The Tool Desk
Outbyte Driver Updater FREEFix the driver behind crashes, sound loss and screen glitchesFind Drivers →Outbyte PC Repair FREERepair Windows errors before they cause bigger problemsFix Now →For a Capcom CPS2 board, “desuiciding” can mean either replacing its 3.6 V 1/2 AA battery or modifying supported board software to run without battery dependence. These are different repairs: a new battery preserves the battery-dependent setup, while a Phoenix Edition modification removes that dependency on compatible boards. The available procedures concern CPS2 B boards; they should not be assumed to apply to CPS1, CPS Dash, or every Capcom arcade board.
First identify the board and revision
Before choosing a repair, confirm that the board is a CPS2 B-board and identify its PCB revision. The CPS2 programming guide specifically makes revision identification relevant, and procedures can vary between revisions. The battery walkthroughs are useful references, but they do not establish that every CPS2 revision has identical components or steps.
Do not generalize the battery type or instructions to other Capcom hardware. The available evidence does not establish a universal battery specification or desuicide procedure for all Capcom arcade boards.
Choose between battery replacement and Phoenix modification
| Option | What changes | What to consider |
|---|---|---|
| Replace the battery | Fits a new battery into the existing battery-dependent arrangement. | Board condition and revision, battery fit and polarity, soldering ability, and the need for future battery maintenance. |
| Phoenix/desuicide modification | Modifies supported game code or board operation so it no longer depends on the battery. | Compatibility with the exact game and revision, the method used, preservation of original behavior, and whether a competent repairer is available. |
Neither option is established as best for every owner. A collector prioritizing original behavior may weigh the options differently from someone who wants to avoid future battery maintenance. Compatibility and board condition matter more than the broad label “CPS2.”
#1 Best Overall
- COMPATIBLE WITH AIRTAG & KEY FOBS: Works with Apple AirTag, all major car key fobs (Toyota, Honda, BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, Lexus), fitness trackers, glucose monitors, tire pressure sensors, and any CR2032 / 3V lithium coin battery device.
- CHILD SAFETY: BITTER TASTE ON BOTH SIDES TO HELP KEEP CHILDREN SAFE—Duracell CR2032 features a bitter taste coating applied to BOTH SIDES of the battery to help deter accidental ingestion by young children.
- SUPERIOR LONGEVITY: Duracell Lasts Longer Than Energizer 3-In-1* | *Duracell 2032 size only. Based on ANSI Digital Household test vs. Energizer 2032 3-in-1.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: Every Duracell lithium coin battery is manufactured to precise specifications and guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship. Trusted in medical devices and safety applications.
- FAMILY-SAFE PACKAGING: Duracell CR2032 batteries are sold in child-safe packaging—an additional layer of safety for households with young children.
Replacing a CPS2 battery
The replacement guides identify a 3.6 V 1/2 AA lithium battery. Before purchasing, compare the installed cell and board: check the physical dimensions, terminal or lead arrangement, and polarity. A matching voltage and size alone are not enough if the connections or orientation differ.
- Confirm the board family and PCB revision, then inspect the existing battery and its polarity markings.
- Open the case using an appropriate security Torx driver and locate the battery. Follow a CPS2-specific walkthrough such as Arcade.ingels.se’s CPS2 battery replacement guide or Outdated References’ CPS2 walkthrough.
- Remove the old cell by desoldering its connections with a soldering iron and desoldering braid or pump. The guides assume basic soldering skill; if you are not comfortable working on a PCB, use a qualified repairer.
- Install the replacement with polarity matching the board’s markings and the original battery orientation. Check the joints and placement before closing the case.
These are general steps described by CPS2 guides, not a revision-by-revision service manual. If the board differs from the walkthrough, stop rather than applying a procedure by assumption.
Rank #2
- COMPATIBLE WITH AIRTAG & KEY FOBS: Works with Apple AirTag, all major car key fobs (Toyota, Honda, BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, Lexus), fitness trackers, glucose monitors, tire pressure sensors, and any CR2032 / 3V lithium coin battery device.
- CHILD SAFETY: BITTER TASTE ON BOTH SIDES TO HELP KEEP CHILDREN SAFE—Duracell CR2032 features a bitter taste coating applied to BOTH SIDES of the battery to help deter accidental ingestion by young children.
- SUPERIOR LONGEVITY: Duracell Lasts Longer Than Energizer 3-In-1* | *Duracell 2032 size only. Based on ANSI Digital Household test vs. Energizer 2032 3-in-1.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: Every Duracell lithium coin battery is manufactured to precise specifications and guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship. Trusted in medical devices and safety applications.
- FAMILY-SAFE PACKAGING: Duracell CR2032 batteries are sold in child-safe packaging—an additional layer of safety for households with young children.
What a Phoenix Edition modification does
Phoenix Edition is described as a modification to supported game code that lets the board operate without relying on the battery. It is not simply another battery type or a battery swap. The CPS Codex Phoenix overview describes the approach, while the CPS2 programming manual’s relevant page discusses revision identification and battery-voltage checks: CPS2 Programming Manual, page 10.
Compatibility and steps depend on the specific game and board revision. Do not treat a general description as instructions to program an arbitrary board: confirm that the modification supports the exact hardware and use a repairer or technical procedure appropriate to that revision.
Rank #3
- 3V LITHIUM COIN 2032 BATTERY PACK: One 10 pack of Energizer lithium 2032 Batteries. Packaging may vary
- POWERS A VARIETY OF DEVICES: Ideal for use as a AirTag battery and medical device batteries; this Energizer 2032 batteries 10 pack is also an ideal power source for your keyless entry system, toys and games
- 3-IN-1 CHILD SHIELD: The CR2032 lithium 3v coin battery features a 3-in-1 Child Shield with three lines of defense: Color Alert, a bitter coating, and secure packaging (only on select packs)
- LONG LASTING CR 2032 BATTERY: Our long lasting 2032 coin cell batteries last up to 12 years in storage to provide reliable power when you need it most
- BITTER COATING AND SECURE PACKAGING: These watch batteries have a non-toxic bitter coating to help discourage ingestion, while the child-resistant packaging helps prevent child access to batteries
Using a repair service
A repair provider may be the safer route if you lack soldering experience or if the board’s revision and modification compatibility are uncertain. City Game describes Phoenix Edition work for certain Capcom CPS2 and other arcade boards on its repair services page. Its page states a standard 90-day warranty for the service described there; that is a provider-specific policy, not a general warranty for arcade repairs. Confirm current service availability, supported boards, turnaround, and warranty terms directly with the provider before sending hardware.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- COMPATIBLE WITH AIRTAG & KEY FOBS: Works with Apple AirTag, all major car key fobs (Toyota, Honda, BMW, Ford, Chevrolet, Lexus), fitness trackers, glucose monitors, tire pressure sensors, and any CR2032 / 3V lithium coin battery device.
- CHILD SAFETY: BITTER TASTE ON BOTH SIDES TO HELP KEEP CHILDREN SAFE—Duracell CR2032 features a bitter taste coating applied to BOTH SIDES of the battery to help deter accidental ingestion by young children.
- SUPERIOR LONGEVITY: Duracell Lasts Longer Than Energizer 3-In-1* | *Duracell 2032 size only. Based on ANSI Digital Household test vs. Energizer 2032 3-in-1.
- QUALITY ASSURANCE: Every Duracell lithium coin battery is manufactured to precise specifications and guaranteed against defects in material and workmanship. Trusted in medical devices and safety applications.
- FAMILY-SAFE PACKAGING: Duracell CR2032 batteries are sold in child-safe packaging—an additional layer of safety for households with young children.
Rank #4
- LONG LASTING PERFORMANCE: Panasonic CR2032 3.V batteries are engineered to provide reliable, long-lasting power
- CHILD RESISTANT SAFETY STANDARDS BASED PACKAGING: These authentic Panasonic lithium battery cells and packaging (in our “sunburst” package as shown) meet or exceed IEC 60086-4:2019; ANSI C18.3M Part 2:2024; CFR 16, Part 1700.20 and CFR 16, Part 1263 as required by Reese’s Law (Pub. L. 117-171, 15 U.S.C 2056e)
- LONG STORAGE LIFE: Our CR2032 batteries maintain power up to 8 years when unused and properly stored
- DEPENDABLE POWER IN EXTREME TEMPERATURES: These CR2032 batteries are reliable in a wide range of operating temperatures (14°F to 140°F)
- POWERFUL CR2032 BATTERIES: 3. 0 V nominal voltage
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