27th October 2005, 4:23 PM
Quote:As for N64 memory cards, I actually had always just assumed they used flash because it just seemed a logical conclusion at the time. I decided to check to make sure, and lo and behold, my official N64 memory card DOES in fact use a battery, same as anything else... Yes, as you said with the N64 most of the good games used the cart, but Mystical Ninja uses this card .
I wonder if the tech was ever upgraded? This is a rather old card. I am not willing to actually spend money at the Nintendo store on a new, more permanent solution until I know whether or not the tech changed.
As I said, I read somewhere that someone said that they changed the tech at some point later on, but I can't find any confirmation on it... it wasn't exactly the greatest source, so I don't believe it based just on that. For instance, Wikipedia... it says "N64 memcards (first party) use flash memory!" which of course we now know to not be true, at least for the older ones... I've looked around on yahoo and google for anything that would tell me something concrete behind the technology behind the memory card, but I just can't find anything. The N64 itsself? Yeah, plenty. But the memory card? And specifically, if at any point Nintendo changed the tech so that they don't use batteries anymore? Nope... I'd really like to find that information, but just can't (find anything that looks even vaguely trustworthy).
As for my cards... I've got stuff on them... Gauntlet (like eight-plus save files, maybe two or three of which are mine), Hydro Thunder, Rush 2, Rush 2049, Mystical Ninja, Goemon's Great Adventure, Beetle Adventure Racing, Wipeout 64... what else... an Excitebike track or two, Bust-A-Move 99 (64 blocks... way larger than anything else (second is Rush 2, which is 29 blocks...) And I'd be annoyed if some of those were erased, but it's not like it's EVERYTHING. Just nine games of fourty... Still, compared to most other cart-based system, that's not bad. And with memcard games, it's not like a game with an onboard battery -- just start over on a new card. A pain for some games ( I don't think I'd play BAR over anytime soon...), but Goemon? Eh, I only played MN64 once... and GGA just three times... I wouldn't mind playing them again. :)
Of course, for that small-but-irritatingly-good list of N64 games with batteries on them, there's less you can do... short of having a backup unit or a gameshark pro... and even then, you'd either need to play the rom or open up the cart and deal with soldering. Ick.
... Even so, though, it does make me want a dexdrive/gameshark pro, sooner rather than later. :)
Quote:The PS1 memory cards don't use batteries. I believe they were the first to go that route. In fact, I just opened up a PS1 memory card to confirm it, and there's not a battery to be seen. All firmware. These should last as long as the chip itself lasts, and disintegration in a cool dry place tends to take a long time. It should last longer than my body will hold out, and really that's all I need. I can't vouch for the unofficial cards. The Pocket Station (yes, I actually have one of those relics) uses a battery, but not for saved data. It's for the internal clock and running the on-the-go 16x16 resolution games some PS1 games could save onto them. The actual saved data, aside from the clock, is stored in solid state.
I'd read "EEPROM" but didn't know whether to believe it given that it wasn't an overly technical site and sites get that stuff wrong all the time (like the site that says all N64 games that have internal save use EEPROM...). Good to hear though.
Quote:Unfortunatly, my tri-wing screw driver I got some time ago for the OTHER kind of special security screw Nintendo uses has been damaged from overuse... In other words, I can't open my Gamecube memory cards. However, I do believe Nintendo themselves stated the memory was solid state and didn't use batteries. One of my PS2 memory cards is transparent. I didn't have to open it at all. No, PS2 cards are solid state, no battery. The XBox memory cards are screwed a little too tightly. Until I get a small screwdriver with a better grip, I don't want to risk damaging either the driver I already have or the screws.
Yes, PS2 and GC memory is definitely solid-state... the companies have said so clearly.
Tri-wing screwdrivers... what is that used for other than opening GBA carts?
Quote:. I can't vouch for the unofficial cards.
A third-party memory card that actually lasts long enough for you to worry about the battery dying is probably rare indeed... :)