carts:nintendo:gba

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carts:nintendo:gba [2023/01/29 19:16] – Improve Duplo method cartridge_hermitcarts:nintendo:gba [2023/03/13 18:09] (current) – [Identifying Game Versions] cartridge_hermit
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 ===== Introduction ===== ===== Introduction =====
  
-{{wst>carts_important_notes}}+Game Boy Advance games are one of the easier systems to dump and there are numerous tools available. If you already have a Nintendo DS, the cheapest way to dump a GBA game is probably with a slot-1 DS flashcart, but dedicated dumping hardware tools support a larger variety of consoles rather than just a GBA.
  
-Game Boy Advance games are one of the easier systems to dump and there are numerous tools available, so you should be able to find a great method that works with the hardware you have on hand. The cheapest way to dump a GBA game is probably with a slot-1 DS flashcart, but dedicated dumping hardware tools support a larger variety of consoles vs just a GBA.+{{wst>carts_important_notes}}
  
 ===== Methods ===== ===== Methods =====
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   - [[#GBxCart RW]]   - [[#GBxCart RW]]
-  - [[#The Joey Jr]] +  - [[#Joey Jr]] 
-  - [[#Sanni Cart Reader]]+  - [[#Open Source Cartridge Reader]] 
 +  - [[#RetroBlaster 2.0]]
  
 === GBxCart RW === === GBxCart RW ===
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 Please see the the page for Lesserkuma's open-source software for the GBxCart RW, [[https://github.com/lesserkuma/FlashGBX|FlashGBX]]. Please see the the page for Lesserkuma's open-source software for the GBxCart RW, [[https://github.com/lesserkuma/FlashGBX|FlashGBX]].
  
-=== The Joey Jr ===+=== Joey Jr ===
  
 The Joey Jr is another inexpensive option for dedicated dumping hardware. The Joey Jr is another inexpensive option for dedicated dumping hardware.
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 For latest official instruction on how to use the Joey Jr, please see the [[https://bennvenn.myshopify.com/pages/the-joey-junior-gb-gbc-gba-cart-dumper-and-flasher|official user guide]]. For latest official instruction on how to use the Joey Jr, please see the [[https://bennvenn.myshopify.com/pages/the-joey-junior-gb-gbc-gba-cart-dumper-and-flasher|official user guide]].
  
-=== Sanni Cart Reader ===+=== Open Source Cartridge Reader ===
  
-Sanni Cart Reader is a versatile dumping tool that supports several different consoles/cartridges, but is pricier than the Joey Jr or GBxCart RW.+Open Source Cartridge Reader (OSCR) is a versatile dumping tool that supports several different consoles/cartridges, but is pricier than the Joey Jr or GBxCart RW.
  
-The Sanni Cart Reader comes with Game Boy / Game Boy Color dumping capabilities by default. [[https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/wiki/Reading-a-Game-Boy-rom|Follow the Sanni Cart Reader wiki]] for proper settings, and dumping instructions.+The OSCR comes with Game Boy / Game Boy Color dumping capabilities by default. [[https://github.com/sanni/cartreader/wiki/Reading-a-Game-Boy-rom|Follow the OSCR wiki]] for proper settings, and dumping instructions. 
 + 
 +==== RetroBlaster 2.0 ==== 
 +{{wst>community_equipment}} 
 + 
 +The RetroBlaster software currently only supports Windows and is available on the [[https://github.com/retrostage/RetroBlaster|RetroBlaster github]]. 
 + 
 +Make sure the RetroBlaster voltage switch is set to 3V (not the 5V setting). 
 + 
 +Connect the Game Boy adapter to the RetroBlaster. To seat the adapter, firmly but gently push the adapter in until the pins are no longer showing. 
 + 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:gba:retroblaster_gba.png|}} 
 + 
 +Insert the cartridge or PCB into the adapter, with the label side facing up. 
 + 
 +Open the RetroBlaster software (click Run if you see a security warning about the publisher not being verified) and navigate to the GBA tab. 
 + 
 +{{:carts:nintendo:gba:retroblaster_gba_software.png|}} 
 + 
 +Click "Dump ROM." Choose the location and filename for your ROM. 
 + 
 +The activity LED will turn on on the RetroBlaster board. A progress bar will indicate the status of the dump, and information will be displayed on the 'status' log when the dump is complete. 
 + 
 +You can also dump the SRAM or EEPROM save data from this same tab, by clicking the appropriate button. 
 + 
 +When swapping adapters, the official recommendation from RetroBlaster is to use the non-writing end of a pen or marker to slowly push the adapter out from either side, using the board for leverage, in order to avoid bending the pins.
  
 ==== Dumping with DS consoles ==== ==== Dumping with DS consoles ====
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 The Y-shaped screw on the back of GBA cartridges can be opened with a size Y1 tri-point (sometimes called tri-wing) screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, gently slide the label side of the cart down to expose the PCB. The Y-shaped screw on the back of GBA cartridges can be opened with a size Y1 tri-point (sometimes called tri-wing) screwdriver. Once the screw is removed, gently slide the label side of the cart down to expose the PCB.
  
-===== For Reference: Identifying Game Versions =====+===== Identifying Game Versions =====
  
 Once the cart has been opened, you can decode the letters/numbers stamped on the main chip. Once the cart has been opened, you can decode the letters/numbers stamped on the main chip.
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 {{:carts:nintendo:gba:gba-identifying_game_versions.png?260}} {{:carts:nintendo:gba:gba-identifying_game_versions.png?260}}
  
-{{:todo:gba_cart_code.png?600}}+{{:carts:nintendo:sss-tggr-v.svg?600}} 
 + 
 +S = System (Almost always "AGB")\\ 
 +T = Type (N = Normal)\\ 
 +G = Game code (e.g. MA = Super Mario Advance)\\ 
 +R = Region (J = Japan, E = USA, P = Europe)\\ 
 +V = Version (starts at 0)\\
  
- S = System (Almost always "AGB")\\  T = Type (N = Normal)\\  G = Game code (e.g. MA = Super Mario Advance)\\  R = Region (J = Japan, E = USA, P = Europe)\\  V = Version (starts at 0)\\+For example, ''AGB-AMAE-0'' is Super Mario Advance (USA).
  
 There is also a shortened version of the code on the left hand side, in the format **TGGR**-**V**. There is also a shortened version of the code on the left hand side, in the format **TGGR**-**V**.
  • carts/nintendo/gba.1675019813.txt.gz
  • Last modified: 2023/01/29 19:16
  • by cartridge_hermit