Mario's Magic Batteries

ballytablewiz

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So we're all familiar with Nintendo's use of AA batteries on their PCBs; DK3, Mario Bros., VS MDS boards, etc. And of course, batteries leak over time, so we yank them suckers off as soon as we get our grubby little paws on them.

So I bought a Mario Bros. PCB some time ago (in it's FCC cage) and couldn't help but notice how nice the batteries' condition was when I opened it, considering their age. One of them is just starting to show the first signs of rust. Plucked them out and put 'em on the meter, and I was shocked to see that they are holding the same charge as a brand new battery - almost 30 years later! (see pics)

Yup, they're still kicking, and they're the original Maxell Power Ace cells we've all seen on these N* boards. Judging by the Japanese text on the back of the cells, and the usual scenario of manufacturers including batteries sold only to the industrial market, I believe these are original and were never replaced. They predate modern date-coded batteries of course, but there is a "83-02" stamped into the housings on the bottoms of the cells.

Energizer Bunny, you have just been bitch-slapped by the man in the chair ;)
Memorex-man-in-chair-e1292523824959.jpg
 

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crazy. I have some newer duracells on my board when I bought it, they too are holding a 1.5-1.6v.

Question, what is the point of the batteries on these boards? the high scores do not save, so are they even needed? if not Im gonna take mine out.
 
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They may still show a reading on the volt meter, but I wonder if they would hold up to any actual load? Try putting them in something modern that runs on AA 's to see if they have enough "juice" to operate it...
 
Question, what is the point of the batteries on these boards? the high scores do not save, so are they even needed? if not Im gonna take mine out.

They are for "bookkeeping". That means they just hold the data for how many games played, how long, and such. Nothing important for home users. The batteries can be put to better use on something else.
 
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