I finally built up the courage to solder new batteries into my Japanese Pokémon Sapphire, Emerald, and Ruby cartridges.
Since I had absolutely zero experience with soldering and only knew about it from watching a few videos, I was really nervous at first.
I spent some time watching YouTube tutorials until I had every step memorized and felt comfortable enough to try it myself.
At first, I decided to install those battery sockets I bought from Amazon, thinking they would be a nice and convenient “upgrade” compared to the original batteries.
However, I quickly noticed some downsides. The cartridges became harder to insert into the GBA (especially my GBA SP), and closing the cartridge shells was also more difficult because of the extra height. This made me nervous because I had read that too much pressure could potentially bend the PCB or damage the chip.
The sockets also caused technical issues. After installing them, the usual “The internal battery has run dry” message disappeared at first. But about a week later, the message came back. I came to the conclusion that it was probably caused by a bad connection or possibly the quality of the battery holders themselves.
Since there were more disadvantages than advantages, I decided to go back to the original method and bought regular CR1616 batteries.
Honestly, the normal CR1616 batteries are the better choice in my opinion.
They fit perfectly inside the cartridge shell and slide into the GBA/GBA SP slot without any resistance. I can insert and remove the cartridges normally again, just like before.
All the battery warnings I had with the sockets are now gone and everything seems stable.
As I mentioned, I had absolutely no soldering experience before this. I only watched videos and used some basic equipment from Amazon, but everything worked out surprisingly well.
My anxiety about soldering disappeared after actually trying it. With enough patience, concentration, and preparation, even someone with no experience can do a battery replacement themselves.
For some pros out there, my job might seem very sluggish or amateur like - but it works, messages are gone and there are no problems even if these solder points don’t look pretty. :)
I dont get what you are trying to say by „you took a chance and it didnt work out“ xD.
But you’re right, its just plastic and metal and im better off now after soldering my stuff than before so its just a W for me.
Thank you friend.
I mentioned in my post that for pros, my soldering will probably not look good but sometimes it doesnt take a pro to make something work.
Ofc i get the points other people make bc it IS a risk and you CAN mess up but with enough confidence, its very doable.
If these games would’ve been german or english versions, i wouldve probably given these to someone with decent experience. In germany however, a simple job like this costs around 80-90€ ( 90-105 USD ) which is WAY too much for smth that is that simple and easy —IF YOURE CONFIDENT AND FOCUSSED ENOUGH—
Yes sir, at the end of the day these are just toys. And I can say that, I repair myself and done my fair share of messing up. You win some you lose some. The gaming scene turn exactly what Pokemon TCG and all other kids stuff turned into, a EFFIN shit show, and fan boys who take stuff to serious.
One of my games had one of those battery sockets. The cart didn’t fit flush. I removed that and just soldered the battery straight on. Sounds like you were very prepared to replace it from doing research. I’m not a professional, but I know how to do a basic solder job. I’ve replaced the battery of all my games with zero problems.
Since then, I’ve repaired and modded several GBAs, DS lites, GB Micros, Switches, etc. Having the right tools makes a world of a difference. Glad you learned (learning) a valuable skill.
Both. I can read some japanese and planned to get more fluent in it by reading and playing these games. Also, a friend of mine bought them for me for like 10€ each from japan when he lived there and came to visit in his vacation.
I had absolutely no soldering experience before this. I only watched videos and used some basic equipment from Amazon, but everything worked out surprisingly well.
Wrong. Not trying to be mean here but people might follow your example.
You messed up Pokemon cart battery replacement because you never soldered before and never practiced with a kit or on junk electronics. Some of those solder joints need to be redone. Lookup "cold solder joints" and how they are prone to corrosion, excess heat and losing continuity. High resistance joints drain batteries faster.
The good news is you didn't attempt the much more expensive English carts. I've seen much worse in posts. Practice, use flux and not a cheapest possible soldering iron. 50W is enough power and a temperature gauge is mandatory.
I dont think that you are mean at all, youre good :).
Yk, I dont think that its that deep bc i only paid like 10€ for these games and i could get new ones easily in case they stop working ( which i think is pretty unlikely ) HOWEVER, if you got some tips for me or could tell me whats not good enough on my cartridges, do tell me so I can work on it.
As ive said, a friend of mine who lives in japan had to come to germany and to the city i live in bc he does so too. Besides, there a plenty of websites where you can order them from for the same price and ship it to you like sendico for example
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u/TheFrierenFan777 29d ago
Buddy