How to Change the Battery in an NES Game Cartridge
Introduction
The Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) brought joy to millions of gamers during the 1980s and early 1990s. Many classic NES games, such as The Legend of Zelda and Pokemon, used a battery-backed save system to allow players to save their progress. Over time, the batteries in these cartridges can die, making it impossible to save your game. In this article, we will guide you through the process of changing the battery in an NES game cartridge, so you can continue your retro gaming adventures.
Tools and Materials: Before you begin, gather the necessary tools and materials:
Screwdriver (3.8mm security bit or a standard Phillips head, depending on your cartridge)
Soldering iron and solder
New CR2032 or CR2025 coin cell battery
Electrical tape or heat shrink tubing
Small pliers
A clean workspace
Step 1: Prepare the Workspace Ensure that you have a clean, well-lit workspace to work on your NES game cartridge. It's important to have good lighting and a clutter-free area to avoid losing small screws or damaging the cartridge.
Step 2: Open the Cartridge Most NES game cartridges are held together with a series of screws. You'll need to open the cartridge to access the internal battery. NES cartridges commonly use either a 3.8mm security bit or standard Phillips head screws. Depending on your cartridge, use the appropriate screwdriver to remove the screws. Keep the screws in a safe place to prevent them from getting lost.
Step 3: Remove the Old Battery Once you've opened the cartridge, locate the old battery. It is typically soldered to the game's PCB (Printed Circuit Board). Use a soldering iron to desolder the old battery carefully. Be cautious and avoid overheating the PCB. Once the old battery is removed, dispose of it properly.
Step 4: Prepare the New Battery Before soldering the new battery, take your new CR2032 or CR2025 coin cell battery and apply electrical tape or heat shrink tubing to the sides. This will insulate the battery to prevent any accidental electrical contact with the PCB. Make sure not to cover the top and bottom of the battery.
Step 5: Solder the New Battery Solder the new battery to the PCB, matching the positive (+) and negative (-) terminals correctly. The positive side of the battery should connect to the positive side on the PCB, and the same goes for the negative side. Make sure the battery is securely attached, but avoid applying too much heat during the soldering process.
Step 6: Close the Cartridge Once the new battery is securely soldered in place, carefully close the cartridge by aligning the top and bottom halves and reinserting the screws. Make sure not to overtighten the screws, as this can damage the cartridge.
Step 7: Test the Game After successfully changing the battery, insert the game cartridge into your NES console and power it on. Verify that the save functionality is working correctly. If you can save your game, congratulations! You've successfully replaced the battery.
Conclusion: With a little patience and the right tools, changing the battery in an NES game cartridge is a manageable DIY project. Reviving your classic games with a new battery will allow you to continue enjoying your favorite NES titles for years to come. Happy gaming!
