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The other day I picked up a copy of Pokémon Trading Card Game for the Game Boy Color and while playing I noticed that the save function was dead meaning I had to replace its battery. I figured this was a great opportunity to finally make a guide on how to change a Game Boy game battery without soldering.
This method is fast and simple but you need a couple of things beforehand which are the following:
–CR2025 Battery (if you buy these batteries be sure to remove the pins like in the picture below)
– 3.8mm Gambit Screwdriver
-Box cutter or knife
-Electrical Tape
With all the materials in place, you can now begin changing the battery!
STEP 1 – OPEN THE CARTRIDGE
This step is pretty easy, just pick up the screwdriver and open the cartridge from the back, just don’t forget to slide the front instead of pulling it, otherwise, you’ll break it.
STEP 2 – REMOVE THE BATTERY
There are two metal pieces soldered to each pole of the battery and you need to remove them, that’s when the box cutter comes in.
Just place the box cutter underneath the top metal piece and start cutting through the solder, after a while, the solder will wear off and detach itself from the battery. Then you are free to lift the battery and do cut the second metal piece.
But, be careful! Use too much force and the box cutter might slide off and hit the circuit board or even cut you.
BE PATIENT WITH THIS STEP!!!
STEP 3 – PLACE THE BATTERY
Now, grab the electrical tape and place it underneath the plus pole, make sure it’s well-fixated and place the battery on top of it. Then, connect the minus pole to the battery and wrap everything tightly.
It’s important to wrap everything as tight as possible to make sure that the battery is always connected to both poles. If one stops making contact for a second or two say goodbye to your save file.
If you want to you can even put one more layer or two of tape but make sure you can close the cartridge afterward.
STEP 4 – CLOSE THE CARTRIDGE
Now, you can close the cartridge but before screwing it make sure the battery is well placed by playing the game and see if it saves. If yes, congrats, you can screw it up and enjoy the game. If not, repeat Step 4 again.
STEP 5 – DONE!
And that’s how to change a Game Boy game cartridge without soldering, it’s pretty easy and anyone can do it. Just be careful with the box cutter please, if you’re a kid ask your parents for help!
Also, if you’re interested, here are a couple of links on this topic: