Looking to ROM dump just a handful of games, so I’m trying not to spend hundreds on a Sanni or Retrode. I saw this on AliExpress for $15.

I’ve personally had good luck with Alibaba and Aliexpress, but I recognize that this could just straight not work. There’s no documentation, but it claims the game data will show up like files on a USB flash drive.

Anybody know where this design came from?

You are viewing a single thread.
View all comments View context
2 points

If that was the case they could’ve replaced the battery since and still have a save on that cartridge that needs backing up

permalink
report
parent
reply
7 points
*

I don’t believe it works like that. When you change the battery, the save is gone. In other words, I think it has to have a continuous charge to keep the save.

It works like a computer CMOS battery if I’m not mistaken.

permalink
report
parent
reply
9 points

You are correct.

One can solder in a temporary “helper battery” (or 3V power supply) to the same traces but in a different spot, to keep the SRAM alive while the real battery is replaced.

Some later games (GBA-era) use Flash memory and the battery is just for the clock.

permalink
report
parent
reply
1 point

Can you not have a new save after replacing it?

permalink
report
parent
reply

RetroGaming

!retrogaming@lemmy.world

Create post

Vintage gaming community.

Rules:

  1. Be kind.
  2. No spam or soliciting for money.
  3. No racism or other bigotry allowed.
  4. Obviously nothing illegal.

If you see these please report them.

Community stats

  • 3.5K

    Monthly active users

  • 601

    Posts

  • 4.6K

    Comments