Action Replay DS Compatibility with Nintendo DSi: What Works and What Doesn't

The original Action Replay DS (white cartridge) does NOT work on Nintendo DSi. Here's why, and what to use instead.

Why It Fails

Different Hardware: DSi has a new CPU (ARM9 @ 133 MHz + ARM7), no GBA slot, different cartridge interface (no GBA pins), and SHA-1 RSA signature check on boot.
Security: DSi firmware (1.4+) blocks unlicensed cartridges (flashcarts, AR DS) via Header Whitelist + RSA. Original AR DS header isn't whitelisted.
Region Locking: DSi / DSiWare / DSi-Enhanced games are region-locked. AR DS is region-free but blocked by RSA.

Device	Compatibility	Notes
Action Replay DSi (Black Cart, "DSi Enhanced")	✅ Works on DSi / DSi XL / 3DS (DS Mode)	Signed header passes RSA. Includes DSi Code Manager. Discontinued ~2011.
R4i Gold 3DS Plus / R4i-SDHC 3DS RTS / Ace3DS X	✅ Works on DSi / 3DS (Latest FW)	Flashcarts. Run NDS ROMs, Homebrew, Cheat Databases (.dat/.cht). No PC cable needed. ~$15–$20.
TWiLight Menu++ (CFW)	✅ DSi (HENkaku/Unlaunch) / 3DS (Custom Firmware)	Best: Loads NDS/DSiWare/GBA/SNES/NES/GBC/GB. Built-in cheat menu (Cheats.db). Free.

Install Unlaunch + HiyaCFW + TWiLight Menu++ on your DSi (dsi.cfw.guide). Cost: $0. Gives you:

Cheat menu for every NDS/DSi game (download latest cheats.db from FlagBrew).
SD Card loading (no cart swapping).
DSiWare, GBA, SNES, NES, GB, GBC, SMS, GG, PCE emulation.
Bypasses Parental Controls / Region Lock.

No hardware dongle, no PC tether, active community updates.

Nintendo DS