In the beginning, video game consoles did not have memory cards or built-in memory. When this happened, the cartridges you played actually saved your games and profiles into its own memory storage unit. In many cases, you would never have a problem saving games this way, going back to play later or even finding the game years down the line and popping it into your console. When it comes to Super Nintendo cartridges, these storage units are powered by a mini-battery. Eventually, that battery will fail just like any other battery in life and will need to be replaced. Typical SNES batteries last on average 10 years after first use.

Keep in mind that replacing a Super Nintendo cartridge battery is not foolproof. The second you begin the process, you may very well be destroying your cartridge simply by opening up the casing. You can also destroy the game during the process of battery replacement. However, if you take the time to replace the cartridge properly and patiently, you may very well save yourself the heartache of losing a game you cherish you may not be able to find on a site like eBay.

The second you begin this process, you will lose all save data for the game. You can either purchase the tools you need separately or find a battery replacement kit on eBay, Amazon or other video game web site. The tools you need to successfully replace a Super Nintendo cartridge are:

• 3.88 MM security screwdriver bit.
• CR2032 battery
• Soldering iron
• X-Acto knife
• Electrical tape

First and foremost, you want to set your tools out and wash your hands before opening up a Super Nintendo cartridge. You do not want any grime from your hands getting inside the cartridge. Make sure your hands are thoroughly dried before proceeding. Now, set the cartridge right side up and take note of the two screws at the bottom. You want to take your screwdriver and take these screws out. Set them aside and lift the top of the cartridge casing up slowly. Avoid touching any part of the cartridge's insides that you can while working on the game.

Once you have pulled away the top casing, you want to pull out the motherboard inside. Lift it up by placing fingers on the sides and pulling up slowly. Take your time, if you rush you may damage the motherboard and render the game useless. If you take a look at the motherboard, you will notice the battery in the top left corner. It is a silver battery similar to what you would put in a weight scale or a calculator and roughly will be the same size. You will need to disconnect the battery from the motherboard by severing the soldered connector points. There will be a total of two to four connections you need to sever with your soldering iron and X-Acto knife.

Turn on the soldering iron, let it heat up and then place the X-Acto knife blade against the tip for about one to two minutes. Next, you need to use the blade to sever the top connector bit by pushing it against the connection and sliding it gently. This will take a lot of patience, so do not rush into trying to simply cut the connector from the motherboard. This is where the most damage to your motherboard will take place, so proceed with caution. You may need to push a bit harder through the soldered connection point but you have to do so with enough pressure to get the job done and not damage the motherboard.

This is where patience is key. Once you have disconnected the bit, you will need to repeat the above process for the remainder of connections. While you may think wiggling the remaining connections might be easier, taking the time with the heated X-Acto knife blade is the safest method not to cause lasting damage to the Super Nintendo cartridge.

When you have successfully removed the old battery, you can place the new battery in the slot. You then have two options: You can solder the battery back into place or you can use electrical tape to hold it there. Soldering it back into place requires you to use the iron to melt the metal into a holding position. While this may seem like the most viable option, using electrical tape to hold the battery in place makes it easier to swap out batteries in the future should the need arise. Simply take a one and a half inch strip of electrical tape, fold it over itself and place it on the back of the battery before putting it into place. Gently push the battery into its slot and you are good to go.

Finally, you want to place the motherboard back into the back casing, place the top casing over it and screw it back together. Then, pop the cartridge into the Super Nintendo, boot up the game and play until you reach a save point. Save your progress, turn the system off and eject the game. Next, you want to rough up your game a bit to make sure the battery is securely in place and will work. You can tape the casing, bang it gently against a hard surface or even drop it from about four to five feet above the ground. When done, put it back into the Super Nintendo console and turn it on to see if your save progress is still in memory. If it is, you have successfully replaced your Super Nintendo cartridge battery.