How to replace the built-in battery in a GBA Game Boy Advance game (with or without soldering)

Have you ever tried to play a Game Boy Advance (GBA) game only to find that you can't save or use the clock?

There are two saving methods for GBA software: battery backup and flash memory. With the battery backup method, if the built-in battery runs out, you will no longer be able to save.
Also, some software, such as Pokemon, uses a built-in battery for the clock function, and if the battery runs out, you will not be able to play the clock-linked events in the game.

The built-in battery is important for enjoying GBA software to the fullest, but it can actually be easily replaced.
This time, I will introduce the procedure.

*If you fail to replace the internal battery, it may result in damage to the game cartridge. Please do so at your own risk.

Tools required for replacing batteries in GBA software

The tools required to replace the built-in battery in a GBA software are as follows:

Any Y-shaped screwdriver with a tip size of 1.7 mm is OK!!
All of the tools can be purchased online.

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GBA software battery replacement procedure

To replace the built-in battery in a GBA software, follow the steps below.

Let's explain each step in detail.

Opening a GBA game cartridge

The top back of the GBA cassette is secured with a screw.

Remove this screw using the Y-shaped screwdriver you have prepared.

Slide the front of the GBA cassette downwards...

The cassette opened!

Remove the old batteries from the GBA software

The pins of the built-in battery are soldered to the circuit board, so remove them using a solder sucker or similar to remove the battery.

The battery can be removed by removing the two positive and negative terminals.

Install new batteries into the GBA software

Solder the new battery you have prepared.
It's printed on the board so it shouldn't be a problem, but be careful when installing it so you don't get the positive and negative terminals mixed up.

Put the GBA game cartridge back in place

All that's left to do is put the circuit board back into the cassette and screw it in place, and you're done!
Although I used a CR2032 battery this time, it barely fit into the cassette, so it would be better to use a smaller battery such as a CR1616.

Attaching the battery holder

The battery holder can also be installed using the same procedure as the replacement method introduced so far.
There are many benefits to this, such as making it easier to change the battery next time, so it might be worth giving it a try.

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Solderless GBA software battery replacement procedure

We also show you how to replace the battery without using solder.
For information on how to open the cassette, please refer to the same section in the replacement procedure using solder mentioned above.

Remove the old batteries from the GBA software

Remove the pin that secures the battery.
Insert a flathead screwdriver into the gap and peel it off.

Once you get to a certain point, snip it off with pliers or something.

Remove the pins on both sides to remove the battery.

Install new batteries into the GBA software

Place a button battery between the pins and secure it with cellophane tape or vinyl tape.
Be careful not to confuse the pluses and minuses.
Also, it is important to make sure that the pin is tightly wrapped around the button battery so that it comes into contact with it.

Be careful not to lose your save data!

This time, we have introduced how to replace the built-in battery in GBA software.
Many of the early GBA lineup's software used a built-in battery for saving.
Make sure to check carefully before preparing so that you don't end up opening the cassette after gathering all the tools only to find that it's a flash memory type.
Please note that if you replace the battery using the method introduced here, the original data will be lost, so please be careful if you have important saved data.
Also, be aware that even if you replace the built-in battery in Pokemon, events that use the clock function will no longer occur unless you reset your save data.

So, work safely and have a good gaming life!

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*2022/10/20 Added information about installing the battery holder