Advice on unlocking Pokemon content (aka cheating)

[the1ultimate]

Basically, I've recently purchased a Nintendo 3DS. Since the launch titles are all kind of lame I bought Pokemon Soul Silver (having enjoyed Pokemon Gold when I was younger).

Since I have less time now though, and no Pokemon friends I can trade with, I'd rather build my team before I beat the first map (or the Elite Four).

I consider Action Replay codes to be the best option for catching the Pokemon I want, but unfortunately it looks like installing a cheat device might be a little harder on the 3DS (but while not impossible, no devices are out yet).

So, I have considered buying a cheat device and a cheap/secondhand console that I can use a device like action replay on. My questions are:
Could I do this with a plain first generation DS or would I have to buy a DSi?
Would I be able to trade between a first generation DS and my 3DS if I got another game cartridge?
Do action replay devices need to consider firmware versions?
Also, are all the older consoles compatible with the Pokewalker (this isn't vital but I would certainly consider cheating to unlock all the routes, <a href=http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/Pokewalker#Special>particularly the event ones)?

TL;DR: I want to be able to use a use gameshark codes/get the pokemon I want for minimal cost (although I am willing to buy another console if I can get one cheaply enough) and with the ability to trade if possible/economical.

Also advice on using an action replay device would be appreciated too.

 

[Wintermoot]

you can use a R4 (since you already own HG you are allowed to download the rom for backup purposes) I heard some guy created a mod that makes it possible to catch all of the pokemon you need for the dex (including NE pokemon) it also has a built in AR. (my friend has one and he told me this)

 

[the1ultimate]

Thanks, the info that flashcarts can contain built-in AR is useful, but then I would have to use those Pokemon on the ROM version unless I could find someone with a DS to trade them to me right?

Also, does anyone know if 3DS flashcarts or AR for 3DS have actually been released yet?

 

[T_ConX]

I've been using a FlashCart (CycloDS) and PokeSav (a program to hack the .sav file created by a Pokemon game on a FlashCart) to generate my Pokemon.

I've found this to be an easy way to both modify existing Pokemon and creating new Pokemon from scratch. I simply make modify the Pokemon in the .sav file on the microSD card, start up the game on the flashcart, trade them over to my legitimate copy of Pokemon Black, and then give out Shiny Mudkip's and Shiny Pikachu's to complete strangers over the GTS.

Downsides... For starters, I can't seem to get my CycloDS to work on my 3DS, and when I've got my Black Cart in the 3DS and the CycloDS in the DSlite, it tends to lock up in the Union Room (almost as though IT KNOWS it's communicating with a FlashCart). This has forced me to use my DSlite AND DSphat.

With all that said, if you want to be serious about PokeHacking...

1) Get to know the mechanics behind Pokemon Generation

Do you know what EVs [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/IVs] are? If you don't, then now is the time to lean about both of them.

And don't even get me started on PIDs (a magical number that determines whether or not a Pokemon is shiny). Heck, [a href="http://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?14026-Guide-How-to-generate-Gen-V-Pokmon-in-PokGen"]read this[/a], and figure it out yourself.

2) Make it look 'legit'

That means making a Pokemon that the game will accept as something that could occur naturally. Having IVs of 31 across the board? Highly unlikely (*), but still possible. Moveset? Make sure the Pokemon can actually learn each move you give it. If you're sloppy (EVs add up to more then 510, PID doesn't match shininess), IT WILL KNOW.

Spoiler: (*)

It's a 1 in 1,073,741,824 chance, to be precise; the equivalent of flipping a coin and having it come up heads THIRTY times in a row...

3) Use this power only for good...

 

[the1ultimate]

I've been using a FlashCart (CycloDS) and PokeSav (a program to hack the .sav file created by a Pokemon game on a FlashCart) to generate my Pokemon.

I've found this to be an easy way to both modify existing Pokemon and creating new Pokemon from scratch. I simply make modify the Pokemon in the .sav file on the microSD card, start up the game on the flashcart, trade them over to my legitimate copy of Pokemon Black, and then give out Shiny Mudkip's and Shiny Pikachu's to complete strangers over the GTS.

Downsides... For starters, I can't seem to get my CycloDS to work on my 3DS, and when I've got my Black Cart in the 3DS and the CycloDS in the DSlite, it tends to lock up in the Union Room (almost as though IT KNOWS it's communicating with a FlashCart). This has forced me to use my DSlite AND DSphat.

With all that said, if you want to be serious about PokeHacking...

1) Get to know the mechanics behind Pokemon Generation

Do you know what EVs [http://bulbapedia.bulbagarden.net/wiki/IVs] are? If you don't, then now is the time to lean about both of them.

And don't even get me started on PIDs (a magical number that determines whether or not a Pokemon is shiny). Heck, [a href="http://projectpokemon.org/forums/showthread.php?14026-Guide-How-to-generate-Gen-V-Pokmon-in-PokGen"]read this[/a], and figure it out yourself.

2) Make it look 'legit'

That means making a Pokemon that the game will accept as something that could occur naturally. Having IVs of 31 across the board? Highly unlikely (*), but still possible. Moveset? Make sure the Pokemon can actually learn each move you give it. If you're sloppy (EVs add up to more then 510, PID doesn't match shininess), IT WILL KNOW.

Spoiler: (*)

It's a 1 in 1,073,741,824 chance, to be precise; the equivalent of flipping a coin and having it come up heads THIRTY times in a row...

3) Use this power only for good...

Right, thanks.

Since I currently only have a 3DS though, I thought I'd just change the random encounter modifier to get the Pokemon I want. That way I don't have to trade from a flash cart.

I really don't mind breeding them, and then training them up, but I might have to do something different for the legendaries.

But I do have to admire how you've created characters from scratch.