Memory card issues
Always back up a memory card before troubleshooting it. Power off before inserting or removing cards, and never format a card holding the only copy of a save you care about.
Memory card issues
Memory cards fail with age, and a corrupt card can refuse to load, report errors, or lose saves. Because saves are irreplaceable, your first move is always to rescue whatever data remains.
- Back up first: use GCMM to copy every save off the card to SD as GCI files before touching anything else.
- Reseat and clean: remove the card, wipe the contacts gently, and reinsert firmly to rule out a dirty connection.
- Test another slot or card: try the card in the other slot, and a different card in the same slot, to isolate card versus console.
- Check for corruption: if the console reports the card needs formatting, do not format until you have exhausted recovery from your backup.
- Restore or replace: reformat a recoverable card and restore saves from GCI, or move to a healthy card if it is failing.
Warning signs
- Console prompts to format an in-use card.
- Saves intermittently appear and vanish.
- The card is not recognised in any slot.
Regular backups win
A routine GCMM backup to SD means a dead card costs you a card, not your saves.