which gba games use batteries

Neter

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23-11-2024

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The Game Boy Advance (GBA) was a revolutionary handheld console, but some titles required an internal battery to save game progress. This guide comprehensively lists GBA games that utilize these batteries and explains what happens when they fail. Knowing which games rely on battery saves helps you understand potential issues with older cartridges.

Understanding GBA Battery Saves

Many GBA games use internal lithium batteries to save game data. These batteries have a limited lifespan, typically lasting several years. When the battery dies, your saved game progress is lost. This isn't a problem with every GBA game, though. Some titles rely on flash memory for saving, which doesn't require a battery.

GBA Games Requiring Batteries: A Complete List (Partially Exhaustive)

Creating a completely exhaustive list is difficult due to the sheer number of GBA games and variations in cartridge manufacturing. However, below is a list encompassing many well-known titles known to use internal batteries for saving:

Action & Adventure:

• The Legend of Zelda: The Minish Cap: A classic Zelda title; losing your save here would be devastating.
• Metroid Fusion: Another critically acclaimed title with a compelling narrative relying on battery saving.
• Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow: This Metroidvania classic stores your progress using a battery.
• Fire Emblem: The Sacred Stones: This strategy RPG heavily relies on battery save functionality.

RPGs:

• Golden Sun: Both Golden Sun and Golden Sun: The Lost Age rely on battery saves.
• Kingdom Hearts: Chain of Memories: This action RPG utilizes battery saves.
• Final Fantasy VI Advance: This enhanced port of the SNES classic uses an internal battery.

Other Genres:

• Pokémon Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald: The main series Pokémon games on GBA all require batteries to save your progress.
• Mother 3 (JP only): While not released in English, this highly-regarded RPG uses a battery save.
• Advance Wars: This popular strategy game utilizes battery saving functionality.

Important Note: This list isn't exhaustive. Many other GBA games likely use battery-backed saves. If you're unsure whether a particular game uses a battery, searching online for "[Game Title] GBA battery save" should reveal the answer.

What Happens When the Battery Dies?

When the battery in your GBA cartridge dies, you'll typically encounter one of the following:

• Inability to Save: The most common symptom. You won't be able to save your game progress.
• Corrupted Save Data: In some cases, the save file may become corrupted, resulting in data loss or strange game behavior.
• Blank Save File: Attempting to load a save may result in a completely blank save file.

How to Avoid Battery Failure

While you can't prevent battery death entirely, you can mitigate its effects:

• Regularly Back Up Your Save: If possible, use any in-game features that allow data transfer or cloud saves (though this was less common on the GBA).
• Purchase Battery-Saving Devices: Some third-party devices claim to extend the life of GBA batteries or allow for save-state functionality.

Conclusion: Preserving Your GBA Memories

Knowing which GBA games use batteries is crucial for preserving your gaming experience. By understanding the limitations of battery-backed saves, you can take steps to protect your progress and enjoy these classic titles for years to come. Remember to regularly back up your saves whenever possible, especially in battery-dependent games. The information provided above should aid in preventing heartbreak from unexpected battery failures in your cherished GBA collection.