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
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      1929 days ago

      Could be to get their save that’s on the cartridge backed up?

        • MrScottyTay
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          229 days 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
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            29 days 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.

            • @[email protected]
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              929 days 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.

            • MrScottyTay
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              129 days ago

              Can you not have a new save after replacing it?

    • @[email protected]OP
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      1229 days 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.

      • @[email protected]
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        -629 days 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.

        • @[email protected]
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          29 days ago

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

          • @[email protected]
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            -529 days 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