Anybody tried one of these RPi based N64 cart dumpers off Aliexpress?

ch00f@lemmy.world to RetroGaming@lemmy.world – 110 points –

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?

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Why dump roms when you can just download them faster and free

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

I think any n64 cartridge has long since had the battery inside the cartridge die, which is what kept the game save info stored. So there won't be any saved game in there any more.

https://howchoo.com/nintendo/nintendo-64-cartridge-save-battery-change/

If that was the case they could've replaced the battery since and still have a save on that cartridge that needs backing up

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.

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.

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.

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.

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

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

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

You haven't realized by now this website is mostly filled with neckbeard chuds?