Is that a gray hair?

[Ayen]

That would just be my luck, too. The price you pay just to own a physical copy.

[Kibbs Kibbard]

On occasion you can replace that internal battery (normally a large flat watch battery) and be able to save your game again. I was able to do it to a few games, there was one or two common games I recall that didn't work after I replaced the battery. That might be due to improper installation or sparking something across the finger board inside the cartridge. I'd say to use the Emulator version and find a NES controller fitted with a USB cord. They work wonders, best of luck!

Also, I prefer the NES version myself, I'm old and I enjoy the classic modern times of my youth. Young whipper snappers!