Pokémon games are the hook, but they are not the only retro games being faked. Counterfeits and reproductions are now a big issue for systems like SNES, Nintendo 64, Game Boy Advance, and Game Boy Color, and spotting them is getting tougher.
Some fakes are obvious. Others look convincing until you compare the label, shell, screws, board, and price. Here are five resources to help you protect yourself and your collection.
Common Signs of a Counterfeit Video Game Cartridge
| Platform | What to Check | Common Warning Signs |
| Super Nintendo | Shell imprints, screws, label fonts, and circuit-board markings | Missing shell stamps, wonky screws, weird label fonts, or incorrect board markings |
| Nintendo 64 | Cartridge weight, screws, label quality, and the internal board | A lighter shell, typo in seal of quality, or missing Nintendo branding on the circuit board |
| Game Boy Advance | Label imprints, board markings, chips, and battery placement | Missing label-stamped numbers, wrong shell color, or board details that do not match a real copy |
| Game Boy Color | Label finish, print quality, shell condition, and internal board | Missing board markings, wrong shell color, poor label quality, or board details that do not match a real copy |
These warning signs are a good place to start, but no single detail can confirm if a cartridge is fake. Shells, labels, and circuit boards often change from one production run to another. If you are unsure, check several details and look at the internal board before buying.
1. Metal Jesus Rocks: Spot Fake Nintendo Games
Metal Jesus Rocks is a well-known YouTube channel about retro game collecting and has been around for over 10 years. In this video, Kelsey from Pink Gorilla Games in Seattle explains some of the most common warning signs to look for across Nintendo platforms. It is especially helpful for visual learners who want to see the differences for themselves.
Videos help because you can actually see the cartridge in someone’s hand, including the label shine, plastic texture, screws, and board layout. The downside is that a video is harder to use later when you are trying to quickly compare one small detail.
2. Counterfeit Detection Articles from The Old School Game Vault
The Old School Game Vault has a series of counterfeit detection articles built from real examples seen during its retro game buying and inspection process. That hands-on experience helps the articles focus on the kinds of fakes collectors are most likely to run into.
These articles cover several platforms where counterfeit cartridges are common:
SNES: Shell imprints, screw quality, label fonts, and PCB markings. Authentic shells often have molded imprints, such as E-27 and B-43, stamped inside. Missing or unusual markings can be a warning sign.
Nintendo 64: Fake shells often feel lighter than real ones, screws may look cheap or uneven, and the word “Nintendo” may be missing from the circuit board.
GBA / Pokémon: Real GBA cartridges often have imprinted numbers on the front label, along with specific board details such as MX chips or correct battery placement. Pokémon Emerald, Ruby, and Sapphire fakes may use a black epoxy blob instead of the correct board design.
Game Boy Color: Fake labels may look too new, too glossy, or slightly off in color. The Pokémon Crystal guide is a good example of how small label and board details can help identify a fake.
For collectors who prefer video, The Old School Game Vault YouTube channel also shows side-by-side comparisons of real and fake cartridges, including internal board inspections.
3. Nintendo Life: How to Spot Fake Nintendo Video Games
Nintendo Life focuses on everything Nintendo. Their article on spotting fake games covers DS, GBA, SNES, and N64, and includes side-by-side photos to help you see the differences. They also suggest holding a light up to the back of a Nintendo DS game to check if it’s real, which is a helpful tip.
It is a good starting point for beginners, but it will not be enough for rare variants, expensive Pokémon games, or fakes that require the board to be checked.
4. r/gameverifying
If you want help from other collectors, r/gameverifying is one of the better places to ask. If you are unsure about a game, post clear photos of the front, back, label, screws, and board if you can open it. The more photos you include, the less guessing people have to do.
5. PriceCharting
PriceCharting is a favorite site for many retro gamers. It lists price estimates based on recent sales for thousands of retro games. Before buying any retro game, check PriceCharting to see what real copies are selling for. If a price seems too good to be true, it probably is.
Fakes and reproductions are usually much cheaper than real ones, so knowing the typical prices for loose, complete, and graded games can help you spot warning signs quickly.
Price alone does not prove a game is real or fake, but it can help spot listings that are way too cheap, like a $120 game listed for $25. That would make me slow down, look closer at the cartridge, and check the seller before buying.
Final Thoughts: Do Not Rely on One Detail
Do not rely on a single detail when checking whether a retro game cartridge is real. Before buying, look at the label, screws, shell, board, chips, battery, weight, price, and seller history.
The resources above all help in different ways. Some show real and fake games side by side. Some help you check prices. Others let you get a second opinion before you buy. As retro games keep getting more expensive, fake cartridges are only going to keep showing up.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you tell if a retro game cartridge is fake without opening it?
Sometimes, but not always. A bad label, cheap screws, wrong shell color, or weird cartridge weight can be a dead giveaway. But some fakes look real enough until you open the cartridge and have a look at the internal board.
What retro games are faked the most?
Pokémon games are among the most commonly faked, especially the Game Boy Advance and Nintendo DS versions. Super Nintendo and Nintendo 64 games are commonly targeted, especially those with high resale value.