchers Only): Swiss, GCMM, or Nintendont can load .gct code files directly from SD/USB—no AR cartridge needed. This is the modern preferred method.

Code Management Resources

• Official Action Replay Site (defunct but archived): Code lists for thousands of games.
• GC-Forever Wiki / GitHub: Curated, tested code databases.
• GeckoCodes.org: Wii/GC codes in .gct format (compatible with Nintendont/Swiss).

Critical Warning

Codes can break games, crash the console, or corrupt memory card saves. "Walk through walls" codes often trap you in voids. "Infinite health" can break scripted death sequences. Always back up your memory card saves (via GCMM on Wii/homebrew) before using codes. Use at your own risk.