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To load a raw .sav battery save in standalone DeSmuME, open the matching game, wait for its title screen, choose File > Import Backup Memory, select the file, then reset the game. To export a save, choose File > Export Backup Memory. Keep an untouched copy of every save before importing, converting, or replacing files.
Know which kind of save you have
A battery save (also called an in-game save or save file) is the progress created through a game’s own save menu or save point. A save state is a separate snapshot created by DeSmuME’s state commands or hotkeys. Importing a state as backup memory will not load an in-game save; DeSmuME’s manual warns that save states can break between emulator versions. DeSmuME manual
This guide covers battery saves such as raw .sav files. State files use their own extensions and workflow, so do not select a state file for Import Backup Memory.
Import a raw .sav file into standalone DeSmuME
- Make a backup. Copy the original
.savsomewhere safe and leave it unchanged. - Open the matching Nintendo DS game. Let it reach its title screen or main menu before importing.
- Import the save. Select File > Import Backup Memory, then choose the raw
.savfile. DeSmuME’s manual documents this command for raw.savfiles. DeSmuME manual - Reset the game. The game’s reload is needed for it to read the imported backup memory. The DeSmuME FAQ recommends importing once the game has settled at the title screen, then resetting. DeSmuME FAQ
- Check the result in the game. Choose the game’s own Continue or Load option and confirm the expected progress appears.
Export a DeSmuME save as .sav
With the game loaded, choose File > Export Backup Memory and save the resulting raw .sav file. DeSmuME documents this export as useful for another Nintendo DS emulator. Work from the exported copy when transferring or editing a save, leaving the DeSmuME save available as a fallback. DeSmuME manual
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Understand .sav and .dsv before renaming anything
The documented formats differ by context. The Windows manual describes raw .sav as the import and export format, while the FAQ refers to .dsv as DeSmuME’s internal battery-save file. The source repository describes .dsv as raw save data with a DeSmuME-specific footer containing metadata; DeSmuME may also pad the data to a known length. Windows manual · FAQ · DeSmuME source repository
Because a .dsv can include DeSmuME-specific data, changing .dsv to .sav (or the reverse) by renaming the extension is not a dependable conversion. Use the import/export commands where available, and follow the instructions for the exact DeSmuME port or frontend you use.
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If the save does not load
- The game starts a new file: Confirm that the intended ROM is open, then repeat the title-screen, import, and reset sequence. Check whether the save format or backup size matches what the game expects; the FAQ cautions that third-party save-size listings may be inaccurate. Keep the original file unchanged while testing. DeSmuME FAQ
- Direct import fails: The FAQ suggests removing existing
.DSVand.SAVfiles for that game before retrying, then converting the external file to DeSmuME or RAW format if necessary. Back up those files before removing or replacing them. The FAQ’s conversion advice is old, so do not assume a third-party converter it mentions is still available or trustworthy. DeSmuME FAQ - The file came from another emulator or a flash cartridge: Try direct import first. If that fails, conversion to DeSmuME or RAW format may be needed before importing. The FAQ mentions formats including
.ducand other emulator-specific saves. DeSmuME FAQ - You cannot locate the save: Identify whether you are using standalone DeSmuME or a frontend. Save locations are not universal; the RetroArch DeSmuME core documents its
.dsvbattery save in the frontend’s Save directory. RetroArch DeSmuME core documentation - You have a state file such as .ds0 or .ds1: It is not a battery save to import through Backup Memory. Use the state workflow for the DeSmuME build that created it, bearing in mind that states may not work across emulator versions. DeSmuME manual · DeSmuME FAQ
Which transfer method should you use?
| What you have | What to try | What to watch for |
|---|---|---|
Raw .sav battery save |
Import through File > Import Backup Memory, then reset. | Open the matching game and wait for its title screen before importing. |
DeSmuME .dsv battery save |
Use the location and save handling documented for your specific DeSmuME build or frontend. | The file may contain a DeSmuME-specific footer; renaming its extension is not reliable conversion. |
.duc or another emulator/device save |
Try direct import; if it fails, convert to DeSmuME or RAW format and import. | Preserve the original, and treat older third-party converter recommendations cautiously. |
| Save-state file | Use the state workflow for the build that created it, not Backup Memory import. | Save states can break between emulator versions. |
The table reflects DeSmuME’s documented guidance; exact menu details and save locations depend on the port or frontend in use.
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