What Is the Difference Between Action Replay DS and Action Replay DSI?

Compatibility

• The Action Replay DS edition was developed specifically for use with the Nintendo DS handheld game console. It is, therefore, compatible with both the original DS and the DS Lite versions of the console. Because the Nintendo DSi was developed after the release of Action Replay DS, however, Action Replay DS is not compatible with the DSi or DSi XL versions of Nintendo's handheld. Action Replay DSi was designed to be used with the Nintendo DSi handheld game console. Because of this, it is compatible with both the DSi and DSi XL versions of Nintendo's handheld. Since this device was developed after the release of the original DS and the DS Lite, it is compatible with both of these early console versions, as well.

Using the Devices

• The Action Replay DS and the early version of the Action Replay DSi both function the same way. Players insert their game cartridges of choice into their Action Replay devices and then insert the action replay into their consoles' game slots. Later versions of the Action Replay DSi, however, do not require the player to insert the game cartridge into the Action Replay device. Instead, the Action Replay is inserted into the console's game slot, a game is selected, the Action Replay is removed and the game cartridge is inserted when prompted.

MicroSD Card Reader

• Unlike its Action Replay DS counterpart, the Action Replay DSi also has a MicroSD card reader. This MicroSD card reader allows the Action Replay DSi to read and write data on a MicroSD card, opening up a number of functions that are not available on the regular Action Replay DS.

Backing Up Game Saves

• The Action Replay DSi's MicroSD card can be used to back up of game saves. Once backed up, the game saves are stored on the MicroSD card and, should your game cartridge become corrupted or your save file get deleted, you can recover your saved games from the MicroSD card using the Action Replay DSi device. Because the Action Replay DS does not have a MicroSD card slot, it cannot back up game saves.

File Browser

• The Action Replay DSi device also has a file browser that lets you browse the files stored on its MicroSD card. From this file browser, you can install homebrew games and applications on your Action Replay DSi device and use these applications on your DSi system. In order to use this feature, place the homebrew game or application's NDS file on the MicroSD card and insert the card into the Action Replay DSi. Then, browse to the NDS file using the built-in file browser and launch the game or application directly from the MicroSD card. You can also place music and picture files on the MicroSD card and play them on the DSi system.

Home Screen

• Because the Action Replay DSi has a number of features that the Action Replay DS does not, the devices' home screen interfaces are slightly different. The Action Replay DS home screen features the "Start Game," "Settings," "Codes" and "Computer" buttons, while the Action Replay DSi home screen features the "Codes," "Saves," "Files" and "Settings" options.