NDS Action Replay (info for those interested)

[Razer]

I usually get a "cheat device" for my systems as soon as I can so when I saw there was a Codebreaker and an Action Replay for the DS I started reading up. Before I get started, I feel the Gameshark is a total PoS in all it's incarnations so I will not mention it further.

Anyhoo...I feel the PS2 Codebreaker is far and away the best cheat device for that system. The support is there, it's easy to use, and offers some extra boot features. I'd been an Action Replay lover back in the cart days but had since fallen away as their support died down. Why they ever removed the "find your own cheats" system, I'll never understand.

So I do my homework and decide to go with the Action Replay, mainly because I can't find a Codebreaker in stores anywhere. I figure it's gonna be no different from the GBA versions also. Was I wrong. The device is really cool but each cool feature comes with it's own with one (bigass) small hitch.
*Inputting codes is simplified as there is no keyboard menu and it's all done by direct download BUT this means that you must have a broadband connection (device connects via included custom USB cable) to update it.
*The included software installs automatically BUT does not install the drivers, you must manually do this after you find the program can't find your NDS.
*It is longer a passthru cart, it goes into your DS, you swap it out with your cart, once it recognizes your cart it will bring up the appropriate code menu BUT if you do not update the software and codelist before you use it it may not recognize your cart thereby not bringing up a codelist. I used Brain Age, which was out well before the Action Replay and it failed to read it. It did accept my Advance Wars card.

The coolest feature is that since you swap it out after it loads up it's code menu, it becomes totally invisible online. The window for unfair play is large here but let's all refrain from jumping out of it.
I'm used to using my devices less for "cheating" perse as I like to have all cars/tracks/players/etc open when I start the game because I usually have friends over playing so I don't wanna have just two crappy cars or something. I abhor Infinite Life codes with a passion. If you can't die, then why play? In Pokemon games I use it to start with a unique starter (usually Flareon) and in Yugioh I open up all of the cards (that IS cheating but...). Those are pretty much the only two franchises I play on handhelds.

Overall the Action Replay is cool tho, especially for the swap ability. If you use cheat devices then consider it. $30 in most stores.

Any Q's for info I didn't cover, just PM me.