Arguments for "Cheat":
* Unfair Advantage: Using Action Replay to obtain a Pokemon gives you an unfair advantage over others who play legitimately. Breeding that Pokemon with Ditto, even if the offspring is legitimate, perpetuates that advantage.
* Against the Spirit of the Game: Pokemon games are designed around catching, training, and breeding Pokemon. Using Action Replay bypasses the core gameplay loop, and the offspring is a product of that bypass.
* Ethical Concerns: Many players consider using Action Replay to be "cheating" and ethically questionable. This can lead to community backlash or conflict if you use such Pokemon in online battles.
Arguments against "Cheat":
* Technical Legitimacy: Once the Pokemon obtained through Action Replay is in your game, it is technically a legitimate part of your game data. Breeding it follows the game's internal mechanics.
* No Impact on Others: The offspring itself was not obtained through Action Replay. It is a result of regular breeding mechanics, even if one parent was originally obtained through an external tool.
* Personal Interpretation: Ultimately, whether you consider it cheating is a personal decision. Many players focus on the fun of the game, regardless of how their Pokemon were obtained.
In Conclusion:
There's no clear-cut answer. The ethical considerations and community norms are important to consider. If you choose to breed a Pokemon obtained through Action Replay, be transparent about its origin and be respectful of other players' perspectives.
Key Takeaway: It's a good idea to avoid using Action Replay if you want to play Pokemon in a way that aligns with most players' expectations of fair play.