How to Replace a Super Nintendo Battery

How to Video: Changing SNES Game Batteries

If your Super Nintendo games won't hold saves after you turn off the power it means the battery has died. Everytime you turn off the power the game "forgets" your save data because it no longer has power. If you replace the battery you can save your games again. This video shows step-by-step how to replace the SNES game battery.

Supplies You Will Need

• Solder
• Soldering Iron
• Scissors
• Broken Game
• BR2032-1F2 Replacement Battery

Warning

Do not try this with an expensive game the first time. If you are not careful with the soldering iron you can destroy the circuits. As long as you don't touch them it will be fine, but try it on a Madden 96 game or something else cheap instead of trying it on Earthbound or Chrono Trigger the first time.

Step-by-Step Directions to Replace Battery

1. I like to use needle nose pliers instead of buying a special screwdriver. Clasp the outside of the screw and push down firmly. Rotate the cartridge clockwise. Continue this until the screw comes out. Repeat on the second screw.

2. Pull up on the top half of the cartridge while pulling towards you. The two halves should separate easily.

Remove the Old SNES Battery

3. The battery is the circle in the upper right corner of the circuit board. It is soldered in place so you will need to use the soldering iron to remove it.

4. Stabilize the circuit board on the table holding it upright and perpendicular to your body. Hold the battery with one hand and the soldering iron with the other. There are two points where the battery is attached to the board. Place the soldering iron on one of the points and pull gently with your other hand until one leg is removed from the board. Repeat this for the second leg.

Prepare New Battery

5. Bend the two legs on the new battery towards the plus side. Find the leg connected to the negative side of the battery. Using the scissors make two cuts on the end of the leg at a 60 degree angle. This should leave a pointed edge on the leg.

Solder on New Battery

6. Place the new battery into the two slots on the circuit board. The pointed leg goes into the smaller hole. Place the circuit board on the table battery side down.

7. Place a small dab of solder on each leg of the new battery.

Close the SNES Cartridge

8. Put the circuit board back on the bttom half of the cartridge. It only fits on one way. Put the top half on and place the screws into the holes. Using the needle nose pliers grab a screw and gently push down. Turn the cartridge counter-clockwise until the screw is firmly in place. Repeat for screw two.

You Have a Working SNES Game & Battery

After following these steps your SNES game should be able to save again. Enjoy your resurrected game.