Hey guys! I think I can answer all your questions. I've had my PowerSave for around two months and has not given me any issues. And just so you are clear, the PowerSave is not like an ActionReplay in which you put codes. It is merely a save file modifier. Yes, you can use some Action Replay codes that are already included in the software you download and also helps to backup your file and of course, cloning.
Just wanted to know what the community thinks of cloning with powersaves? And if it's risky or all good news :)
As far as cloning with PowerSave it is considered 100% legal and those cloned pokemon can be traded in this forum. It is also helpful to get items such as mega stone or rare candies, you can also get the bags for EV training I think. Personally I only use it for the Mega Stones and to get Everstones and Destiny Knots because I always forgot to take them from the pokemon I was breeding and sometimes released it and yeah, it was annoying. Oh, and sometimes I use it for fast hatching. And also shiny value checking for eggs and other trainers that need it. So it comes quiet handy.
Now, using the shiny codes, or any other codes that affect the pokemon (I think there's only a few such as changing form of some pokemon, making the pokemon shiny) would be considered hacked pokemon and it is not allowed in this forum. Maybe others do. But it is still hacked pokemon.
Lots of members use them on here to clone, but you can get a bad device every now and then. I bought one and it corrupted my save, still haven't been able to fix it.
It would be nice to know what were you attempting to do when this happened just to be aware. Maybe you had the wrong PowerSave, I think there is a latest version that is for Pokemon X/Y so you have to make sure you have that version, or something similar I've heard. When I bought mine they did confirm it was compatible with X/Y because I think there's some older versions that aren't.
I just ordered one online yesterday, so I'm a bit curious too. I've been told that you can back the save file up to restore it if anything goes wrong, though.
Again, make sure you get the latest version that supports X/Y. And whenever you use a code to modify the game, the software automatically saves a backup for you. When using the cloning method with Pokemon Bank, you also need to backup your file to then restore it. (Look up youtube videos, it's pretty easy to understand). So, yeah, you can always backup your game whenever you want just in case. And, I haven't had any issues so far but I've heard that yes, people got an error when they activated their code or something and they were able to restore a previous back up and problem solved. Never heard what they exactly tried to do or if they tried it again though.
What kind of powersave thing are you using? Also, do you need the digital copy or the game card copy to clone?
With PowerSave you can only use a hard copy since you have to plug in the game card to the power save which is connected to the computer and then restore the file after you save your pokemon to the Pokemon Bank. The issue I guess would be that you can't restore back your pokemon if you have a digital copy of Pokemon. I think? I have the cartridge so never have had to deal with that but it would be nice if maybe someone figured that out. There is also another way to clone but you need two (2) nintendo 3DS/2DS.
Not sure if there are like different kind of PowerSaves. I know the software updates every once in a while. The brand is Datel. If you buy it online make sure you read the comments to make sure there are no issues. I think buying it physically in a store is better since most of the time they know better and know if you can use your Pokemon X/Y version with it. Most game stores should have it.
Hope this helped. Let me know how you guys do with your Powersaves. :)