cartridge battery lifespan

2008-08-25 05:11:24 am

has the battery on anyone's M2 cart died? I read that it only lasts for about 5 years, so for a long time I've been worried that mine is going to die because i've had it since the game was new, but the battery is still good. Everytime I play it I think to myself: this is it, it has to be, there's no way it could still be working. I save my game and turn it back on later and the save worked just fine.
I'm just curious if everyone else's is still working, or if my cart's battery is immortal.

Thread title:

JaggerG

2008-08-25 06:30:42 am

Shifty Leader

That M2k2 guy

I lost my Zero Mission saves before, but it appears to be fine again. Then again I lost the cartridge outside for six months, so that's probably a big factor.

Newborn

2008-08-25 11:30:50 am

I had no clue cartridges has batteries O_o

except for games like pokemon or something, where the clock would need batteries.
My metroid 2 is still fine BTW
I always thought that the game saved it into it's own memory and stored it there.
Didn't think batteries were needed for that.

Opium

2008-08-25 11:35:57 am

Quote from Newborn:

I had no clue cartridges has batteries O_o

except for games like pokemon or something, where the clock would need batteries.
My metroid 2 is still fine BTW
I always thought that the game saved it into it's own memory and stored it there.
Didn't think batteries were needed for that.

batteries are needed to hold the save data in the small flash RAM (?) inside the cartridge. games that allowed you to save your progress before consoles had memory cards used batteries, ie super metroid(SNES), legend of zelda(NES)

Newborn

2008-08-25 11:40:26 am

funky.

I bet there isn't any way to fix this?
like, relpace the battery or something?

Opium

2008-08-25 11:46:09 am

Quote from Newborn:

funky.

I bet there isn't any way to fix this?
like, relpace the battery or something?

I remember when NES Zelda came out I think there was something in the instruction booklet that said if your battery dies that you could send the cart to them and have it replaced for a small fee. I'm sure they stopped doing that a long time ago. If it does die, I'd have to open it up and try to do it myself. If I destroy it then I'll have to get a new one on ebay that has a working battery.

Acheron

2008-08-25 11:47:52 am

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

To clarify, it's not your standard battery type that's used. Pretty sure that stuff's proprietary, or at least not something you'll be at your local gas station. In other words, when it's dead, it's dead, and no more save-games for you! :(

Opium

2008-08-25 11:57:52 am

Hey NEWBORN - glad to see more of us girls in this forum ;)

Newborn

2008-08-25 12:02:41 pm

well, one always has other was of playing the game and saving it.

I guess one should stick to those after their battery dies.
but I for one will still keep my cartridge :)

Quote from Opium:

Hey NEWBORN - glad to see more of us girls in this forum ;)

haha yeah

Opium

2008-08-25 12:05:08 pm

Quote from Newborn:

well, one always has other was of playing the game and saving it.

True, I should probably go to my friends house and find the ROM

Acheron

2008-08-25 01:32:44 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Quote from Opium:

True, I should probably go to my friends house and find the ROM

Or just Google, ROMs are easy enough to find on the wide internets.

Nothing really compares to the old dinosaur though. Man, you could kill someone with that brick of a gaming machine. Good times that I miss. :(

Opium

2008-08-25 01:41:40 pm

Quote from Acheron86:

Quote from Opium:

True, I should probably go to my friends house and find the ROM

Or just Google, ROMs are easy enough to find on the wide internets.

Nothing really compares to the old dinosaur though. Man, you could kill someone with that brick of a gaming machine. Good times that I miss. :(

I play it using GB player on 60" plasma screen.

I'm not having any trouble finding ROMs, it's just when i download any good ones it alerts my ISP. (and NO, I'm NOT asking for ROMs)

Acheron

2008-08-25 01:46:57 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Quote from Opium:

I play it using GB player on 60" plasma screen.

I'm not having any trouble finding ROMs, it's just when i download any good ones it alerts my ISP. (and NO, I'm NOT asking for ROMs)

Well, at least you have colors that way.

Your ISP seriously gets "alerted"? What does that even mean? Sounds like you're using not-normal internets. I'm sorry. :(

TJF588

2008-08-25 01:49:19 pm

once GameFAQs, now Twitch

*clears throat*
Older games (i.e. Game Boy, GB Color, and at least NES and SNES, if not N64) require batteries for their saves. I'm not too big on the techie matters of Game Paks, but the GBA carts do not require batteries, instead using something similar to, if not the same as, flash drives (I refer to them as "USB drives", but whatever). Only games like, as pointed out, Pokemans require batteries for clock purposes (and thus why battery replacement is sort of a big deal for the R/S/E crowd). Actually changing the batteries in such paks, whichever gen(s), requires a unique screwdriver, the appropriate battery type, and soldering skillz. I have a thread bookmarked related to it... lessee... Bah, can't find my bookmark (maybe on IE? don't think so...), but it should be easy enough to Google up.

Two new posts... Do you happen to use the "DIGITAL OUT" on you 'Cube (if it's an older model?). GBP supports Prog. Scan, and I know that I'd use it, since GB/C/A games weren't designed with INterlace in mind.

*clears throat*
Older games (i.e. Game Boy, GB Color, and at least NES and SNES, if not N64) require batteries for their saves.  I'm not too big on the techie matters of Game Paks, but the GBA carts do not require batteries, instead using something similar to, if not the same as, flash drives (I refer to them as "USB drives", but whatever).  Only games like, as pointed out, Pokemans require batteries for clock purposes (and thus why battery replacement is sort of a big deal for the R/S/E crowd).  Actually changing the batteries in such paks, whichever gen(s), requires a unique screwdriver, the appropriate battery type, and soldering skillz.  I have a thread bookmarked related to it... lessee... Bah, can't find my bookmark (maybe on IE? don't think so...), but it should be easy enough to Google up.

Two new posts... Do you happen to use the "DIGITAL OUT" on you 'Cube (if it's an older model?).  GBP supports Prog. Scan, and I know that I'd use it, since GB/C/A games weren't designed with INterlace in mind.

Acheron

2008-08-25 01:52:48 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Quote from TJF588:

*clears throat*
Older games (i.e. Game Boy, GB Color, and at least NES and SNES, if not N64) require batteries for their saves. I'm not too big on the techie matters of Game Paks, but the GBA carts do not require batteries, instead using something similar to, if not the same as, flash drives (I refer to them as "USB drives", but whatever). Only games like, as pointed out, Pokemans require batteries for clock purposes (and thus why battery replacement is sort of a big deal for the R/S/E crowd). Actually changing the batteries in such paks, whichever gen(s), requires a unique screwdriver, the appropriate battery type, and soldering skillz. I have a thread bookmarked related to it... lessee... Bah, can't find my bookmark (maybe on IE? don't think so...), but it should be easy enough to Google up.

Right, none of that really helps if you're using an M2 GB cartridge though. :(

Just crossin' my fingers and hoping for a remake I guess. Nintendo, Metroid is still totally cool, you can make some moneys, please make more.

[quote="TJF588"]
*clears throat*
Older games (i.e. Game Boy, GB Color, and at least NES and SNES, if not N64) require batteries for their saves.  I'm not too big on the techie matters of Game Paks, but the GBA carts do not require batteries, instead using something similar to, if not the same as, flash drives (I refer to them as "USB drives", but whatever).  Only games like, as pointed out, Pokemans require batteries for clock purposes (and thus why battery replacement is sort of a big deal for the R/S/E crowd).  Actually changing the batteries in such paks, whichever gen(s), requires a unique screwdriver, the appropriate battery type, and soldering skillz.  I have a thread bookmarked related to it... lessee... Bah, can't find my bookmark (maybe on IE? don't think so...), but it should be easy enough to Google up.
[/quote]

Right, none of that really helps if you're using an M2 GB cartridge though. :(

Just crossin' my fingers and hoping for a remake I guess. Nintendo, Metroid is still totally cool, you can make some moneys, please make more.

Opium

2008-08-25 02:06:43 pm

Quote from Acheron86:

Quote from Opium:

I play it using GB player on 60" plasma screen.

I'm not having any trouble finding ROMs, it's just when i download any good ones it alerts my ISP. (and NO, I'm NOT asking for ROMs)

Well, at least you have colors that way.

Your ISP seriously gets "alerted"? What does that even mean? Sounds like you're using not-normal internets. I'm sorry. :(

both my friends and I have both gotten emails from our ISPs stating that the ESA has informed them of illegal activity, and that our ISP has the right to turn over our identities to the ESA if such activities continue. It goes on to say that our internet service will be discontinued if it happens again. both emails included the date, time, and name of the ROM that was downloaded.
neither of us have downloaded any ROMs since then.
Has this happened to anyone else? I thought about downloading them at the library, not sure if that would work.

Acheron

2008-08-25 02:22:04 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Quote from Opium:

both my friends and I have both gotten emails from our ISPs stating that the ESA has informed them of illegal activity, and that our ISP has the right to turn over our identities to the ESA if such activities continue. It goes on to say that our internet service will be discontinued if it happens again. both emails included the date, time, and name of the ROM that was downloaded.
neither of us have downloaded any ROMs since then.
Has this happened to anyone else? I thought about downloading them at the library, not sure if that would work.

That is bizarre, I've never heard of it before. You know, if I were going to search for something questionable I'd probably try a megauploads search, I can't imagine that sort of thing could be traced...

That sort of thing is illegal though and I am not endorsing that activity in any way. This is purely hypothetical discussion and not a hint or suggestion or idea for a safe way to download ROMs.

*cough*

Sorry, I have a cold.

What ISP do you have, if you don't mind me asking? Because I want to never have that ISP.

[quote="Opium"]
both my friends and I have both gotten emails from our ISPs stating that the ESA has informed them of illegal activity, and that our ISP has the right to turn over our identities to the ESA if such activities continue.  It goes on to say that our internet service will be discontinued if it happens again.  both emails included the date, time, and name of the ROM that was downloaded.   
neither of us have downloaded any ROMs since then.  
Has this happened to anyone else?  I thought about downloading them at the library, not sure if that would work.
[/quote]

That is bizarre, I've never heard of it before. You know, if I were going to search for something questionable I'd probably try a megauploads search, I can't imagine that sort of thing could be traced...

That sort of thing is illegal though and I am not endorsing that activity in any way. This is purely hypothetical discussion and not a hint or suggestion or idea for a safe way to download ROMs.

*cough*

Sorry, I have a cold.

What ISP do you have, if you don't mind me asking? Because I want to never have that ISP.

nate

2008-08-25 02:33:27 pm

makes me wonder whether the esa hacked some rom sites. pretty funny if so.

Opium

2008-08-25 02:42:47 pm

Quote from Acheron86:

Quote from Opium:

both my friends and I have both gotten emails from our ISPs stating that the ESA has informed them of illegal activity, and that our ISP has the right to turn over our identities to the ESA if such activities continue. It goes on to say that our internet service will be discontinued if it happens again. both emails included the date, time, and name of the ROM that was downloaded.
neither of us have downloaded any ROMs since then.
Has this happened to anyone else? I thought about downloading them at the library, not sure if that would work.

That is bizarre, I've never heard of it before. You know, if I were going to search for something questionable I'd probably try a megauploads search, I can't imagine that sort of thing could be traced...

That sort of thing is illegal though and I am not endorsing that activity in any way. This is purely hypothetical discussion and not a hint or suggestion or idea for a safe way to download ROMs.

*cough*

Sorry, I have a cold.

What ISP do you have, if you don't mind me asking? Because I want to never have that ISP.

I'm in Oregon and I have comcast, not sure what my friend in florida has. I should note that in both of these hypothetical situations Bit Torrent was used, and the file was Super Metroid (JU) [!].smc

[quote="Acheron86"]
[quote="Opium"]
both my friends and I have both gotten emails from our ISPs stating that the ESA has informed them of illegal activity, and that our ISP has the right to turn over our identities to the ESA if such activities continue.  It goes on to say that our internet service will be discontinued if it happens again.  both emails included the date, time, and name of the ROM that was downloaded.   
neither of us have downloaded any ROMs since then.  
Has this happened to anyone else?  I thought about downloading them at the library, not sure if that would work.
[/quote]

That is bizarre, I've never heard of it before. You know, if I were going to search for something questionable I'd probably try a megauploads search, I can't imagine that sort of thing could be traced...

That sort of thing is illegal though and I am not endorsing that activity in any way. This is purely hypothetical discussion and not a hint or suggestion or idea for a safe way to download ROMs.

*cough*

Sorry, I have a cold.

What ISP do you have, if you don't mind me asking? Because I want to never have that ISP.
[/quote]

I'm in Oregon and I have comcast, not sure what my friend in florida has.   I should note that in both of these hypothetical situations Bit Torrent was used, and the file was Super Metroid (JU) [!].smc

Acheron

2008-08-25 02:44:59 pm

Acclaimed Threshold

Constant Sorrows

Well, again only hypothetically, there are much easier ways to download ROMs than torrents. I could possibly be downloading some right now! Hypothetically of course, I would never do that. *cough cough* Damn cold.

I also have Comcast and I live in Florida, just FYI.

horscht(i)

Edit history:

horscht(i): 2008-08-25 03:21:28 pm

2008-08-25 02:50:08 pm

defrag in progress

That could be the reason. Maybe your BT client downloaded from / connectect to an observed computer? In that way they can log your IP and a date/timestamp.

on topic: Does anyone know the name of the skrewdriver you need for an GB cartridge!? Or the battery name/type? Without even knowing the name...you can instantly stop thinking any further.

nate

2008-08-25 08:12:40 pm

oh, if it was torrent, all bets are off. torrent was never meant to be secure or private.

then again, neither was the internet. but there are better ways of downloading things.

TJF588

2008-08-26 01:05:13 am

once GameFAQs, now Twitch

Sites dedicated to the storage of ROMs (though some are a bit more self-restrictive than others, and you might run across many iterations of the seemingly same ROM; kinda confuses me).

Florida, CST, COX Communications.

... bih

Luna_Aran

2008-08-28 08:26:10 am

Super Metroid Addict

My MII:RoS cartridge has about 13 years,and it is still great,i never had a single problem with it.
I still have my first save file from when i've ebaten the game for the first time,another one that i was just trying to be dumb so i skipped the Varia Suit and one that i erase/save whenever i wanna restart MII:RoS.
So,maybe some batteries longer than others

playerman1230

2008-08-28 04:41:08 pm

Hated by all

I never use torrents for ROMs (I torrent videos, though they're not really important). I go to places without fuss, no questions asked.

Speaking of batteries, I have a few cartridges that retained their memory for at least 9 years (they're at least 15 years old).