How to replace the batteries in Game Boy games - Easy even for beginners, no professional needed

Have you ever bought a used Game Boy (GB) game only to find that you couldn't save for some reason?
The most common cause of this is that the battery used to save the game has run out.
So, this time I will introduce how to replace the battery in GB software step by step.

But even if I say I need to replace the battery in my GB game, it's not that convenient...

a!

By chance, I happened to be in this place"Hamtaro: Great Friendship Mission'but!!!!
No, just"Hamtaro: Great Friendship Mission'I was having trouble because I couldn't save the game!

Tools required for GB software battery replacement

First, prepare the tools necessary to replace the battery in your GB software.
This time, I bought all the tools in Akihabara, but you can also purchase all the items online!

Here are the tools you need

GB Soft

As mentioned earlier, we can't get started without this!
By the way, GB and GBC software can be exchanged using the same procedure.

Special Driver

A special screwdriver is required to disassemble GB software.
I have prepared a screwdriver with the model number DTC-20.
With this screwdriver, you can disassemble not only GB, but also SFC and N64 software.

This time, I purchased the DTC-20 at Nishikawa Electronics in Akihabara.
It was also sold at Marutsu Akihabara Main Store, so please take a look.
It can also be purchased online.
[amazonjs asin="B001YH89IS" locale="JP" title="Engineer Special Screwdriver for Line Head Screws (LH Screws) DTC-20"]

Tab-type button cell battery

Of course, you'll need a replacement battery to replace it.
The battery I used this time was a CR2032 with a tab.
CR2025 and CR1616 are fine as long as they fit in the case.

In Akihabara, it can be purchased at Marutsu Akihabara Main Store and other locations.

You can also buy it online!!
[amazonjs asin="B01EOX5DDM" locale="JP" title="Atelier Garage Tabbed Button Cell Batteries CR2032 (10-Pack) for Super Famicom Cartridges (Parallel Import)"]

solder set

You will need to solder, so prepare a soldering iron, solder, and solder wick.
It's also useful to have a soldering iron stand.

[amazonjs asin=”B00J7BNP5U” locale=”JP” title=”SK11 Soldering Iron Set 40W KF-40S”]

[amazonjs asin="B0016V5KH0" locale="JP" title="goot (Good) Solder Sucker Wire, 3.0mm Wide, with Stainless Steel Cap, Dispensing Case, 2m Roll, CP-30Y, Made in Japan"]

GB soft battery replacement procedure

Once you have the tools ready, it's time to change the batteries!
Here we will introduce the work procedure!

Remove the screws from the GB software

Remove the screws on the back of the GB software.
It should turn without any problems with the screwdriver you provided.
It's not a particularly difficult job, but be careful not to lose the screws you remove!

Remove the screw at the bottom of the back of the software.

These are special screws, so use a special screwdriver.

There is only one screw, so be careful not to lose it.

Opening the GB software case

Once the screws are removed, open the case.
You can open the cassette by sliding the front down a little.
Be careful not to pull too hard and break it!

Slide it down a little as shown in the image to remove it.

It's open~

Remove the old battery

Next, remove the old button cell battery from the circuit board.
All you need to do is heat the solder at the terminal connection and remove it with a wick, but sometimes the solder is hard and difficult to remove.
Also, be careful not to heat it too much as this could damage the circuit board or cause the battery to explode.
This is probably the most difficult part of this process.

Remove this battery.

I'll use a suction wire.

Installing new batteries

Once you've removed the old battery, it's time to put in the new one.
Be careful of + and - when installingLet's go.

The flat one with the manufacturer's name written on it is better.+
The one who is bulging-

That's it!!

As with removing it, be careful of heat.

Solder the new battery.

Undo

Once you've successfully installed the batteries, assemble it in the reverse order of how you opened it and you're done!
This time originallyCR2025The battery that wasCR2032I replaced it with this and it worked without any problems,Depending on the thickness of the battery, it may not fit in the case.Please be careful as this may occur.
The cases for GBC games are transparent, so you can see the batteries you replaced, which adds to the sense of accomplishment!
By the way, the cost of the batteries (about 280 yen) was more than the cost of the software (about 200 yen)!!

Battery holder installation

The battery holder can also be installed using the same procedure as described above.
Although it is unlikely that this will happen, it may be worth installing this as it will make battery changes smoother from the next time onwards.
Another advantage is that, unlike batteries with tabs, you can install your favorite brand of battery.

[amazonjs asin="B09WF2B5JR" locale="JP" title="ZUN-STORE Battery Box Button Battery Socket Coin Battery Holder Case Battery Socket Holder CR1616 20pcs"]

GB soft battery replacement procedure without soldering

For those who absolutely do not want to solder, we will also introduce a solderless replacement method.
However, I don't recommend this method because soldering is easier and safer.

Remove the screws from the BG software

Use the screwdriver provided to remove the screws on the back of the GB software.

This time I am using software specifically for GBC, but the location of the screws is the same for other GB software.
Just remove one and you're good to go.

Opening the GB software case

Once the screws are removed, open the case.
It's easy to open by sliding the front down.

The steps up to this point are the same as when using solder.

Remove the old battery

Remove the old battery from the board.

The terminal and button battery are stuck together, so use a small screwdriver or drill bit to roughly peel them off.
Be careful not to scratch the battery or injure your fingers.

The top terminal was stripped off.
Peel off the other side in the same way.

I was able to remove the old battery!

Installing new batteries

Insert the new battery between the terminals, making sure not to mix up the + and -, and secure it with vinyl tape or cellophane tape.
Make sure to attach it firmly so that it doesn't come off.

This time I tried using cellophane tape to secure it.

Undo

All that's left to do is place the board in the case and screw it in place to complete the replacement.

This replacement method may seem easier, but it is quite a hassle to peel the terminals off the battery, so we recommend simply soldering them on.

Practice a few times and then give it a try!

So far, we've introduced how to replace the battery in GB software. What do you think?
There are no particularly unusual tasks, but the soldering may be a little difficult for first-time users.
If you try it right away, you may fail and damage the item, so we recommend practicing a few times using cheap software before trying it.

Also, it's easier than replacing the battery this time.GBA ModsIf you are interested, please take a look at the article below.

https://akihabara-bc.jp/gba-ipscustom/

So, have a comfortable gaming life!!!

*2022/5/20 Added solderless replacement method
*2022/10/20 Added information about button battery holders