UK hardware developer Datel made these "game enhancers" for both the GameShark and Action Replay brands. The GameShark was for us Americans and the Action Replay was for you non-Americans. (You could always import anything, of course, but officially that was the deal.) The two devices were essentially the same, despite some small tweaks and codes aimed at the respective markets. With GameShark (temporarily) out of the picture, Datel saw a chance to gain new turf and began selling the Action Replay in the US. Now, of course, Mad Catz is making a serious (and effective) effort to raise the GameShark brand. Meanwhile, Datel is pumping out new Action Replays as quickly as it can.

This Action Replay is compatible with both the GBA and GBA SP, mostly because it simply fits into the cartridge slot. The only difference is where it sits when mounted, as the GBA's slot is around back and the SP's is up front. As you can see in the product shots, the Action Replay adds a bit of size to your handheld. It's not so large that you couldn't carry it in a bag or jacket pocket, but it certainly makes your GBA/SP less portable. Luckily, it doesn't interfere with your hands while you're playing. It might look like it would intersect with your hands in the pics, but it doesn't. You'll have to trust us on this one. It falls right between your wrists and your fingertips rest on it on the back side, but that's all.

The Action Replay slides into the cartridge slot and then a game slides into a compartment on the back. Obviously you cannot use the codes without having the unit attached. The Action Replay also has a power switch and USB port. The USB port allows you to connect the unit to a PC in order to obtain new codes. It is important to note that you do not have to use this method. You can also simply go to the site, check the new codes, and then enter them manually as you would with any cheat device. However, the USB connection is a clever addition by Datel and it works extremely well.

After you insert the Action Replay and power up your handheld you are met by the main menu screen, from which you can choose Start Game, Select Game, Options, and Management. Options include sound prompts, colors, and keyboard layout for entering codes manually. Management allows you to edit, add, and delete codes. Start Game does just that. Select Game is the important option, as it takes you to a list of games and cheats. The version I received -- I assume that codes will be added to the base memory in future editions, so the number will probably grow -- came with 3,030 codes for 134 games. While this is a far cry from the five-digit numbers with console versions of the device, it is still a healthy list. For newer games you will have to update your database, but this is as simple as pie.

The simple interface shows installed codes, available codes from the site, and remaining space. When you lick the GBA button it automatically scans your handheld so that you can make adjustments to your list. While you can enter the codes using the "keyboard" in the device firmware, this is a much easier way to add to your arsenal.

Keep in mind that the device ships about 92% full. If you are a real code junkie you will want to delete games and/or codes to make room. You can delete by code or game and the interface makes management very straightforward.