Spiele # Replace Nintendo SNES cartridge batteries without loosing your save-states

(Bild) You can swap the batteries of Super Nintendo SNES cartridges while the system is running, thus avoiding the loss of saved game data. This method is much cheaper than using something like a Retrode, which can read and save cartridge data to a PC (for ROM dumping or use with emulators).

Working on a powered device can be life-threatening or permanently damage the device due to short circuits. Do not attempt this unless you are fully aware of the risks.

What you need

- A functional SNES, including power adapter, TV cables, TV, controller, and the cartridge(s) whose battery(ies) you want to replace.
- CR2032 holders that fit in the cartridges, I bought these.
- New CR2032 batteries, something like these. You can also use cheaper non-branded ones, but will they last another 25 years without leaking?
- Special screwdrivers for Nintendo and SEGA, for example, these bits.
- (De)soldering skills and the necessary equipment: for soldering, I used this device and this one for desoldering, as it sucks up the solder and reduces the risk of short circuits caused by using regular copper wires.

How to do it

First, you need to open the SNES itself. There are a total of six recessed screws on the underside. Once removed, you can easily take off the top.

(The Cartridge) Next, you need to open the cartridge, usually two screws. Be careful: you will now need to insert the cartridge’s board into the SNES. Make sure to insert it correctly. Usually, the chips and battery face away from you, as they face the back of the cartridge.

Now, connect the SNES to all cables and the TV and turn it on. Load the save game you want to keep and play until just before a save point.

If you don't load a save before the battery swap and don't save afterward, everything will be lost: When I changed the battery for Donkey Kong Country 3, although the SNES was turned on, I hadn't loaded a game profile. After swapping the battery, the game saves were unfortunately gone.

For Yoshi's Island, for example, you can go to the end of a level before jumping through the flower ring. In Super Mario Land, go to the end of a ghost house, before jumping through the finish marker. Pause the game and disconnect the TV and controller cables. Do not turn off the SNES.

Now stand the SNES upright on your table and secure it with something heavy—in my case, a flowerpot and a bottle of cleaning solution.

(Bild)

Now desolder the old battery; there are only two contacts. Solder the new battery holder (with the new battery already inserted) or the new battery itself in place, while the SNES remains on.

Once the battery is replaced, turn off the soldering iron. Reconnect the SNES to the TV and controller. If you haven’t short-circuited anything, the game should still be paused where you left it.

Now, complete the level, enter a save cave, or trigger a save point, and wait a few seconds. Press the SNES reset button. You should now return to the save selection screen with everything intact.

Repeat the process for other cartridges. Of course, when you're done, screw everything back together.

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