The battery is indeed most likely the problem. When games are left without play for a while the battery will lose its power and not be able to process that information any more. It is important to play battery games at least once a year to charge them. I actually have all my old systems plugged in and play each game usually every two months or so. Also, if you do store them when not in use, be sure to store them very well. A garage is not a good idea, as oftentimes they will get very hot there. Try to find just a room in your house to keep them, and do try to play your games still. Just bust out your machine your out every now and then.

Old games need love too.

A solution though, I have none myself. I really feel for you though, and will research a way to recharge batteries.

I do have a far fetched idea though. Try just turning on your SNES with Zelda in it for an hour, turning it off for 15 minutes to cool down, and repeat the process. This may effectively get the battery running again, though it is mostly a shot in the dark.

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