Save Managers
From SDA Knowledge Base
This page lists devices that allow the backup and restoration of save files on original cartridges. Using these, certain runs become easier to run and to improve later, ie. segmented runs, ng+ runs. Be noted that not all games will be compatible with these devices.
The devices may perform other functions besides managing save files. Since there is a rule about console/game modification, while speedrunning (recording a video), players should not use these devices, or have them connected to the console/game cartridge. Their use should be limited to managing save files before starting and after finishing a segment.
The following list shows save managers for different consoles. Unless noted, they are able to make save backups from cart to PC and restore them from the PC to the cart. Next to the device name, a link to the main store for the device. Other stores such as regional distributors can be looked for on Google.
Contents
SEGA Mega Drive
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SEGA Genesis
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Nintendo Entertainment System - NES
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Super Nintendo Entertainment System - SNES
Retro Flash Programmer has many functions, one of them managing cart saves. Some games may not be supported but may be added after request.
SNES Retro Flash Programmer: Developer's Store
Retrode is a device that allows to upload an download save files from SNES carts among others functions. Seems to be in development.
Retrode: Developer's Store Compatibility
Nintendo 64
These devices cover all save types except games with Flash memory based saves. The games that use this kind of save are limited to: Command & Conquer, Jet Force Gemini Kiosk, Jet Force Gemini, Ken Griffey Jr's Slugfest, The Legend of Zelda: Majora's Mask, Megaman 64, NBA Courtside 2 featuring Kobe Bryant, Paper Mario, Pokemon Puzzle League, Pokemon Snap, Pokemon Stadium, Pokemon Stadium 2, Starcraft 64, Tigger's Honey Hunt, WWF: No Mercy.
DexDrive allows managing saves stored on the N64's Controller Pak only (Memory Card). Requires Windows 98.
DexDrive (out of production, ebay)
Modified controller that allows managing saves stored on the N64's Controller Pak (Memory Card).
Adaptoid Controller (missing developer's link)
Allows to backup save files from the cartridge to the N64's Controller Pak. So they can be extracted with DexDrive. Some games are not supported (Flash based).
Gameshark v3.2? (out of production, ebay)
Nintendo Gamecube
USB Gecko has many funtions, one of them managing saves from the Gamecube's memory card.
USB Gecko Developer's Store
You can also backup via the Wii and some homebrew, called GCMM.
Some Gamecube games are protected with encryption and can not be transferred to another memory card or the original one if it's been formatted. Known games with protection include: Medal of Honor: Frontline, F-Zero GX, Pokemon Colosseum, Fire Emblem.
Nintendo Wii
Just backup your saves to the SD card. Saves appear in the /private/wii/apps/ folder. The games are saved by their 4 letter serial. For example, Zelda: Twilight Princess in the US is RZDE. The first letter is the type of game, the last is the region (J for Japan, E for the US, P for PAL). Disc based games are imprinted on the disc and are almost always RXXX, though a couple begin with S. For WiiWare/VC games, you can look it up at a place like GBATemp or GameFAQs.
Note that Nintendo locks the save file of any game that goes online, like Brawl. There's two ways to get around this. One is to use the Wii Homebrews Save Installer and Save Extractor. The other is to install Preloader onto your Wii, then via the hacks.ini file turn on the option for "Remove NoCopy Protection". The later is much more convenient, and is recommended over Save Installer/Extractor. Plus Preloader has a ton more good features for you to use.
Preloader WiiBrew info on Preloader.
Playstation 1
Allows managing saves from the Memory card.
Gameshark? (out of production, ebay)
Playstation 2
Codebreaker allows for easy copying back and forth between the PS2 memory card and a USB drive. A memory card (SD, CF, etc) plugged into a USB flash card reader works just as well.
Codebreaker (appears to be out of production, may need to look on eBay or get a hacked ISO of it)
Game Boy
Transferer has many functions, one of them managing cart saves. Some games may not be supported.
GB Transferer II Store
Game Boy Color
GB Transferer II Store
Game Boy Advance
GB Transferer II Store
Nintendo DS
Simple USB Save Manager
NDS Adaptor Store
If you have a Slot-2 flash cart (such as the M3 Perfect), you can use the NDS Backup Tool for backing up most save files. There's a few that won't work, such as Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver. It's a software program that runs from the Slot-2 cart and can backup/restore save files. This homebrew can be downloaded here.
For Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver and Pokemon Black/White, you'll need to use the NDS Backup Adapter Plus, available here.
Nintendo 3DS
For 3DS games you can use the NDS Backup Adapter Plus but it needs a firmware update to support 3DS retail games if you bought one before March 2011 here.
