Hello everyone 
,
If you've ever purchased a cheap EverDrive clone for Game Boy from platforms like AliExpress or Amazon, you might have encountered the dreaded "Authentication Error" when trying to update the cartridge with an official firmware.
I personally own a Game Boy GB PRO+ Rev C (2023), but let’s be honest—these cartridges often have similar designs and components with minor variations, making identification tricky.
The purpose of this guide is to gather all relevant information and provide a working solution. I want to emphasize that this tutorial is for repairing your own cartridge, and I do not encourage ROM piracy. Make sure you own the games you’re working with.
Fixing this issue can be both a fun technical challenge and a way to save a low-cost product that still works.
Disclaimer: This tutorial requires intermediate technical skills. I am not responsible for any damage you may cause. Proceed at your own risk!
Take your time and be careful not to damage nearby components.
Instead, I opted for a T48 Programmer with the ADP_F48_EX-1 adapter, and it worked flawlessly using the Xgpro software.
Here’s how to proceed:
If you found this tutorial helpful or have any questions, feel free to share your experiences below. Let’s keep these cheap little cartridges alive!
Happy repairing, and good luck!
,If you've ever purchased a cheap EverDrive clone for Game Boy from platforms like AliExpress or Amazon, you might have encountered the dreaded "Authentication Error" when trying to update the cartridge with an official firmware.
I personally own a Game Boy GB PRO+ Rev C (2023), but let’s be honest—these cartridges often have similar designs and components with minor variations, making identification tricky.
The purpose of this guide is to gather all relevant information and provide a working solution. I want to emphasize that this tutorial is for repairing your own cartridge, and I do not encourage ROM piracy. Make sure you own the games you’re working with.
The Problem
From various forums, it appears this error happens when an official firmware detects the cartridge as a clone. The update process corrupts the NOR flash chip (M29W640FT), resulting in a boot loop with "Authentication Error."Fixing this issue can be both a fun technical challenge and a way to save a low-cost product that still works.
Disclaimer: This tutorial requires intermediate technical skills. I am not responsible for any damage you may cause. Proceed at your own risk!Why Not Use the SD Card?
Unfortunately, the cartridge BIOS startup sequence prevents access to the SD card before the error appears. Injecting a script or using the SD card to restore the BIOS isn't possible in this state.The Solution: Reprogram the Flash Chip
Since the issue lies with the M29W640FT flash chip, reprogramming it is the only reliable solution. Here's how to do it:Step 1: Desolder the Flash Chip
You’ll need a heat gun (hot air rework station) and some flux to safely desolder the chip.Take your time and be careful not to damage nearby components.
Step 2: Programming the M29W640FT
Initially, I tried programming the chip using an Arduino MEGA with a TSOP-48 DIP48 adapter, but this approach failed due to the chip’s complexity.Instead, I opted for a T48 Programmer with the ADP_F48_EX-1 adapter, and it worked flawlessly using the Xgpro software.
Here’s how to proceed:
- Select the correct chip in Xgpro:
- Choose M29W640FT from the chip list.
- Connect the T48 programmer:
- Load the modified BIOS file at the correct address:
- The BIOS fix file is available on attach files :
(credit to user marv12345 from elotrolado forum for disabling the error). The version seems more superior to the original one in my case. - The M29W640FT chip has 8MB of flash memory (64 Mbits), covering addresses from 0x000000 to 0x7FFFFF.
- The modified BIOS file is 32KB and must be written to the range 0x7F8000 to 0x7FFFFF.
- In Xgpro, configure the file loading as follows:
- From File Start Address: 00000 > To Buffer Start Address: 7F8000
- The BIOS fix file is available on attach files :
- Finally push PROG button to flash your chip
Step 3: Resolder the Chip
Once the chip is successfully programmed, it’s time to put it back in place.- Clean the PCB pads:
- Use desoldering braid to remove old solder residue.
- Inspect the area with a magnifying glass.
- Prepare the chip for soldering:
- Apply a small amount of solder to each pad and align the chip correctly (the pin 1 marker is critical!).
- Solder the chip:
- You can use either a hot air gun or a fine-tipped soldering iron with flux.
- Double-check the alignment and connections to ensure there are no shorts.
- Inspect everything carefully:
Step 4: Test the Cartridge
Once everything is reassembled, pop the cartridge into your Game Boy and test it. If everything was done correctly, the "Authentication Error" should be gone, and the cartridge will boot normally!Final Notes
- If you accidentally damage the chip during desoldering or programming, don’t worry replacement M29W640FT chips are readily available on AliExpress at a reasonable price.
- Always work with good tools: flux, desoldering braid, and a proper programmer make all the difference.
Summary of Tools and Steps
Tools Required:- Heat gun (or hot air station)
- Flux and desoldering braid
- T48 Programmer with ADP_F48_EX-1 adapter
- Xgpro software
- Magnifying glass or microscope
- Desolder the M29W640FT flash chip.
- Program the chip with the BIOS fix (write to 0x7F8000 - 0x7FFFFF).
- Resolder the chip carefully.
- Test the cartridge.
Conclusion
And that’s it! By following this guide, you’ll successfully repair your EverDrive clone and restore its functionality.If you found this tutorial helpful or have any questions, feel free to share your experiences below. Let’s keep these cheap little cartridges alive!
Happy repairing, and good luck!
