what type of batteries in Gamegear? How long do they last?

[c0ldb33r]

Okay, we all know that the major problem with the gamegear was the fact that the thing ate batteries. The gameboy lasted like 12 hours on four AAs, and the gamegear last like 3 on 6 AAs. I can't remember how much AAs cost back then, but I DO know that it was incredibly expensive trying to play game gear on batteries.

Fast forward to the future.

In my Game Gear, instead of alkaline batteries I'm using NiMH ones. It's nowhere near as expensive since you can recharge them like 1000 times. I'm using 1800 maH batteries (I'm too cheap to replace all my old 1800's with 2500's ;)). It seems that I'm getting quite a long battery life out of these things! I haven't done any solid tests yet, but I only have to recharge them like.... I dunno, once every two weeks?

Granted, I'm not playing games for a long time. Usually short spurts (my gamegear lives in our bathroom after all). But still, I'm amazed :D Until recently I've been using the AC adapter with it, and somehow... it's just more fun now that it's not attached to the wall (not sure if that makes sense).

So, fellow gamegear users, what type of batteries are you using in your gamegear? How long do they last?

[cyberfluxor]

6x AA. Mine would last around 6hrs or so.

[c0ldb33r]

6x AA. Mine would last around 6hrs or so.

Are they alkaline AAs or some sort of rechargeable? (NiMH/NiCD)

[suppafly]

I use NIMH 2300 mah....they last for very long!

[Poofta!]

lasts about 5-6 hours wiht full sound on 6 AA duracell alks.

about 4-5 on lower quality alks

about 3-4 on 1800 rechargeables.

[CrimsonNugget]

When I recently started playing my Game Gear/Nomad again I put in random Ni-Cd's. Never really ran a benchmark, but I guess I got like 2 hours.

[c0ldb33r]

NiCD batteries are no good.

Try investing in some NiMH. They last MUCH longer.

[The Manimal]

Do they even sell NiCd batteries anymore? I used to use these for my walkman back in the day, and they were way weaker than alkaline batteries but then again, they were rechargable. But these NiMH batteries now are rechargeable AND kick alkaline butt. I honestly don't think I'll ever buy alkaline batteries again.

[cyberfluxor]

Well, I have a bunch of big name brand batteries I use. I don't have many rechargables, but that's because I don't often use handheld devices. The only rechargables I have are for my digital camera, we know why that is. So ya, I still say about 6hrs+ was good for me, mainly because I play with little or no sound. Mini amplifiers that use coils, no addition battery life are nice to enhance sound without draining batteries.

[c0ldb33r]

what kind of amp?

[Blackjax]

Yep, NiCad batteries are still around, but its definately worth the extra few bucks for NiMH ... longer lasting, no 'memory' development, and you get a heck of a lot more charges out of them.

[CosmicMonkey]

What about the official Sega rechargeable battery packs. How long do they last?

[c0ldb33r]

Yep, NiCad batteries are still around, but its definitely worth the extra few bucks for NiMH ... longer lasting, no 'memory' development, and you get a heck of a lot more charges out of them.

NiMH batteries have memories don't they? I thought only Li-Ons didn't.


What about the official Sega rechargeable battery packs. How long do they last?

I've never owned one, but from what I've read they were pretty crappy. They didn't last as long as using alkaline AAs (this leads me to believe they were Ni-CD based).

[Blackjax]

NiMH's don't really develop the memory problem, however when they start to wear out, they show symptoms similar to it

try This Wikipedia article (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Memory_effect) for some oversimplified explanations about it[/url]

[c0ldb33r]

That's pretty interesting. Thanks.

"lazy battery effect" - I like it :)

[The Manimal]

(this leads me to believe they were Ni-CD based).

Yes. It states so on the Sega pack itself. :)

[PapaStu]

Mine would last 5-6 on Alks, The Official Sega Battery pack I had lasted somewhere around 3-4 hours.

I've got no clue how long one would last now, what with the degradation of the battery cell and all.