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?

    • MrScottyTayEnglish
      19•4 months ago

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

        • MrScottyTayEnglish
          2•4 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 MonkeyEnglish
            7•4 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.

            • @[email protected]English
              9•4 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.

    • @ch00fOPEnglish
      12•4 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.

      • @simplymathEnglish
        -6•4 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.

        • @[email protected]English
          11•4 months ago

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

          • @simplymathEnglish
            -5•4 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

            • @simplymathEnglish
              -4•4 months ago

              lol. downvotes for being against pointless consumerism. classic. bring em on.