Best Ways to Backup Console Game Saves

[grandta13]

I am wondering what the current best solution is for backing up and restoring saves from physical cartridges. I've done a little research, but most of the information I found is dated and refers to hardware that is no longer readily available. Currently the only backup device I have is a Mega Memory Card, but that leaves out my console collection. A while ago I heard that the Retron5 can back up saves, but (at the time at least) it is unable to restore the save to the cartridge.

For reference, the systems I am most interested in backing up are Famicom, NES, SNES, and N64, though if you have information about backing up other systems' saves, then I'm interested to hear that as well.

[ExedExes]

I believe all the Retron 5 save bugs have finally been worked out -- the only issue I was having was with GBA saves, but they now return to the cartridge.

If your cart batteries are dead, there's really not much you can do as far as saving back to them if you're using the Retron 5. But you can save any existing cartridge data to the R5 and then back it up to SD card.

[grandta13]

I believe all the Retron 5 save bugs have finally been worked out -- the only issue I was having was with GBA saves, but they now return to the cartridge.

It's a bit pricey, but it's good to know that the bug has been worked out. Due to its price (I didn't realise how expensive it was when I created this thread), I'm still looking for a cheaper alternative, but it's good to know that this is an option.

[fastbilly1]

You wont get cheaper than the Retron 5 if you want those consoles. Other devices, like the Retrode exist, but at the same price point.

[CRTGAMER]

I am wondering what the current best solution is for backing up and restoring saves from physical cartridges. A while ago I heard that the Retron5 can back up saves, but (at the time at least) it is unable to restore the save to the cartridge.

I believe all the Retron 5 save bugs have finally been worked out -- the only issue I was having was with GBA saves, but they now return to the cartridge.

If your cart batteries are dead, there's really not much you can do as far as saving back to them if you're using the Retron 5.

But you can save any existing cartridge data to the R5 and then back it up to SD card.

You wont get cheaper than the Retron 5 if you want those consoles. Other devices, like the Retrode exist, but at the same price point.

Nice feature of the Retron 5! The SD card backup really makes it nice for backing up to PC and downloading completed game saves! Are the game saves the standard variety as found online or specialized Retron Game Save backups?

Surprised Hyperkin does not advertise that nice piece of game cheat info for their console.

I am so close to buying the console, anyone PERSONALLY know if the latest revision did in fact fix the death grip Genesis cart slot? Not thru message boards but have the actual revised console?

[Sarge]

That's probably the reason I'm interested in a Retron 5. I'd been looking at the Retrode earlier, but it's pricey, too, and gives you less options.

[ExedExes]

All you have to do to save on an SD Card is change the Storage location under the settings. The save state I got for this particular example ends in a .snap0 (0 being the slot chosen, 0-9). I wouldn't be sure if this could be renamed for use in an emulator.

[Tanooki]

I'm not 100% sure the Genesis save issue was fixed, I heard minor complaining about it but never saw if it was resolved or not because I never cared to look (have no games.) I also can't say about the Genesis slot, but the grip of the Nintendo stuff relaxed so it probably did too.

The save issue killing saves on GBA games which was the big one that was repaired quite awhile back, and the older stuff like NES/SNES GB/GBC stuff is fine.

It may cost what it does, but you can't beat it for the capabilities it has on top of the ability to back up saves to your PC. Doing so you can move saves to other carts or whatever you want within reason. Also if you factor in the hack options and translations on the fly it's just a good all around package. Be aware it will not load up like 90% of the pirate multicarts, pirate singles enough of those work though, and flash carts are out.

[Ziggy]

You wont get cheaper than the Retron 5 if you want those consoles. Other devices, like the Retrode exist, but at the same price point.

Unfortunately, the Retrode isn't currently in production. Although, I was lurking the Retrode forums and some one asked if they might be produced again in the future to which the answer was simply 'yes'.

[grandta13]

One thing that I wonder is how difficult it would be (for one familiar with the technology) to engineer something similar to the Mega Memory Card. I would think that a solution like that could cut costs dramatically since it wouldn't have to include system hardware or hardware capable of emulation; it would only need to be able to read data from another cart and be able to interface with the system. This is just speculation but I don't see why it wouldn't be viable.