How to Replace a Game Boy Save Battery with Solder Tabs

Quick Answer

Replace a dead Game Boy save battery by desoldering the old battery and soldering in a CR2032 or CR2025 battery with pre-soldered tabs. This fix works for NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, N64, and Game Boy cartridges.

Step-by-Step Replacement Process

1. 1. Open the Cartridge: Use a game bit screwdriver (typically 3.8mm or 4.5mm) to remove the screws from the back of the cartridge. Carefully separate the shell halves and remove the PCB. Common mistake: Forcing the shell apart without removing all screws can crack the plastic. Keep the screws in a small container to avoid losing them.
2. 2. Desolder the Old Battery: Heat the solder joints on the old battery tabs with a soldering iron (around 350°C). Use solder wick or a solder sucker to remove the old solder. Gently lift the battery off the PCB. Common mistake: Pulling the battery while the solder is still solid can lift the PCB pads. If the pads are damaged, you may need to scrape away solder mask and solder to a trace.
3. 3. Clean the Solder Pads: Wipe the area with isopropyl alcohol (90% or higher) and a cotton swab to remove flux residue. Check for corrosion or battery acid leaks. Common mistake: Skipping cleaning can leave conductive flux that causes short circuits. If you see green or white corrosion, clean it with vinegar, then neutralize with alcohol.
4. 4. Insert the New Battery with Tabs: Place the new CR2032 or CR2025 battery with pre-soldered tabs onto the PCB, ensuring the positive and negative pads align with the original battery orientation. The positive tab usually has a marked (+) sign. Common mistake: Reversing the polarity can damage the cartridge's save chip. Double-check the battery orientation before soldering.
5. 5. Solder the Tabs: Apply a small amount of solder to the iron tip, then touch the tip to the tab and pad simultaneously. Feed a tiny bit of solder to form a shiny joint. Solder both tabs. Common mistake: Using too much solder can bridge adjacent pads or components. A good joint looks like a small volcano; if it's dull or balled, reheat and add fresh flux.
6. 6. Test and Reassemble: Insert the cartridge into your console and power it on. Start a new game and save; then turn the console off and back on to verify the save persists. If successful, close the shell and tighten the screws. Common mistake: Testing before reassembly saves you from having to reopen if the battery is dead. If the save doesn't hold, recheck your solder joints and battery polarity.

Product Facts

• CR2032 Save Battery with Solder Tabs: Maxell CR2032 - 3V with pre-soldered tabs for Game Cartridges/Save Carts. Ideal for NES, SNES, Sega Genesis, N64 and N64 Memory Packs. This battery fits most retro console cartridges and memory packs, providing a direct replacement without needing to modify the battery holder.

  

• Game Boy Save / Game Battery: 3V Panasonic CR2025 with pre-soldered tabs for Game Boy Games DMG, GBC, and GBA. This thinner battery is specifically sized for Game Boy cartridges, ensuring the shell closes flush and the battery contacts align correctly.