Spotting Fake Games

Learn to identify reproduction and counterfeit cartridges before and after purchase. The easiest method is using Playback’s authenticity check, but physical inspection helps when shopping.

Using Playback

The most reliable way to verify authenticity is with your Operator device:

1. Insert the cartridge
2. Playback displays whether it’s Official, Unofficial, or Unrecognized

This checks the internal hardware and game data, which is much more reliable than visual inspection alone. Authenticity detection works for both Game Boy® and SNES® cartridges.

Visual inspection

If you don’t have access to Playback, look for these signs:

Game Boy cartridges

Cartridge back:

• Official GB/GBC/GBA carts have the Nintendo logo and/or “Made in Japan”
• Fakes often have no branding, wrong text, or unrelated phrases
• Check the screw type: GB/GBC uses 3.8mm screws, GBA uses tri-wing

Label quality:

• Authentic labels have consistent colors matching the original release
• Fakes often have wrong color tones or use box art instead of cartridge art
• Look for a stamped 2-digit code on the label (Nintendo quality control)
• Check for spelling errors or poor print quality

SNES cartridges

Shell and label:

• Official SNES carts have the Nintendo seal of quality
• Check label alignment and print quality
• US carts have a different shape than European and Japanese carts
• Fakes may have slightly off colors or glossy labels when originals were matte

Back of cartridge:

• Look for molding marks and Nintendo branding
• Check screw holes match original specifications

General signs

• Plastic quality may feel different (too shiny or too matte)
• Weight can differ from authentic cartridges
• Poor fit in the console or Operator device

Opening the cartridge

The best physical verification requires opening the cart:

Signs of a fake

• Black blob chips (COB) — Most fakes use cheap chip-on-board covered in black epoxy. Very few official games used this.

• Stacked PCBs — Official games never have circuit boards stacked on each other

• Internal stickers — Official carts don’t have stickers inside

• Cut or odd-shaped PCBs — Official boards fit the case properly

• Holes in pins — Official cartridge pins don’t have holes

• Misspelled text — Look for “Nintendo” spelled correctly on the board

Tools needed

• 3.8mm security bit (GB/GBC games)
• Tri-wing screwdriver (GBA games)
• 3.8mm security bit (SNES games)

What if it’s fake?

Discovering a fake can be disappointing, but:

• The game may still be playable (though save issues are common)
• Your memories playing it are still real
• You can seek a refund if the seller misrepresented it
• Use it as a learning experience for future purchases