CPS2 battery life span ?

How long can the lithium battery on the CPS2 last for if the game is NOT in storage... but is played on a day to day basis ?

Some info online points that it's only something to worry about if carts lay dormant... but others say it does not matter how much it's been used.

The reason I asked is because I now own X-men children of the atom, and this game was made in late 1994 and the board still has the original seals, so it looks like no one has changed the battery (inless it's from capcom, since original seals are there).

I heard it's four years, however Vinh from SNK-Capcom.com, the other day
told me, if the game it's being used constantly, the battery may last longer.

I would advise changing that battery asap or get the suicide free phoenix fixes from me.

Raz

I really don't worry about my CPS2 batteries now. Once it runs out, just get Raz to fix your program ROMs; it's really very cheap to do and if anything it increases the value of your board.

/agrees fully with spectre

I love the bit when you turn on your boards and it says Pheonix - tickles me everytime I see it

I recommend getting your boards permanently fixd by Raz, but if that isn't an attractive option to you here's something else to ponder:

Replace the original batteries with AA size ones. These will last twice as long, because the mAh ratings are twice as large.

This is what I have done with most of my boards (I do have a SFZ2A board that has been Phoenixed) and I have them scheduled to be replaced again in 8 years.