Looking to ROM dump just a handful of games, so I’m trying not to spend hundreds on a Sanni or Retrode. I saw this on AliExpress for $15.

I’ve personally had good luck with Alibaba and Aliexpress, but I recognize that this could just straight not work. There’s no documentation, but it claims the game data will show up like files on a USB flash drive.

Anybody know where this design came from?

        • MrScottyTay@sh.itjust.worksEnglish
          2·
          3 months ago

          If that was the case they could’ve replaced the battery since and still have a save on that cartridge that needs backing up

          • Spunky Monkey@lemm.eeEnglish
            7·
            3 months ago

            I don’t believe it works like that. When you change the battery, the save is gone. In other words, I think it has to have a continuous charge to keep the save.

            It works like a computer CMOS battery if I’m not mistaken.

            • f4f4f4f4f4f4f4f4English
              9·
              3 months ago

              You are correct.

              One can solder in a temporary “helper battery” (or 3V power supply) to the same traces but in a different spot, to keep the SRAM alive while the real battery is replaced.

              Some later games (GBA-era) use Flash memory and the battery is just for the clock.

    • ch00f@lemmy.worldOPEnglish
      131·
      3 months ago

      Call it a hobby. Having the data from the physical cart brings me joy. Also, I’m looking to rebuild my collection from childhood for when the Analogue3D finally comes out.

      • simplymath@lemmy.worldEnglish
        713·
        3 months ago

        The binary blob is essentially just a number stored in a fancy configuration of electrons, OP. In the best case scenario, this device is just e-waste.

        • xyzzy@lemm.eeEnglish
          11·
          3 months ago

          I really can’t stand it when people feel the need to denigrate other people’s hobbies.

          • simplymath@lemmy.worldEnglish
            27·
            3 months ago

            what’s denigrating about calling the game a number? Is the hobby collecting devices from China? Why not figure out how an N64 works and dump it yourself if that’s your hobby?

            I’m not against the idea, homey. I just wouldn’t plug this device into my computer. Grab an Arduino or JTAG cable.

            https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=V0CPjHO_3Yo

    • smeg@feddit.ukEnglish
      42·
      3 months ago

      Some people don’t want to do something illegal even if they think the law is stupid