SNES batteries

[§ Gideon §]

Hello, all. Having never opened an SNES cart, I was wondering a bit about the SNES battery:

-Is it a replaceable battery that can be bought at a retail store? I once heard that NES carts have watch batteries installed, which are easy to replace.
-How long are they expected to last? I'd imagine 15-20 years.
-How does one go about opening the SNES cart?
-Are there any available guides online that deal with this (preferably with pictures)?

Thanks, all. Have a good day.

[Gamereviewgod]

Maybe someone can scan the latest EGM article for you...it has a complete rundown, with pics!

[§ Gideon §]

Really? EGM does retro stuff like that? That's pleasing.

It'd be great if someone would scan it, but in my case it's not necessary; the local library subscribes, and it's just a block away from my house! I'll check it next time I'm home.

Thanks for the tip!

[whoisKeel]

well, if you get a copy of it, could you scan it then? Just 'in case' that is. As far as i know all my old NES cart's batteries still work, at least my zelda, ff, and deja vu does. I've heard the number 5 years thrown around for expiration, so they are long overdue ;)

[Bratwurst]

From my personal experience I would rate them more at 10 years, but that is also assuming the games are played now and then to let some electricity run through them.

[§ Gideon §]

Well, I'll do the best I can. While I don't have access to a scanner, I'd be happy to transcribe it (depending on its length). I won't be at home until Thanksgiving break, though.

The reason why I suggested 15-20 years as a lifespan for SNES batteries, was because all my SNES games still work fine as far as I know.

So Gamereviewgod, can you give us a run-down of the article? Do SNES carts run on watch batteries? Where do you obtain the screw bit to open them up? How long will a new battery last?

[Bratwurst]

The reason why I suggested 15-20 years as a lifespan for SNES batteries, was because all my SNES games still work fine as far as I know.

SNES hasn't been around for but 12-13 years or so, 1990-91, but yes, the batteries do hold a charge for an inordinately long period of time. :D I have a NES Zelda 1987 or so that still retains a save, amazingly.

After ten years though, the chance of it flaking out is very high. Nintendo quoted 5 years to be on the safe side- and sometimes, that expiration date was also correct.

[§ Gideon §]

The reason why I suggested 15-20 years as a lifespan for SNES batteries, was because all my SNES games still work fine as far as I know.

SNES hasn't been around for but 12-13 years or so, 1990-91

I know that! I only suspected that they couldn't last much longer, so 15-20 years would be the max that I would expect.

BTW, your freaky avatar makes me laugh! Is that a baby's face?

[Bratwurst]

yase

:wired: :) :wired: :) :wired: :) :wired: :) :wired: :) :wired: :)

[jonjandran]

Where do you obtain the screw bit to open them up? How long will a new battery last?

SylentWulf , a member on the DP Forums, sells them . He's Electricquarter on E-Bay. I highly recommend him. :D

[hydr0x]

could someone pls scan that article?? it's not possible for me to get the EGM here in germany ;)

[The Manimal]

What's the issue month/vol/issue#/etc?

How 'in detail' is this? I may want to pick it up for this article alone.

[§ Gideon §]

Where do you obtain the screw bit to open them up? How long will a new battery last?

SylentWulf , a member on the DP Forums, sells them . He's Electricquarter on E-Bay. I highly recommend him. :D

Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out.

[jaybird]

Here's the article from this month's EGM:

http://users.conwaycorp.net/jaybird/Battery.jpg

[§ Gideon §]

Thanks, Jaybird! You're the hero for the day.

But, the question still remains: do SNES carts run off of the same 3 volt batteries that the NES carts use? I'll have to search around...

I had no idea a soldering iron was involved; all this time, I thought you just pop in a new battery, seal up the cartridge, and voila!

[hydr0x]

thx :) ah i'm a sucker when it comes to soldering....

[Sylentwulf]

If you check my auctions, I have a bit and battery set, which includes the security bit needed for most games, plus 5 replacement batteries.

I also sell both separately, if you're looking for more than 2-3 batteries, just e-mail me and I'll cut you a decent break outside of ebay (cheaper than retail for sure)