Action Replay
Action Replay
The Action Replay is a cartridge that plugs into the Sega Saturn's rear expansion slot. It is best known as a cheat device, but it serves several other useful roles that make it a popular accessory for collectors and enthusiasts alike.
What it does
- Cheat codes: the original purpose, applying codes for infinite lives, unlocks, and similar tweaks.
- Region bypass: many Action Replay carts let a console boot games from other regions, turning a region-locked Saturn into a more flexible machine.
- Save storage: versions with onboard memory expand your save capacity beyond the internal battery-backed RAM.
- RAM expansion: some variants include the extra RAM that certain later games require.
Choosing a version
Action Replay carts came in several revisions with different feature sets. Some combine cheats, region switching, and memory in one cartridge, while others focus on a single function. If region-free play matters to you, confirm the specific cart supports the regions you want before buying.
Compatibility tip
Because the Action Replay occupies the cartridge slot, you cannot use it at the same time as another cartridge accessory such as a standalone RAM expansion or backup memory cart unless the Action Replay itself provides that function.
For many owners a combined Action Replay is the single most practical cartridge to own: it handles region access, cheats, and save management together, reducing the need to swap carts.