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Thread: SNES batteries

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    Banana (Level 7) § Gideon §'s Avatar
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    Default SNES batteries

    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.

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Gamereviewgod's Avatar
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    Maybe someone can scan the latest EGM article for you...it has a complete rundown, with pics!

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    Banana (Level 7) § Gideon §'s Avatar
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    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!

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    Bell (Level 8) whoisKeel's Avatar
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    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

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Bratwurst's Avatar
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    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.

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    Banana (Level 7) § Gideon §'s Avatar
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    Default

    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?

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Bratwurst's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by § 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, but yes, the batteries do hold a charge for an inordinately long period of time. 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.

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    Banana (Level 7) § Gideon §'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by Bratwurst
    Quote Originally Posted by § 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?

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Bratwurst's Avatar
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    yase

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    Great Puma (Level 12) jonjandran's Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by § 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.

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    ServBot (Level 11) hydr0x's Avatar
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    could someone pls scan that article?? it's not possible for me to get the EGM here in germany
    -Jan

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    Pac-Man (Level 10) The Manimal's Avatar
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    What's the issue month/vol/issue#/etc?

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

  13. #13
    Banana (Level 7) § Gideon §'s Avatar
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    Quote Originally Posted by jonjandran
    Quote Originally Posted by § 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.
    Thanks for the tip! I'll check it out.

  14. #14
    Peach (Level 3)
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    Here's the article from this month's EGM:

    We don't stop playing because we grow old; we grow old because we stop playing.

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    Banana (Level 7) § Gideon §'s Avatar
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    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!

  16. #16
    ServBot (Level 11) hydr0x's Avatar
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    thx ah i'm a sucker when it comes to soldering....
    -Jan

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    Great Puma (Level 12) Sylentwulf's Avatar
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    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)
    Rend, slaughter, devour your enemies. There is no other way to survive. You cannot escape your hunger, Warriors of Purgatory

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