Datel's Action Replay series of PlayStation 2 cheat devices have always let players do some rather unconventional things with their consoles, but the newly-released Action Replay MAX looks to take the prize. In addition to twiddling the performance of games with the usual array of cheat codes, it also adds media player and emulation features to Sony's console.

The added features revolve around the device's new custom CD-R compatibility. The bundled MAX Media Creator program for PCs will burn a CD of MP3 music, DivX video, or Genesis/Mega Drive ROMs, which will then play back on an Action Replay-equipped PS2. Datel has also added its PS2 online chat and instant messaging client to the Action Replay package.

Like earlier versions of the Action Replay, the new version will circumvent the PS2's DVD region lockout, and also stream MP3 music or DivX video from a PC connected to the PS2 by way of its Network Adaptor, turning the PS2 into a media-player terminal. It will also download new cheat codes through a broadband Internet connection, or accept new codes loaded on a CD-R or Datel's own USB flash drive.

The addition of emulation support in the new Action Replay brings to mind potential legal issues, if Sega were to deem it a violation of its intellectual property rights. However, in this day and age, it would be no surprise if Datel legitimately reverse-engineered the comparatively simple innards of the Genesis, a feat already managed by amateur emulator programmers some years ago.

Datel plans to release the new Action Replay in North America towards the end of this month, at a price of $24.99. A special "EVO Edition," packing in a 16-megabyte USB flash RAM key, will also be available at a slightly higher price. For more ever-so-slightly dodgy details, check out the official site at www.codejunkies.com.

Copyright © 2004 Ziff Davis Media Inc. All Rights Reserved. Originally appearing in 1UP.