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How to Replace an Internal Battery in Game Boy Advance Games

Authentic Game Boy Advance game cartridges use flash memory that doesn't require battery power, but there are counterfeit GBA game cartridges that use batteries to keep the save game information. These copied cartridges are sold online or occasionally through video game stores that sell used games. If you bought one of these fake cartridges by accident and it won't hold a save, you can try opening it to replace the battery.

Things You'll Need

Screwdriver

Instructions

- 1
  Check the back of the cartridge for the type of screws. Authentic Nintendo cartridges take a Y-shaped screwdriver, but fakes may use any type. Phillips is the most common.
- 2
  Unscrew the screws and set them aside where you won't lose them. Lift off the back of the cartridge. It should come off easily.
- 3
  Examine the cartridge circuit board. You should see a button-type watch battery mounted on the board. Note which pole of the battery is facing the circuit board. Carefully bend back the connector and slide out the battery.
- 4
  Check the battery for identification numbers. You will need to know these numbers when you buy a replacement.
- 5
  Slide the new battery into place, being careful that the positive and negative poles match the position of the original battery. Bend the connector back into place.
- 6
  Place the back of the cartridge in place, and screw in the screws. Test the new battery by putting the cartridge into your GBA, powering it on, and attempting to save a game.

Game Boy