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Cartridges

Everything about game cartridges. Learn how to clean contacts, spot counterfeits, check batteries, transfer saves from flash carts, and add games to the database.

9 articles in this category

Cleaning Cartridge Contacts
2 min read
How to properly clean your game cartridge contacts for reliable operation.
Dirty cartridge pins are one of the most common causes of read errors, failed saves, and games not being detected. Here's how to properly clean them. After decades of use and storage, cartridge pins accumulate: Dust and debris Oxidation from...
Measuring Cartridge Battery
2 min read
How to check if your save battery needs replacing.
Many Game Boy® cartridges rely on batteries to keep save data alive. Here's how to check if your battery is still good. All GB/GBC games with save functionality Some early GBA games with real-time clocks SNES® games with save functionality Games...
Buying Retro Games Safely
2 min read
Tips for purchasing authentic retro games and avoiding fakes.
Buying authentic retro games can be challenging with so many reproductions on the market. Here's how to shop safely and spot potential fakes before you buy. Local retro game stores: Staff can often verify authenticity, and some use Operator devices...
Spotting Fake Games
3 min read
How to identify counterfeit cartridges.
Learn to identify reproduction and counterfeit cartridges before and after purchase. The easiest method is using Playback's authenticity check, but physical inspection helps when shopping. The most reliable way to verify authenticity is with your...
Checking Cartridge Authenticity
3 min read
How to check your game cartridge for counterfeit markers using Playback.
The easiest way to check your game cartridge is to insert it into your Operator device. Playback automatically checks for counterfeit markers by analyzing the internal hardware and game data against our database of known releases. When you insert a...
Game Boy Cartridge Components
3 min read
Understanding the hardware inside Game Boy cartridges.
Understanding what's inside your cartridges helps with troubleshooting and appreciating how these classic games work. To inspect the internal components, you'll need: 3.8mm security bit for GB/GBC games Tri-wing screwdriver for GBA games Remove the...
SNES Cartridge Components
3 min read
Understanding the hardware inside Super Nintendo cartridges.
Understanding what's inside your SNES® cartridges helps with troubleshooting and appreciating how these classic games work. To inspect the internal components, you'll need: 3.8mm security bit for SNES/Super Famicom® games Remove the screws on the...
Everdrive Save Transfers
2 min read
How to transfer saves from an Everdrive to your original cartridge.
If you've been playing on an Everdrive and want to continue your progress on an original cartridge, you can transfer your save using the GB Operator. Everdrive devices store saves in a different location and sometimes with a different extension than...
Rewritable Cartridge Save Issues
2 min read
Why reproduction cartridges often have save problems and what you can do.
Reproduction (counterfeit) and rewritable cartridges often experience save issues. Here's why this happens and how to work around it. Official cartridges follow Nintendo®'s specifications exactly. Reproduction manufacturers often modify the save...