How to replace the Super Nintendo save battery: Easily restore power to your old system

Last time, we showed you how to change the batteries in Game Boy games, but did you know that you can also use the same tools to change the batteries in Super Famicom (SFC) games?

Oops!

in a place like this"Super Gachapon World SDGundamX'but!!
Wow, just right"Super Gachapon World SDGundamX'But I was having trouble with the battery running out!!

So, this time I will introduce the procedure for replacing the SFC battery.

GB software battery replacement here ↓

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

Tools needed to replace the batteries in Super Famicom software

We've already covered the GB battery replacement procedure in our article, but we'll introduce the tools you'll need again!

スーファミソフト

Prepare the SFC you want to replace the battery for.
If you are a beginner, we recommend that you prepare some inexpensive software and practice.

Special screwdriver

This is a special screwdriver required to disassemble SFC software. The model number used this time is"DTC-20"is!
With this one tool, you can disassemble not only SFC software but also GB, GBC, and N64 software, so it's worth having.
I recommend it because it can be purchased for around 1500 yen.
In Akihabara, you can purchase it at Marutsu and Nishikawa Electronics.

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Tab-type button cell battery

It's a button cell battery with tabs on the top and bottom.
We recommend something that is insulated all around.
We will be using CR2032 batteries this time, but you can also use batteries such as CR2025 or CR1616 that are thick enough to fit into the soft case.

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solder set

You will need solder to remove the old battery and install the new one, so make sure you have soldering equipment ready.
All you need is a soldering iron, solder, and solder wick, but it will be easier to work if you also have a soldering iron stand.

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How to replace the battery in a Super Famicom game

This introduction has gotten quite long, but from here I will introduce the procedure for replacing the battery in SFC software.
Be careful when working to avoid burns and injuries!

Please note that there is no warranty if the software is damaged due to a failure to perform the procedure.
Please be aware that you are using this service at your own risk.

Remove the screws from the Super Famicom software

First, go to the bottom of the front of the software.Remove the two screws.
It can be easily removed using the special screwdriver provided.
Don't be stingy and try to open it with other tools, it's better to buy a special screwdriver!!

Let's remove this screw

Opening the Super Famicom software case

Once the screws are removed, lift it up from the bottomOpen the cassette.
Be careful not to break the tabs on the top of the software.

Be careful not to break this tab.

Simply remove the screws to open

Remove the circuit board from the Super Famicom software

When the cassette is openedLet's remove the board.
It should be easy to remove as it is not secured with any screws, but be careful not to scratch the circuit board.
Once removed, check the position of the button battery on the circuit board.
You can see that the tabs of the button battery are fixed on the back of the board.

Replace the button battery in the upper left

The tabs are soldered on the backside

Remove the old battery

Use a solder wick or solder suckerRemove the solder holding the battery in place.
Be careful not to heat it too much, as this could damage the circuit board or cause the battery to explode, so be careful.
By the way, the solder this time was stubborn and difficult to melt.

I was able to remove it safely

Installing new batteries

If the battery can be removedInstall new batteries!!
At this timeBe careful not to mix up the + and -Check carefully and if there are no problems, proceed with soldering.
As with removal,Be careful not to overheatIt is.

Installation complete! Just put it back in place

Restore Super Famicom software

After that, when you open the softwareAssemble in the reverse order and you're done!
Good job!!
In addition, "Super Gachapon World SDGundamX"forSwitchVersionSo it's quicker to download it than to replace the battery!

Installing the button battery holder

It is also possible to attach the battery holder in the same way as described above.
The budget is almost the same, so it might be worth giving it a try.

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Solderless SNES Battery Replacement Procedure

Although it is not recommended, we will introduce a method for replacing the SFC battery without using solder.

Remove the screws from the Super Famicom software

First, remove the screws from the SFC software and disassemble it.

Just remove the two screws on the front of the software.

Opening the Super Famicom software case

Once you have removed the screws, open the case by lifting it from the bottom.

It should be easy to open.

Remove the circuit board from the Super Famicom software

Next, remove the board from the case.

It's not particularly fixed in place so it can be easily removed.

Remove the old battery

Remove the old battery from the board.

Use a flat or thin object to rub between the battery and the terminals to peel them apart.
Be careful not to damage the battery when doing this.

Remove the battery by peeling off the terminals on the top and bottom.

Installing new batteries

Place the new battery between the terminals and secure it in place with vinyl or cellophane tape.

This time I fixed it with cellophane tape.
Make sure to attach it securely so it doesn't come off.
All that's left to do is put the board back in place and reassemble the software, and you're done!

By the way, removing the battery is quite a hassle and dangerous, so I don't recommend this method.

No difficult steps! Beginners can easily try it out

So, I have introduced the procedure for replacing the battery in Super Famicom software.
Seems like it would be easy to do?
I hope you felt the same way.

Although you will need to get used to soldering, it is not a particularly difficult task, so we encourage you to give it a try as a beginner's guide to electronics.
This site also introduces other methods for replacing GBA screens, so if you're interested, please take a look.

Introducing the GBA IPS LCD Modification Procedure: Brighten the screen with backlight!

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