.SGM File Extension

VisualBoyAdvance Saved Game

Developer	VisualBoyAdvance
Popularity	Average rating 3.8 / 5. Vote count: 32
Category	Game Files
Format	.SGM
Cross Platform	Update Soon

What is an SGM file?

The .SGM file extension is primarily associated with the VisualBoyAdvance (VBA) emulator, which is used to run games designed for the Nintendo Game Boy Advance (GBA) on various platforms.

The .SGM files are essentially saved game files, allowing players to save their game progress and later load it to resume play from the same point.

More Information.

Initially, the .SGM file was designed to cater to gamers’ need to save their progress in GBA games. This was a significant enhancement, as it allowed for a more flexible gaming experience, similar to what one would expect from the actual hardware console.

The .SGM file stores data such as the game state, player progress, in-game items, and various other parameters essential for the continuity of the game.

Origin Of This File.

The .SGM file extension emerged alongside the development of the VisualBoyAdvance emulator. VBA was one of the first fully functional Game Boy Advance emulators, gaining popularity for its ability to emulate GBA games on different operating systems accurately.

File Structure Technical Specification.

.SGM files are binary files that contain a snapshot of the game’s memory at the time of saving. This includes the CPU state, memory, registers, and other pertinent data required to resume the game.

Due to the binary nature of these files, they are not meant to be edited or viewed directly by users, as this could corrupt the data and render the save file unusable.

How to Convert the File?

Converting a .SGM file (VisualBoyAdvance Saved Game) typically implies changing the saved game state into a format that can be recognized by a different emulator or software.

It’s worth noting that direct conversion (like you would convert a .jpg to .png) is not straightforward or commonly practiced due to the specific and proprietary nature of saved game files. Each emulator has its way of handling saved states.

You can generally transfer .SGM files between different versions or forks of VisualBoyAdvance (like VBA-M) or try to use them with other emulators that support the same save state format. Here’s a general guide on how to use .SGM files with compatible emulators:

1. For VisualBoyAdvance and Compatible Emulators:

Install a Compatible Emulator: Ensure you have an emulator that supports .SGM files. VisualBoyAdvance (VBA) and its derivatives are the most common.
Place the .SGM File Correctly: Some emulators expect the .SGM file to be in a specific directory (like a “Saves” folder in the directory where the emulator is installed). Ensure your .SGM file is placed in the correct directory.
Load the Game: Start the emulator and load the Game Boy Advance game that corresponds to the .SGM file.
Import the Save State:

For VBA: Go to ‘File’ > ‘Import’ > ‘GameShark Snapshot’ and select your .SGM file.
For other emulators: The process may vary, but you’ll typically look for an option to import or load a save state in the emulator’s menu.

2. Converting Between Different Emulator Formats:

If you’re trying to use a .SGM file with an emulator that doesn’t natively support this format, you might need to convert the .SGM file into the target emulator’s save state format.

This process is less straightforward and might require specific software or scripts, depending on the emulators involved. Here’s a general approach:

Find a Conversion Tool: Look for a save state conversion tool that supports both the .SGM format and the target format. These tools are relatively rare and might not exist for all emulator formats.
Backup Your Saves: Always make a backup of your original save files before attempting conversion, as the process can corrupt the files if something goes wrong.
Follow the Tool’s Instructions: If you find a suitable tool, follow the instructions provided with the tool to convert your .SGM file to the desired format.

Advantages And Disadvantages.

Advantage:

Portability: .SGM files can be transferred between different instances of the emulator, allowing players to continue their game on different devices.
Backup: They provide a means for users to backup their game progress, safeguarding against data loss.

Disadvantage:

Compatibility: .SGM files are generally compatible only with the emulator they were created with, limiting their use across different emulators.
Risk of Corruption: Improper handling or editing of these files can lead to corruption, leading to loss of game progress.

               How to Open SGM?
                  Open In Windows
                  Install VisualBoyAdvance.
Launch the emulator and load the corresponding GBA game.
Click on ‘File’ > ‘Import’ > ‘Battery File’ and select the .SGM file.

                  Open In Linux
                  Install a compatible GBA emulator like VisualBoyAdvance.
Run the emulator and open the GBA game.
Access the menu and select the option to import the .SGM file.

                  Open In MAC
                  Install VisualBoyAdvance or any compatible emulator.
Open the emulator, load the game, and then import the .SGM file through the emulator’s file menu.

                  Open In Android
                  Install an emulator that supports .SGM files like My Boy! Free – GBA Emulator.
Load the game and then navigate to the emulator’s menu to import the .SGM file.

                  Open In IOS
                  Due to the restrictive nature of iOS, options are limited. However, some emulators available through Cydia (for jailbroken devices) may support .SGM files.
Install a compatible emulator, load the game, and import the .SGM file via the emulator’s import feature.

                  Open in Others
                  For other platforms, the process would involve finding a compatible emulator that can run GBA games and supports the loading of .SGM files.
Once the emulator is set up, users can typically import the .SGM file through the emulator’s file or import menu.