Internal Clock of Pokémon Ruby Broken, Affecting Gameplay

Introduction

Pokémon Ruby, released in 2002, is a popular role-playing game that has captured the hearts of millions around the world. However, some players have stumbled upon a peculiar glitch that has disrupted the internal clock of the game, leading to unexpected consequences.

What is the Internal Clock?

The internal clock is a hidden mechanism within Pokémon Ruby that keeps track of time in the game world. It determines factors such as the time of day, the availability of certain events, and the spawning of certain Pokémon.

Effects of a Broken Internal Clock

A broken internal clock in Pokémon Ruby can have a wide range of impact on gameplay. Some of the most common issues include:

• Time-Sensitive Events: Events that trigger at specific times of day, such as the Kecleon Shop refreshing its inventory, may become inaccessible.
• Night and Day Cycle: The game may stay permanently in daytime or nighttime, affecting the appearance of certain areas and the behavior of Pokémon.
• Berry Growth: Berries planted in the Berry Forest may not grow or ripen properly.
• Pokémon Encounters: The types and levels of Pokémon encountered in the wild may be affected by the incorrect time of day.
• Game Crashes: In some cases, a broken internal clock can lead to random game crashes.

Causes of a Broken Internal Clock

The exact causes of a broken internal clock in Pokémon Ruby are not fully understood. However, some theories include:

• Battery Issues: The game cartridge's internal battery, responsible for powering the internal clock, may be malfunctioning or depleted.
• Corruption: The game data may have become corrupted during gameplay or due to external factors such as power outages or accidental file overwrites.
• Unauthorized Modifications: Using third-party tools or software to modify the game may interfere with the internal clock.

Fixing a Broken Internal Clock

If the internal clock of your Pokémon Ruby is broken, there are several potential solutions:

• Replacing the Battery: If the battery is the culprit, you can purchase a replacement battery and solder it into the cartridge.
• Resetting the Clock: In some cases, simply resetting the internal clock by pressing a combination of buttons (L + R + A + B + Up) may resolve the issue.
• Using a Third-Party Clock: You can use external tools such as a GBA Time Fixer or an emulator with a built-in clock override feature to manually set the time in the game.

Conclusion

A broken internal clock in Pokémon Ruby can be a significant nuisance for players. By understanding the causes and effects of a broken clock, you can potentially fix the issue and restore the game to its intended functionality. Remember to handle your game cartridges with care and avoid unauthorized modifications to prevent future clock-related problems.