Save types

Save types

Unlike the original PlayStation or many later consoles, the Genesis and Mega Drive have no central memory card. Instead, each game that supports saving carries its own storage hardware inside the cartridge. Understanding which type a game uses helps when troubleshooting lost progress or working with flashcarts.

Battery-backed SRAM

The most common method is battery-backed SRAM. A small coin cell on the cartridge board keeps a chunk of static RAM powered even when the console is off, preserving saves. Sports titles and RPGs commonly use this. The downside is obvious: when the battery dies, typically after one to two decades, saves can no longer be retained.

EEPROM

Some cartridges use EEPROM, a non-volatile chip that holds data without any battery. This is far more durable and is found in a number of later releases. EEPROM saves do not degrade over time the way a dying battery does.

Password systems

Many games skipped save hardware entirely and used password systems, displaying a code you write down and re-enter later. This was cheaper for publishers and never wears out, though it is less convenient.