Hi. Recently, some of my game boy games with saves started resetting themselves. The card still saves data, but seems to reset at random. I have tried removing the cart for a while before putting it back in and turned it on and off, but the games seem to just reset. It only seems to happen when in the original game boy (however, I use them on the original most often) and hasn't reset other games (like my GB camera). Is this a problem with the gameboy, carts, or is the battery in the carts simply low on power? Thanks P.S. Games: Donkey Kong (orig), SML2
When you say reset do you mean the games reset as if you just put them in? Or do you mean the saves reset and are all deleted? If the games are restarting could be a contact problem on your gameboy unit.
More than likely the batteries as they only have a lifespan of around 10 years (some probably considerably less) so I recommend changing them.
Just think about how old the batteries in those cartridges are by now. It is not surprising if they are dead or at such a low voltage that SRAM would decay quickly. If you're not good at soldering you can probably find someone else that can change the batteries for you.
You Can tape the connections of the battery on, Did that with a gba game and have never had a problem
I carefully pried the connectors off the battery and taped in a newer battery (took it from a broken Wii). It is saving now, but I will post back if it continues to remove save files.
The problem with taping is shock or failure of the adhesive means you lose your data. Solder joints are much stronger and more stable. But whatever works for you. As long as the battery doesn't become loose inside the case.
Your probably right. I am just not an expert at sodering. I am much better when dealing with software, not hardware.:tongue:
If it's Gameboy Color games, a standard CR2032 holder can fit near the "GameBoy Color" logo area. Will be easier for future replacement.
Ok. Well it was an isue with original Game Boy games. My GBC games are still running fine (for now atleast). But thanks for the info.
Ok. After a week without random save failures I have concluded that the batteries were low and were causing the resetting. Thanks to everyone who replied.
Bit late replying to this but yes this is a very common issue. In particular Pokemon games on GB and GBA seem to fail alot from it. I generally pry the connectors off the batteries straighten out the contacts as best I can and put the new battery in. I dont take, or solder them back on I find the case gives enough pressure to keep them in place. A bit of tape could be handy but really isnt a must. I have changed well over 30 batteries in Ruby and Sapphire alone. In all honesty the GBA ones are a little easier to do as they seem to be held in with less solder.
Well the reason I wasn't sure was because i thought when the battery was dead, it was dead. I did not know that it could still have enough power to hold a save for about a day or two at max before resetting. Also, it doesn't fail often in pokemon games, It is just that pokemon games are popular enough to be commonly played today rather then something like "Donkey Kong" for Game Boy. But thanks for the advice anyway, even if it was late.