GBA:Real Time Clock (RTC) Fix

In a handful of games, there is a battery that keeps a Real Time Clock (RTC) running. If this battery dies, the RTC will reset to 01/01/2000 00:00:00. When you replace the battery, it will not allow you to set the current time, thus breaking existing game saves. While you can start a new game after replacing the battery, you also have the option use a GBA or DS flash cart to set the RTC and fix your old game saves.

A write-up of this program can be found here.

Games Affected

• Pokémon Ruby
• Pokémon Sapphire
• Pokémon Emerald
• Pokémon Ruby
• Boktai: The Sun Is in Your Hand
• Boktai 2: Solar Boy Django
• Boktai 3: Sabata's Counterattack

Fixing the RTC (using a GBA)

1. Download rtcread.zip and extract the .gba ROM file out of it.
2. Copy the ROM to your flash cart, plug it into your GBA, and run it.
3. With the system still running, remove the flash cart and insert the game cart.
4. Press Start to read the clock data.
5. Press Select to edit the clock using the D-pad. Be sure not to set it to an invalid date.
6. Press Start to save.

Fixing the RTC (using a DS)

1. Download rtcread-ds.zip and extract the .nds ROM file out of it.
2. Copy the ROM to your flash card, insert both the flash card and the game cart into your DS, and run the RTC Read program from the flash card.
3. Press Start to read the clock data.
4. Press Select to edit the clock using the D-pad. Be sure not to set it to an invalid date.
5. Press Start to save.