When do i need to replace my cartridge battery?

Many retro games—especially RPGs like Pokémon, Zelda, and Final Fantasy—use internal batteries to store save data. These batteries typically last 10–20 years, but once they die, the game will no longer retain your progress.

You may need a battery replacement if:

• Your game no longer saves

• Your save file disappears after powering off

• You get error messages related to saving

• You’re using a cartridge from the early 2000s or earlier

Replacing the battery restores the ability to save, but it will erase any existing save data, so timing matters. If your save still works, you may want to wait until it’s truly dead.