For these reasons, the original Action Replay is often sought after, making it harder to find and more expensive in second-hand markets.
In addition, it does not contain the code for Super Mario Bros., thereby only providing access to three of the Forbidden Four. The updated device also features a new logo and is available as an individual Mini CD or packaged together with an Action Replay branded memory card. The second version, labeled v1.2 or higher and marketed as Wii-compatible, does not allow custom code input. The original device allows for the input of custom codes which are saved onto the memory card packaged with the device. Two versions of the Action Replay device were produced. The Action Replay came pre-loaded with codes for Animal Crossing as noted in their late January press release. It was the first cheating device available for the system and would remain the sole device until GameShark's GameSave release about a year later. Early devices even allowed users to generate their own codes unfortunately this feature is not maintained in current versions.ĭatel began shipping its Action Replay device for the GameCube to retailers on February 18, 2003. The main benefit offered by the Action Replay line of cheating devices is their ability to manipulate a game's code to produce novel gameplay experiences.
However, an archive of available game saves as of May 2010 does not list Animal Crossing as a supported title. As it is now a discontinued product and its official site no longer online, its compatibility with Animal Crossing cannot be confirmed. Due to its inability to actually manipulate programmed gameplay elements, it sold poorly compared to Datel's Action Replay device. Instead of inputting codes, the GameShark for the GameCube simply came loaded with game saves, more of which could be downloaded online. While there are no known codes specific to Doubutsu no Mori, as neither the GameShark nor the Action Replay saw Japanese release, it is possible to create custom codes for the title using these devices. This resulted in the release of Action Replay branded cheating devices by Datel which are otherwise identical to GameShark branded products. After InterAct's acquisition by MadCatz, Datel's products could no longer be sold under the GameShark name. These successive releases were also made necessary by Nintendo's consistent programming attempts designed to prevent the use of cheating devices. Many versions of the GameShark exist for the Nintendo 64, with later releases offering enhanced features such as the ability to connect to a PC. Identical cartridges, different names: Action Replay & GameShark This resulted in both companies producing cheating devices for the Nintendo 64 and Nintendo GameCube under different names. While MadCatz kept the GameShark name, Datel held onto the rights to release its proprietary line of cheating devices (aka Action Replay) in North America. In 2003 InterAct was sold to MadCatz by parent company Recoton, which had fallen into bankruptcy. The GameShark name was originally used to market products manufactured by Datel in the United States with the company InterAct serving as a local distributor. Alternatively, the device may simply load replacement save data into the game's memory rather than affecting gameplay directly. This often involves temporary or permanent changes to a game's code or save data. Cheating devices that are inserted into a console are generally seated between the console and the game, allowing them to regulate interaction between the two.