Save types
Understanding DS Save Types
DS games store progress in different kinds of memory chips, and knowing which type a game uses explains many saving problems. When a flashcart or loader guesses the wrong type, saves either fail to write or appear to vanish on the next boot.
The Main Types
- EEPROM, used by lighter games, comes in small and slightly larger capacities.
- FLASH, common in bigger titles, holds more data and behaves differently when written.
- FRAM, less common, writes quickly and was used by a handful of games.
How Loaders Handle This
Modern loaders keep a database matching each game to its correct save type. Usually this is automatic. When a game is missing from the database, the loader may need you to set the type manually, and choosing wrong is a classic cause of "my save disappeared".
Where Saves Live
Most flashcarts and nds-bootstrap write a save file onto the SD card, typically named after the game with a save extension. Treat these files as precious: copy them to a computer regularly so a corrupted card does not wipe your progress.
If Saving Fails
- Confirm the loader detected the correct save type.
- Make sure the card is not full or write-protected.
- Keep the existing save file in place; deleting it forces a fresh, empty save.