Have you ever wondered which N64 games have save game batteries? Or maybe you’re curious about how to change the battery in your Nintendo 64 cartridge? These are common questions among N64 console enthusiasts, and we have all the answers for you.
The List of N64 Games with Save Game Batteries
While not all N64 games have batteries, there is a specific list of games that do. These games use a CR2032 single battery with solder pins, not a regular coin battery. Some examples of games that require batteries for their save game chip include:
- 1080 Snowboarding
- Animal Crossing
- Dezaemon 3D (JPN, 768Kbit)
- F-Zero X
- Harvest Moon 64
- Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time, The
- Major League Baseball featuring Ken Griffey Jr.
- Mario Golf
- New Tetris, The
- Ogre Battle 64: Person of Lordly Caliber
- Pokémon Stadium
- Pocket Monsters Stadium (JPN)
- Resident Evil 2
- Super Smash Bros.
- WCW/NWO Revenge
- WWF: Wrestlemania 2000
Please note that Animal Crossing (JPN) uses a battery for the real-time clock (RTC) chip, and the Controller Pak (Memory Card) also requires a CR2032 battery.
The Purpose of Batteries in N64 Cartridges
The batteries inside N64 cartridges serve the purpose of saving the game onto a chip and holding the memory while the console is powered off. In other words, they ensure that your game progress is not lost when you turn off your console.
The Type and Lifespan of N64 Cartridge Batteries
The type of battery used in N64 cartridges is the CR2032 with solder tabs to connect to the board. These batteries last approximately 15-20 years, depending on their quality. Over time, they may lose their ability to save games, requiring a replacement.
Replacing the N64 Cartridge Battery: Step-by-Step Guide
If you need to replace the battery in your N64 cartridge, don’t worry, it’s not too difficult. Here’s what you’ll need:
- CR2032 tabbed battery with solder-in pins
- Game Bit screwdriver (3.8mm)
- Soldering iron
- Desolder pump or braid
- Leaded 60/40 solder
- A steady hand and some time
Follow these steps to replace the battery:
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Use a 3.8mm Game Bit security screwdriver to open the cartridge by removing the two screws on the back.
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Remove the metal RF shield by unscrewing the small screws at the bottom of the casing.
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Locate the battery on the same side of the cartridge as the microchips. Take note of the date code if present.
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Desolder the battery tabs by heating each tab with your soldering iron and using a desoldering pump or braid to remove the solder.
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Solder in the new battery. The replacement battery has one wide tab and one narrow tab, ensuring the correct orientation.
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Reassemble the cartridge by following the reverse order of disassembly.
Need a Visual Guide? Watch This Tutorial
If you prefer a visual guide to help you through the battery replacement process, we recommend watching this tutorial on YouTube: Tutorial: How to Change Your Nintendo 64 Cartridge Game Save Battery.
Now that you have all the information you need about N64 game save batteries and how to replace them, you can continue enjoying your favorite games without worrying about losing your progress. Happy gaming!
[CR2032]: Battery model number for N64 cartridges
[JPN]: Japanese version
