Transferring Saves

Transfer save files between your physical cartridge and computer using the Data tab in Playback.

Backing up saves

To copy a save from your cartridge to your computer:

1. Insert your cartridge into the Operator device
2. Go to the Data tab
3. Click Backup Save
4. Choose where to save the file

The save file will be saved with a .sav extension.

Uploading saves

To restore a save file from your computer to your cartridge:

1. Insert your cartridge into the Operator device
2. Go to the Data tab
3. Click Upload Save
4. Select your .sav file

The existing save on the cartridge will be replaced with your uploaded save.

Best practices

Before transferring saves:

• Clean the cartridge pins — Debris or corrosion can interfere with data transfer. See our cartridge cleaning guide.
• Backup first — Always create a backup of your current save before uploading a new one.
• Don’t disconnect during transfer — Keep the cartridge and device connected until the operation completes.
• Use the correct file type — Save files use .sav or .srm extensions. Game backup files use different extensions (.gb, .gbc, .gba for Game Boy®; .sfc, .smc for SNES®).

Common use cases

Battery replacement

Game Boy and SNES cartridge batteries have a 20-30 year lifespan. Before replacing the battery:

1. Back up your save with the Operator
2. Replace the battery
3. Upload your save back to the cartridge

Save editing

Some external tools let you modify save data (triggering events, editing items, etc.):

1. Back up your original save
2. Make a copy and edit it with external software
3. Upload the modified save to your cartridge

Continuing from emulators

If you’ve been playing on an emulator and want to continue on real hardware:

1. Locate your emulator’s save file
2. Rename it with the .sav extension if needed
3. Upload it to your cartridge with the Operator

Emulator compatibility

Playback uses the .sav format for all platforms:

• Game Boy / GBC / GBA: .sav format
• SNES: .sav format (interchangeable with .srm)

These formats are widely supported. If an emulator expects .srm for SNES saves, simply rename the file extension—the data format is identical.