Summary
Collecting retro video games is a lot of fun, but sooner or later almost every collector runs into the same problem: a game that no longer saves, a cartridge that needs cleaning, or a console that needs to be opened up for repairs, inspection, or deep cleaning.
Then you grab a screwdriver and realize the screw staring back at you is absolutely not normal.
That is where this guide comes in.
This retro game screwdriver and battery guide is designed to help collectors figure out which tools are commonly needed to open different video game cartridges, consoles, controllers, handhelds, and accessories. It also lists the most common batteries used in older cartridge games, memory accessories, system clocks, and handhelds.
The most important tools for retro collectors are usually the 3.8mm Gamebit, 4.5mm Gamebit, Tri-Wing / Tri-point style drivers, small Phillips or JIS-style screwdrivers, and Torx / Torx Security bits. With those tools, you can open a huge amount of Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation, Xbox, and other retro gaming hardware.
For batteries, the most common cartridge save batteries are CR2032, CR2025, and CR1616, usually with solder tabs. However, not every game uses a battery, and not every cartridge in the same family uses the exact same battery. The safest approach is always to open the cartridge and check the battery or board marking before ordering a replacement.
Power Up Gaming also offers battery replacement services for Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridge games. These are handled in-store, and we can also accommodate bulk mail-in battery replacement orders for customers with multiple games. Games are tested for basic function before battery work is completed, but we do not guarantee that existing save files will be preserved.
If you need retro games, consoles, accessories, security bit kits, or battery help, visit powerupgaming.ca.
Why Retro Games Use Weird Security Screws
If you have ever tried to open an NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Sega Genesis, GameCube, or modern console and discovered your regular screwdriver does not fit, you are not alone.
Video game companies used security screws for a few reasons. They helped prevent tampering, discouraged casual repairs, protected internal hardware, and made it harder for people to open products without the right tools.
That may have made sense when the hardware was new. Decades later, it mostly means collectors are stuck asking, “What the heck kind of screw is this?”
The good news is that most gaming hardware uses a fairly predictable set of tools.
| Tool / Bit | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 3.8mm Gamebit | NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Virtual Boy, and many Nintendo cartridges |
| 4.5mm Gamebit | SNES, N64, GameCube, Sega Genesis, Sega Master System, TurboGrafx-16, and some console shells |
| Tri-Wing / Y-Tip | Game Boy Advance, Nintendo DS, Wii, and many Nintendo handhelds and accessories |
| Tri-point Y00 | Nintendo Switch, Switch Lite, Switch OLED, Switch 2 Joy-Con repairs, and other Nintendo hardware |
| Phillips / JIS-style drivers | Many Japanese consoles, controllers, battery covers, handhelds, and internal boards |
| Torx | Xbox, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series systems, Steam Deck OLED, and some modern electronics |
| Torx Security / TR Bits | PlayStation 3, PlayStation 4, PlayStation 5, Xbox 360, Xbox One, Xbox Series, and other tamper-resistant hardware |
| Plastic Spudger / Opening Picks | Helpful for opening plastic shells without chewing them up |
| Tweezers | Useful for springs, ribbon cables, screws, and small parts |
If you are serious about retro collecting, a proper precision toolkit is not optional. Cheap tools can strip screws, damage plastic, or turn a simple five-minute cleaning job into a rage-inducing disaster.
Important Battery Warning Before You Start
Many older cartridge games use a battery to keep save data alive. When that battery dies, the game may still play, but it may no longer save.
Replacing that battery will usually erase the existing save file unless the save has been backed up first.
That means if you are changing the battery in a copy of Pokémon, Zelda, Final Fantasy, Chrono Trigger, EarthBound, Shining Force, Phantasy Star, or any other save-based game, assume the old save may be lost during the repair.
Also, please avoid the bad “quick fixes” you may see online.
Do not tape a loose battery into a cartridge and call it repaired.
Yes, it might work for a while. It might even seem fine at first. But tape can shift, dry out, loosen, or fail. If that contact drops even slightly, the save can disappear.
A proper battery replacement should use a tabbed battery that is soldered correctly to the board. The tabs are already welded to the battery. You solder the tabs to the board, not the battery itself.
Do not solder directly to a loose coin cell battery.
Power Up Gaming Can Replace Your Game Batteries
If you do not want to do the battery replacement yourself, Power Up Gaming can help.
We offer battery replacement services for Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridge games, including many NES, SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis titles that use battery-backed saves or real-time clock batteries.
Battery replacements are handled in-store, and we can also accommodate bulk mail-in orders for customers who have multiple games that need service.
Before battery work is completed, each game is tested for basic function to make sure there are no obvious issues with the game itself. This helps confirm that the cartridge is working before the battery replacement is started.
Battery replacements typically take a couple of days. They are not always done immediately because we need to have an employee available who is trained and comfortable doing soldered battery work properly.
Please keep in mind that Power Up Gaming does not guarantee that existing save files will be preserved. In most cases, replacing the battery will cause the old save data to be lost unless the customer has backed it up beforehand.
A proper battery replacement should not be rushed, taped together, or done with the wrong battery. We use proper replacement batteries and solder them in correctly so the game is ready to save again.
For bulk mail-in battery replacement requests, customers should contact Power Up Gaming ahead of time through powerupgaming.ca so we can confirm the number of games, expected turnaround time, and shipping details before the games are sent in.
Quick Battery Guide for Retro Games
| Platform / Item | Common Battery Type | Important Note |
|---|---|---|
| NES battery-backed games | CR2032 tabbed | Only games with battery-backed saves need one |
| SNES battery-backed games | CR2032 tabbed | Common in RPGs, sports games, and save-based titles |
| N64 battery-backed games | CR2032 tabbed | Many N64 games use EEPROM or flash instead, so not all carts have batteries |
| Sega Master System battery-backed games | CR2032 tabbed | Only certain games use battery saves |
| Sega Genesis / Mega Drive battery-backed games | CR2032 tabbed | Common in RPGs and sports games |
| Game Boy | CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed | Check the board before replacing |
| Game Boy Color | CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed | Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal commonly use CR2025 because of the real-time clock |
| Game Boy Advance | Usually CR1616 tabbed when present | Many GBA games use flash/EEPROM and have no battery |
| Sega Saturn console | CR2032 | Used for clock and internal save memory |
| Dreamcast VMU | 2 x CR2032 | VMU batteries drain quickly, but VMUs can still save when used in the controller |
| Wii console | CR2032 | Used for calendar and clock functions |
| Wii U console | CR2032 | Used for calendar and clock functions |
| Wii U GamePad | WUP-012 or WUP-013 rechargeable pack | Official Nintendo battery pack models |
| PS2 / PS3 / PS4 / PS5 | CR2032-style CMOS / RTC battery, format varies | Not used for normal memory card or game saves |
| Original Xbox | Clock capacitor, not a coin cell battery | Early revisions are known for leaking clock capacitors |
| Modern handheld consoles | Rechargeable lithium battery pack | Usually model-specific, not a coin cell |
Nintendo Consoles and Handhelds
| System / Item | Game Cartridge / Media Bit | Console / Handheld Bit | Controller Bit | System / Clock Battery | Game / Accessory Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| NES | 3.8mm Gamebit | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Not all NES games have batteries |
| Famicom | Varies, often Phillips | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Japanese cartridges vary more than North American NES carts |
| Famicom Disk System | N/A | Phillips | N/A | N/A | N/A | More belt and drive maintenance than battery work |
| SNES | 3.8mm Gamebit | 4.5mm Gamebit | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Many RPGs and sports games use battery saves |
| Super Famicom | 3.8mm Gamebit | 4.5mm Gamebit | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Similar to SNES |
| Nintendo 64 | 3.8mm Gamebit | 4.5mm Gamebit | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Many N64 games do not use batteries |
| GameCube | N/A | 4.5mm Gamebit | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | N/A | Memory cards handle saves |
| Wii | N/A | Tri-Wing / Phillips | Tri-Wing / Phillips | CR2032 | N/A | CR2032 powers the calendar and clock |
| Wii Mini | N/A | Tri-Wing / Phillips | Tri-Wing / Phillips | CR2032 | N/A | Similar family to Wii |
| Wii U Console | N/A | 4.5mm Gamebit / Phillips / Tri-Wing depending on area | N/A | CR2032 | N/A | Console and GamePad are separate repair jobs |
| Wii U GamePad | N/A | Phillips #0 for battery cover | N/A | WUP-012 or WUP-013 rechargeable pack | N/A | Official Nintendo support lists WUP-012 standard and WUP-013 high-capacity batteries |
| Nintendo Switch | Game cards not normally opened | Tri-point Y00 / Phillips or JIS | Tri-point Y00 / Phillips | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Rear case uses Tri-point Y00 |
| Nintendo Switch Lite | Game cards not normally opened | Tri-point Y00 / Phillips or JIS | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | More compact and less modular than standard Switch |
| Nintendo Switch OLED | Game cards not normally opened | Tri-point Y00 / Phillips or JIS | Tri-point Y00 / Phillips | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | OLED model uses small precision fasteners |
| Nintendo Switch 2 | Game cards not normally opened | JIS / precision Phillips-style drivers | Tri-point Y00 / JIS 00 on Joy-Con areas | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Use proper JIS-compatible drivers to avoid stripped screws |
| Virtual Boy | 3.8mm Gamebit | Gamebit / specialty long-shaft bits often needed | N/A | AA battery pack | N/A | Long-shaft bits may be required due to screw depth |
| Game Boy | 3.8mm Gamebit | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | AA batteries | CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed, check cartridge | Many battery-backed carts vary |
| Game Boy Pocket | 3.8mm Gamebit | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | AAA batteries | CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed, check cartridge | Same game battery concerns as Game Boy |
| Game Boy Light | 3.8mm Gamebit | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | AA batteries | CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed, check cartridge | Japanese-exclusive handheld |
| Game Boy Color | 3.8mm Gamebit | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | AA batteries | CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed | Pokémon Gen 2 commonly uses CR2025 |
| Game Boy Advance | Tri-Wing | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | AA batteries | Usually CR1616 tabbed when present | Many GBA games have no battery |
| Game Boy Advance SP | Tri-Wing | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | Usually CR1616 tabbed when present | Rechargeable handheld battery is separate from game battery |
| Game Boy Micro | Tri-Wing | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | Usually CR1616 tabbed when present | Small screws strip easily |
| Nintendo DS | N/A | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | DS cards typically do not use save batteries |
| Nintendo DS Lite | N/A | Tri-Wing / Phillips | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Common hinge and charging repairs |
| Nintendo DSi | N/A | Phillips / Tri-Wing depending on area | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Saves are not cartridge-battery dependent |
| Nintendo DSi XL | N/A | Phillips / Tri-Wing depending on area | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Similar to DSi |
| Nintendo 3DS | N/A | Phillips #00 / JIS | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Battery replacement uses small cross-head screws |
| Nintendo 3DS XL | N/A | Phillips #00 / JIS | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Larger battery than original 3DS |
| Nintendo 2DS | N/A | Phillips #00 / JIS | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Wedge-style body |
| New Nintendo 3DS | N/A | Phillips / JIS | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Small screws are easy to strip |
| New Nintendo 3DS XL | N/A | Phillips #0 / JIS | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Model-specific battery pack |
| New Nintendo 2DS XL | N/A | Phillips / JIS | N/A | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | More involved than older battery-door designs |
| NES Classic Edition | N/A | Phillips | N/A | N/A | N/A | Modern mini console, no cartridge battery |
| SNES Classic Edition | N/A | Phillips | N/A | N/A | N/A | Modern mini console, no cartridge battery |
Sega Consoles and Handhelds
| System / Item | Game Cartridge / Media Bit | Console / Handheld Bit | Controller Bit | System / Clock Battery | Game / Accessory Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| SG-1000 | Varies | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | Rare / varies | Early hardware varies by region |
| Master System | 4.5mm Gamebit on many carts | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Not all games save |
| Genesis / Mega Drive | 4.5mm Gamebit on many carts | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Common in RPGs and sports games |
| Sega CD / Mega-CD | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | Rechargeable / internal backup components vary | N/A | Save backup maintenance varies by model |
| Sega CDX / Multi-Mega | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | Internal backup components vary | N/A | Compact and more delicate system |
| Sega 32X | 4.5mm Gamebit on carts | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | CR2032 tabbed, if battery-backed | Most work is cartridge/contact related |
| Sega Saturn | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | CR2032 | N/A | CR2032 supports internal save memory and clock |
| Dreamcast | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | Rechargeable internal clock battery | VMU uses 2 x CR2032 | VMU batteries are for portable VMU use |
| Dreamcast VMU | N/A | Small Phillips | N/A | N/A | 2 x CR2032 | Saves still work in controller even if VMU batteries are dead |
| Game Gear | N/A | 4.5mm Gamebit / Phillips | N/A | AA batteries | N/A | Capacitors are usually the bigger issue |
| Sega Nomad | 4.5mm Gamebit on carts | Phillips / 4.5mm Gamebit depending on area | N/A | AA battery pack or rechargeable pack | CR2032 tabbed, if game is battery-backed | Uses Genesis cartridges |
| Sega Pico | Varies | Phillips | N/A | N/A | N/A | Educational cartridge system |
| Sega CD Backup RAM Cart | N/A | Screws / clips vary | N/A | Battery-backed memory accessory | Battery type varies | Open and check before replacing |
Sony PlayStation Consoles and Handhelds
| System / Item | Game Cartridge / Media Bit | Console / Handheld Bit | Controller Bit | System / Clock Battery | Game / Accessory Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PlayStation / PS1 | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Saves are on memory cards |
| PS One | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Smaller PS1 revision |
| PocketStation | N/A | Small Phillips | N/A | Coin cell battery | N/A | Japanese memory card accessory with screen |
| PlayStation 2 Fat | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style clock battery | N/A | Saves are on memory cards |
| PlayStation 2 Slim | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style clock battery with leads | N/A | Battery format may be wired or heat-shrink style |
| PlayStation 3 Fat | N/A | Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | Some models use T8/T10 security screw access |
| PlayStation 3 Slim | N/A | TR8 Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | TR8 security screws are common on PS3 Slim repairs |
| PlayStation 3 Super Slim | N/A | Phillips / Torx Security depending on area | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | Model revision matters |
| PlayStation 4 | N/A | TR8 or TR9 Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | Torx Security is needed for deeper opening |
| PlayStation 4 Slim | N/A | TR8 or TR9 Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | Similar tool family to PS4 |
| PlayStation 4 Pro | N/A | TR8 Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | Fan cleaning often requires Torx Security |
| PlayStation 5 | N/A | TR8 Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | SSD upgrade uses Phillips #0, deeper work uses TR8 |
| PlayStation 5 Slim | N/A | T8 / TR8 Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | CR2032-style CMOS battery | N/A | Modular disc drive model |
| PlayStation 5 Pro | N/A | Torx Security / Phillips | Phillips | Easier-access CMOS battery | N/A | CMOS battery access is much easier than earlier PS5 models |
| PSP 1000 | UMD, N/A | Phillips | Built-in controls | Rechargeable battery pack | N/A | UMD drive repairs are delicate |
| PSP 2000 / 3000 | UMD, N/A | Phillips | Built-in controls | Rechargeable battery pack | N/A | Model-specific battery packs |
| PSP Go | Digital media | Phillips | Built-in controls | Internal rechargeable pack | N/A | More compact and less beginner-friendly |
| PlayStation Vita | Game cards not normally opened | Phillips | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Vita game cards do not use typical save batteries |
| PlayStation TV / Vita TV | N/A | Phillips | N/A | N/A | N/A | Micro-console version of Vita hardware |
Xbox Consoles and Accessories
| System / Item | Game Cartridge / Media Bit | Console Bit | Controller Bit | System / Clock Battery | Game / Accessory Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Original Xbox | N/A | Torx T20 / T10 | Torx / Phillips depending on controller | Clock capacitor, not coin cell | N/A | Early clock capacitors can leak and damage the board |
| Xbox 360 Original | N/A | T8 / TR8 and T10 / TR10 | Torx Security / Phillips depending on controller | N/A | N/A | Case opening can be annoying without the right tools |
| Xbox 360 S | N/A | T8 / TR8 and T10 / TR10 | Torx Security / Phillips | N/A | N/A | Smaller revision |
| Xbox 360 E | N/A | T8 / TR8 and T10 / TR10 | Torx Security / Phillips | N/A | N/A | Final Xbox 360 revision |
| Xbox One | N/A | T8 / TR8, T9 / TR9, T10 / TR10 | TR8 Torx Security | N/A | N/A | Xbox One family commonly uses Torx and Torx Security screws |
| Xbox One S | N/A | T8 / TR8 and T10 / TR10 | TR8 Torx Security | N/A | N/A | Common cleaning and hard drive repair system |
| Xbox One X | N/A | T8 / TR8 and T10 / TR10 | TR8 Torx Security | N/A | N/A | Similar tool family to Xbox One S |
| Xbox Series S | N/A | T8 / TR8 and T10 / TR10 | TR8 Torx Security | N/A | N/A | Modern compact Xbox |
| Xbox Series X | N/A | T8 / TR8 | TR8 Torx Security | N/A | N/A | Xbox Series X commonly uses T8 or TR8 for case and component access |
| Xbox Series controller | N/A | N/A | TR8 Torx Security | AA batteries or rechargeable pack | N/A | Battery is user-facing, not internal save battery |
NEC, SNK, Atari, 3DO, and Other Retro Systems
| System / Item | Game Cartridge / Media Bit | Console Bit | Controller Bit | System / Clock Battery | Game / Accessory Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| TurboGrafx-16 | HuCards, N/A | 4.5mm Gamebit / Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Base system does not use cartridge save batteries |
| PC Engine | HuCards, N/A | Phillips / 4.5mm Gamebit depending on model | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Regional hardware varies |
| TurboGrafx-CD / TurboDuo | Disc / HuCard, N/A | 4.5mm Gamebit / Phillips | N/A | Backup memory components vary | N/A | CD save memory maintenance varies |
| PC Engine Duo | Disc / HuCard, N/A | Phillips / 4.5mm Gamebit | N/A | Backup memory components vary | N/A | Capacitor work is common |
| Neo Geo AES | Large cartridges, screws vary | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | Memory card battery may vary | Very expensive hardware, do not rush repairs |
| Neo Geo MVS | Arcade cartridge, screws vary | Arcade hardware, varies | N/A | Rechargeable battery or modified coin cell on some boards | N/A | Battery leakage is a serious concern on arcade boards |
| Neo Geo CD | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Disc drive and capacitor work are common |
| Neo Geo Pocket | N/A | Phillips | Built-in controls | AAA batteries | CR2032 for backup on some models | Check model before ordering |
| Neo Geo Pocket Color | N/A | Phillips | Built-in controls | AA batteries | CR2032 backup battery | Common handheld battery setup |
| Atari 2600 | Cartridge screws vary | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | No standard save batteries |
| Atari 5200 | Cartridge screws vary | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Controller repairs are more common |
| Atari 7800 | Cartridge screws vary | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | No standard save batteries |
| Atari Lynx | N/A | Phillips / Torx depending on revision | Built-in controls | AA batteries | N/A | Screen and capacitor work are common |
| Atari Jaguar | Cartridge screws vary | Torx / Phillips depending on area | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Hardware revisions vary |
| Panasonic 3DO FZ-1 | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | Internal save battery, often CR2032-style | N/A | Internal memory battery should be inspected carefully |
| Panasonic 3DO FZ-10 | N/A | Phillips | Phillips | Internal save battery, often CR2032-style | N/A | Model-specific layout |
| Philips CD-i | N/A | Torx / Phillips depending on model | Varies | Internal battery / capacitor varies | N/A | Many models and revisions |
| Vectrex | N/A | Phillips | Built-in controller | N/A | N/A | CRT safety matters more than screw type |
| ColecoVision | Cartridge screws vary | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | No standard save batteries |
| Intellivision | Cartridge screws vary | Phillips | Phillips | N/A | N/A | Controller membrane repairs are common |
Modern Handheld Gaming Devices
| System / Item | Game Cartridge / Media Bit | Console / Handheld Bit | Controller Bit | System Battery | Game / Accessory Battery | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Steam Deck LCD | N/A | Phillips #1 back cover, Phillips #0 internal | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | LCD model commonly uses Phillips screws |
| Steam Deck OLED | N/A | T6 Torx | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | OLED model uses T6 Torx screws for the back cover |
| ASUS ROG Ally | N/A | Phillips #0 | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | SSD access uses Phillips #0 |
| ASUS ROG Ally X | N/A | Phillips #0 | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Newer revision with larger battery |
| Lenovo Legion Go | N/A | Phillips / Torx depending on repair area | Detachable controllers | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Check repair guide before opening |
| Analogue Pocket | Cartridge adapters, not standard Gamebit | T6 Torx | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | Cartridge battery depends on original game | Plays original GB, GBC, GBA carts and adapters |
| Evercade Handheld | Cartridge system | Phillips / Torx depending on model | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Modern carts do not use old coin-cell saves |
| Playdate | N/A | Precision screws / adhesive repair profile | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Modern boutique handheld |
| Retroid Pocket systems | N/A | Phillips / clips depending on model | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Android-based handheld family |
| Anbernic handhelds | N/A | Phillips / Torx depending on model | Built-in controls | Rechargeable lithium pack | N/A | Model-specific repair details |
What Security Bit Should Most Collectors Own?
If you collect across multiple generations, do not buy one random screwdriver and hope for the best. A good retro gaming toolkit should include:
| Tool | Why You Want It |
|---|---|
| 3.8mm Gamebit | Opens many classic Nintendo cartridges |
| 4.5mm Gamebit | Opens many retro console shells and Sega carts |
| Tri-Wing screwdriver | Needed for many Nintendo handhelds and older Nintendo hardware |
| Tri-point Y00 | Needed for Nintendo Switch family repairs |
| Phillips #0, #00, #000 | Needed for battery covers, internals, controllers, and handhelds |
| JIS-style precision drivers | Better fit for many Japanese electronics screws |
| Torx T6, T8, T10 | Used in modern consoles and handhelds |
| Torx Security TR8, TR9, TR10 | Needed for PlayStation, Xbox, and other tamper-resistant screws |
| Plastic spudger | Safer than metal for opening plastic shells |
| Opening picks | Helpful for plastic clips and panel separation |
| Tweezers | Helpful for ribbon cables, springs, screws, and small parts |
| Soldering iron and flux | Required for proper cartridge battery replacement |
| Tabbed replacement batteries | Safer and cleaner than trying to solder directly to a coin cell |
If you are buying a tool kit specifically for retro games, make sure it actually includes 3.8mm and 4.5mm Gamebits. Many modern electronics kits include Torx and Phillips bits but skip the Gamebits, which are the exact bits retro collectors need most.
Cartridge Battery Replacement Tips
Before changing a battery, keep these tips in mind:
Back up the save first if possible
Once the battery is removed, the save will usually be gone. If the save matters, back it up before replacing the battery.
Use the same battery type when possible
If the board says CR1616, use CR1616. If the board says CR2025, use CR2025. If the cartridge uses CR2032, use CR2032.
Some collectors modify battery sizes for longer life, but that is not always physically clean or recommended.
Use tabbed batteries only
Use a battery with solder tabs already attached. Do not try to solder directly to a loose coin cell battery.
Watch the polarity
Installing the battery backwards will not fix your save problem. Always check the positive and negative orientation before soldering the new battery in place.
Do not use tape as a repair method
Tape can move, loosen, dry out, or fail. If the connection drops, the save can disappear.
Clean the cartridge contacts while it is open
Many “dead” games are not actually dead. They are dirty, oxidized, or contaminated. While the shell is open, it is a great time to clean the contacts properly.
Do not over-tighten old cartridge screws
Old plastic can crack. Cartridge posts can split. Screws can strip. Tight is good. Crushing the poor thing is not.
Why Some Games Have Batteries and Others Do Not
This is one of the biggest points of confusion for retro collectors.
Not every cartridge game has a battery.
Some games save with SRAM that needs battery power. Others use EEPROM, flash memory, memory cards, passwords, or no saving at all.
That means two games from the same console generation may save in totally different ways.
For example:
| System | Save Method Can Vary |
|---|---|
| NES | Battery-backed SRAM or passwords |
| SNES | Battery-backed SRAM, passwords, or no saves |
| N64 | Battery-backed SRAM, EEPROM, flash, controller pak, or no saves |
| Game Boy | Battery-backed SRAM, sometimes with real-time clock |
| Game Boy Color | Battery-backed SRAM, sometimes with real-time clock |
| Game Boy Advance | SRAM, EEPROM, flash, or real-time clock battery depending on game |
| Sega Genesis | Battery-backed SRAM, passwords, or no saves |
| PlayStation | Memory cards |
| Dreamcast | VMU memory cards |
| GameCube | Memory cards |
This is why a battery matrix should be treated as a guide, not an unbreakable rule.
Open the cartridge carefully, check the board, confirm the installed battery type, and then replace it properly.
When You Should Not DIY
Opening a cartridge to clean contacts or replace a simple battery is realistic for many collectors. Opening a console with a disc drive, glued battery, ribbon cables, internal power supply, or liquid metal cooling is a different beast.
Be extra careful with:
| Hardware | Why It Is Riskier |
|---|---|
| CRT systems like Vectrex | High-voltage safety risk |
| PS5 | Liquid metal cooling, delicate internals |
| Nintendo Switch family | Adhesive, ribbon cables, rails, battery risk |
| 3DO / TurboDuo / Sega CD | Aging capacitors and fragile disc hardware |
| Original Xbox | Clock capacitor leakage and motherboard corrosion |
| Handhelds with swollen batteries | Fire and puncture risk |
| Rare or expensive games | One lifted solder pad can turn a valuable game into a heartbreak object |
| Disc-based consoles | Lasers, drive belts, gears, ribbon cables, and alignment issues |
| Anything with an internal power supply | Shock risk if you do not know what you are doing |
If you are not comfortable opening something, bring it to someone who works with retro games regularly.
Power Up Gaming buys, sells, tests, cleans, and works with retro games and consoles every day. We would rather help you do it properly than see a rare game get “fixed” with tape, a butter knife, and overconfidence.
Common Repair Scenarios
My Pokémon game will not save
This is usually a dead battery. Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal are especially known for battery drain because they use a real-time clock. Pokémon Ruby, Sapphire, and Emerald also use a real-time clock battery, though the save system itself works differently than older Pokémon games.
My SNES RPG save disappeared
Many SNES RPGs use CR2032 tabbed batteries. Once that battery dies, the save can disappear or the game may stop holding new saves.
My N64 game will not save
Not every N64 game uses a battery. Some use EEPROM or flash memory. Some use the Controller Pak. Some use battery-backed SRAM. Open the cartridge or check reliable repair information before assuming it needs a battery.
My Sega Saturn keeps asking for the date and time
The Saturn likely needs a new CR2032 battery. That battery supports the internal clock and backup memory.
My Dreamcast VMU keeps beeping or showing a dead battery
The VMU uses two CR2032 batteries. However, the VMU can still save when inserted in the controller, even if the VMU’s own batteries are dead.
My Wii keeps losing the time
The Wii uses a CR2032 clock battery. If the clock keeps resetting, that battery may need replacement.
My modern console needs a battery
Modern consoles may have CMOS or RTC batteries, but they are not the same thing as cartridge save batteries. These batteries are usually related to system time, certificates, or internal settings, not game saves in the old cartridge sense.
Final Thoughts
Retro game collecting is more fun when your games actually work.
The right security bit lets you open the cartridge. The right battery lets the game save again. The right cleaning process brings dirty contacts back to life. The right repair approach can keep original hardware working for years instead of letting it slowly die in a drawer.
Whether you are replacing a dead Pokémon battery, cleaning a Super Nintendo cartridge, opening a GameCube, checking a Sega Saturn CR2032, or trying to figure out why your Dreamcast VMU keeps screaming at you, this matrix should give you a strong starting point.
And if you would rather not do the soldering yourself, Power Up Gaming offers in-store battery replacements for Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridge games. We can also handle bulk mail-in battery replacement orders for customers with multiple games.
Shop tested retro games, consoles, accessories, and more at:
powerupgaming.ca
FAQ
What security bit do I need to open NES, SNES, and N64 games?
Most NES, SNES, and N64 cartridges use a 3.8mm Gamebit security bit.
What security bit do I need to open a Super Nintendo console?
Most SNES consoles use a 4.5mm Gamebit for the outer shell screws.
What security bit do I need to open a Nintendo 64 console?
Most Nintendo 64 consoles use a 4.5mm Gamebit for the outer shell screws.
What security bit do I need to open a GameCube?
The Nintendo GameCube typically uses a 4.5mm Gamebit for the main case screws.
What screwdriver do I need for Nintendo Switch repairs?
The Nintendo Switch family commonly uses Tri-point Y00, Phillips, and JIS-style screwdrivers depending on the model and repair area.
Are Tri-Wing and Tri-point the same thing?
No. They are often confused, but they are not the same. Older Nintendo handhelds and accessories often use Tri-Wing or Y-tip screws. The Nintendo Switch family commonly uses Tri-point Y00 screws. Use the correct bit or you can strip the screw.
What battery do NES, SNES, and N64 games use?
Many battery-backed NES, SNES, and N64 games use a tabbed CR2032 battery. Not every game has a battery, so check the cartridge before replacing anything.
What battery do Game Boy games use?
Game Boy and Game Boy Color cartridges commonly use CR1616 or CR2025 tabbed batteries, depending on the game and board. Always check the battery already installed or the marking on the board.
What battery do Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal use?
Pokémon Gold, Silver, and Crystal commonly use a CR2025 tabbed battery because of the real-time clock. These games are known for draining batteries faster than many other Game Boy games.
What battery do Game Boy Advance games use?
Many Game Boy Advance games do not use a battery at all. GBA games that do use batteries commonly use CR1616 tabbed batteries, especially for real-time clock functions. Check the board before ordering.
Will replacing a cartridge battery erase my save?
Usually, yes. Removing the old battery from a battery-backed cartridge will normally erase the save unless the save has been backed up first.
Can I tape a battery into a cartridge instead of soldering it?
You can physically do it, but you should not. Tape can move, loosen, dry out, or fail. If the connection drops, the save can disappear. Use a properly soldered tabbed battery instead.
Can I solder directly to a coin cell battery?
No. You should not solder directly to a coin cell. Use a tabbed battery where the tabs are already welded to the battery.
Does Power Up Gaming replace cartridge batteries?
Yes. Power Up Gaming offers battery replacement services for Nintendo and Sega Genesis cartridge games. This includes many NES, SNES, N64, Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, and Sega Genesis games that use battery-backed saves or real-time clock batteries.
Battery replacements are handled in-store, and we can also accommodate bulk mail-in orders for customers with multiple games.
All games are tested for basic function before battery work begins so we can confirm there are no obvious issues with the cartridge itself.
Battery replacements typically take a couple of days because we need to have a trained employee available to do the soldering properly.
Please note that Power Up Gaming does not guarantee that existing save files will be preserved. Replacing a cartridge battery will usually erase the existing save unless the customer has backed it up beforehand.
Can I mail games to Power Up Gaming for battery replacement?
Yes. Power Up Gaming can accommodate bulk mail-in battery replacement orders. Customers should contact us first through powerupgaming.ca so we can confirm the number of games, expected turnaround time, and shipping details before anything is mailed in.
Does Power Up Gaming test games before replacing the battery?
Yes. Games are tested for basic function before battery work is completed. This helps make sure the cartridge itself is working before the battery replacement begins.
Does the Sega Saturn use a battery?
Yes. The Sega Saturn uses a CR2032 battery for its clock and internal backup memory.
Does the Dreamcast VMU use batteries?
Yes. The Dreamcast VMU uses two CR2032 batteries. However, the VMU can still function for saving when inserted into a Dreamcast controller, even if the VMU batteries are dead.
Does the Wii have a battery?
Yes. The Wii uses a CR2032 battery for calendar and clock functions.
Does the Wii U have a battery?
Yes. The Wii U console uses a CR2032 battery for calendar and clock functions. The Wii U GamePad uses a rechargeable battery pack, commonly WUP-012 or WUP-013.
Do PS4 and PS5 games use save batteries?
No. PS4 and PS5 games do not use cartridge-style save batteries. The consoles have internal CMOS or RTC batteries, but game saves are stored digitally on the console storage or through cloud services, depending on setup.
Does the original Xbox have a battery?
The original Xbox uses a clock capacitor instead of a standard coin cell battery. Early original Xbox revisions are known for clock capacitor leakage, which can damage the motherboard if ignored.
Should I open a rare game myself?
Only if you are confident and have the proper tools. Rare cartridges can be damaged by stripped screws, broken plastic posts, overheated solder pads, and incorrect batteries. When in doubt, get help from someone experienced.
What is the best repair tool kit for retro game collectors?
A good retro gaming repair kit should include 3.8mm Gamebit, 4.5mm Gamebit, Tri-Wing, Tri-point Y00, Phillips, JIS-style drivers, Torx, Torx Security bits, tweezers, and plastic opening tools.
Why does my game play but not save?
If the game is an older cartridge with battery-backed saves, the save battery may be dead. The game itself can still boot and play while being unable to hold save data.
Are cartridge batteries rechargeable?
No. Most cartridge save batteries are standard non-rechargeable lithium coin cells with solder tabs. Do not try to recharge them.
How long do cartridge batteries last?
It varies by game, battery type, storage conditions, and whether the game uses a real-time clock. Some batteries last decades. Others, especially real-time clock games, may drain much faster.
Why do Pokémon games drain batteries faster?
Some Pokémon games use a real-time clock that continues tracking time even when the game is not being played. That constant clock function can drain the battery faster than a game that only uses the battery to maintain a save file.
Can a dead battery damage my game?
A dead coin cell usually just stops the game from saving. However, old or leaking batteries can cause corrosion or board damage. If a cartridge has visible corrosion, it should be inspected carefully.
What should I do if my cartridge contacts are dirty?
Use proper cleaning methods and avoid harsh scraping. Many games that seem broken are just dirty. If you are unsure, bring the game to Power Up Gaming and we can take a look.
