How to replace a GBA cart battery?

[old_skoolin_jim]

Hi all, apologies if this is in the wrong forum section, but AFAIK GBA came out after PS2, so... yeah.

At any rate, I was curious- does anyone here know how to replace a GBA cart battery? Do I need any special tools or whatnot?
I bought a Pokemon Leaf Green at a flea market and the battery keeps crapping out. I swear, if I have to deliver Oak's Parcel one more time...:texaschain:
On the contrary, if anyone on here could refer me to someone who could do it for me on the cheap, I'd appreciate it!

[PapaStu]

Correct that GBA is 'modern gen' but this is a tech question so to Tech & Resto you go!


**punt**

I don't think you need anything beyond a new battery w/ tabs and some solder, but I could be wrong.

[Jorpho]

If it's a legitimate GBA cart, it will have a tri-wing screw on the back, which requires a tri-wing screwdriver to open.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_screw_drives#Tri-wing

If it's a pirate cart made illegally in Hong Kong or something, then it could have any kind of screw – and it also might not work very well even after you replace the battery, as pirate carts are rather notorious for being substandard. See for example http://www.rfgeneration.com/news/game-boy-advance/Beware-GBA-Bootlegs-1390.php . (In particular, if it's legitimate, you should be able to see "Nintendo" written on the circuit board above the connector if you look inside the cart opening.)

[old_skoolin_jim]

Yeah, it's definitely a bootie. Big, ugly yellow battery visible thru the transparent green plastic. I got what I paid for, I suppose. :p

[Orion Pimpdaddy]

Yeah, Pokemon cartridges were some of the most commonly pirated carts due to their popularity. After I unknowingly bought a couple of fakes, I did some research and became aware of how widespread the problem was. I eventually created a video about how to spot them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fKOW5B2yxw

[carbz413]

Do you know what type of screws are on the back of the cart? You'll need to open up the cartridge first. The battery inside should be a 2016 type, which is the replacement that you need. Be careful when removing the old battery, so the battery holder doesn't get damaged.

[xelement5x]

Yeah, Pokemon cartridges were some of the most commonly pirated carts due to their popularity. After I unknowingly bought a couple of fakes, I did some research and became aware of how widespread the problem was. I eventually created a video about how to spot them.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8fKOW5B2yxw

Very nice video, kudos to you for putting it together.

[wiggyx]

Do you know what type of screws are on the back of the cart? You'll need to open up the cartridge first. The battery inside should be a 2016 type, which is the replacement that you need. Be careful when removing the old battery, so the battery holder doesn't get damaged.

You have to remove the battery with the holder, so damaging it is of little concern since you'll be replacing it with a new battery that has the tabs/holder included like this one.

http://parts.digikey.com/ca/1/117634-battery-lithium-coin-3v-w-tab-cr-1616-f2n.html