The retro video game market is booming—but with growth comes risk. Fake video games, reproduction cartridges, and homebrew titles are becoming more common.
Not every gamer or collector knows how to tell them apart.
As someone who has been buying retro video games for over 18 years, I have experienced a lot. Some examples are fake Pokémon cartridges sold as "new" in major stores.
Customers may also trade in counterfeit games without realizing it.
This guide is here to help you avoid the fakes and make informed choices, whether you're buying, selling, or collecting.
The Table of Contents
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
- ✅ What makes a reproduction video game cartridge different from a counterfeit
- ✅ Why homebrew games are legal (but sometimes confusing)
- ✅ How to spot fake Pokémon, SNES, GBA, N64, and Nintendo Switch games
- ✅ What companies like Nintendo are doing—and what you can do—to fight fake video games and bootlegs
Reproduction Video Games
Reproduction video games are copies of original games. They are often made to help players play
rare or hard-to-find titles.
- These are not made by the original manufacturer (e.g., Nintendo or Sega).
- They can include fan translations, unreleased titles, or patched ROMs.
- A common example is the NES game Little Samson, which sells for over $1,000. Reproductions sell for around $20.
Repro Warning: It’s fine to own a reproduction for personal use. But selling one as an original? That goes too far, and that's where I have an issue with counterfeit video games.
Reproduction cartridges can sometimes look very convincing, mimicking the authentic label and cartridge shell. This is why proper retro game authentication is crucial.
Fake Video Games (Counterfeits)
Counterfeit video games are made to deceive buyers into thinking they are buying the real thing.
- They mimic original labels, shell designs, and boards.
- Often sold as "authentic" on platforms like eBay.
- Can damage consoles or corrupt save files.
- Commonly seen with well-known titles such as Pokémon games for the GBA, or rare SNES cartridges like Chrono Trigger and EarthBound.
Real Example from The Vault: A customer once brought in a complete boxed copy of Castlevania: Aria of Sorrow for the Game Boy Advance. After opening it up, I told him the cartridge was counterfeit—but the box and manual were authentic. He was shocked. “"I bought it new at Walmart," he stated.
This just shows how even large retailers can unknowingly sell fake video games. Collectors should always check label quality, internal PCB components, and the region code before buying a retro game online.
Homebrew Video Games
Homebrew video games are original creations developed by fans or indie developers.
- Not licensed by major companies like Nintendo.
- Usually legal, unless they use copyrighted characters or assets.
- Often made for retro consoles like the NES, Game Boy Advance, or Sega Genesis.
Examples:
- Zelda: Outlands – A fan-made NES adventure inspired by The Legend of Zelda.
- Mother (Earthbound prequel) – Originally Japan-only on Famicom, but later translated and released as a NES-compatible homebrew game.
Homebrew games are not designed to trick collectors. Unlike reproduction video games, which imitate old titles, homebrews offer entirely new experiences.
What Nintendo Is Doing to Fight Counterfeits
Nintendo has taken an aggressive stance:
- Pursuing legal action against counterfeiters of video games and consoles.
- Adding anti-piracy technology to games and systems.
- This includes collaborating with eBay, Amazon, and other online sites to remove fake listings.
According to Nintendo: "Nintendo works closely with law enforcement, customs authorities, and e-commerce platforms worldwide to remove counterfeit and infringing products from the market, and to hold those who traffic in these illegal goods accountable for their actions."
A few years ago, searching for rare NES titles on eBay returned pages of fakes. Today, it's much cleaner thanks to Nintendo's efforts—but fake Nintendo Switch games and counterfeit GBA cartridges still slip through.
It's Up to Us: Educate Yourself and Others
Platforms like eBay and Etsy can't screen every listing. That means buyers and sellers must learn how to spot fakes and verify authenticity. Bootleg video games are often hard to distinguish from the real deal.
Using retro game authentication techniques like inspecting cartridge screws, PCB (Printed Circuit Board) dates and numbers, and save chip types can protect your collection.
Platform-Specific Spotting Guides
Use these in-depth guides to verify your cartridges:
- Nintendo DS: How to Spot Fake Pokémon Nintendo DS Games
- Game Boy Advance: How to Spot Fake Pokémon GBA Games
- Game Boy Color: How to Tell if Pokémon Crystal (GBC) is Real or Fake
- Super Nintendo: Identifying Authentic Super NES Cartridges vs Fake SNES Games
- Nintendo 64: How to Identify an Authentic N64 Game vs a Bootleg
- Nintendo Switch: How to Spot Fake Nintendo Switch Games
- GameCube: How to Spot Fake GameCube Artwork
- Game Boy: Counterfeit Pokémon Yellow
Frequently Asked Questions
Are reproduction video games illegal?
- Not always. Reproductions are often legal if used for personal enjoyment. But selling them
as original copies is illegal and considered fraud.
How can I tell if a Pokémon GBA game is fake?
- Look for low-quality labels, labels that are not aligned properly, wrong fonts on the back label, and if the Nintendo seal is missing. Our GBA guide can help you verify these details.
Can counterfeit games damage my console?
- Yes. Bad soldering, faulty chips, and wrong voltages in fake cartridges can harm older systems like the NES, GBA, or SNES.
What’s the difference between a homebrew and a reproduction game?
- A homebrew is a new, fan-made game that never existed before. A reproduction is a copy of an existing game, often an expensive or rare one.
Why are fake Nintendo Switch games still showing up online?
- Despite Nintendo’s efforts, modern counterfeiters use advanced printing and packaging. Always inspect chip details and packaging closely, especially when buying on marketplaces like eBay.
Final Thoughts
Thanks for reading—we hope you found this counterfeit video games guide helpful! At The Old School Game Vault, we specialize in buying retro video games and vintage gaming consoles.
- Get a trade-in quote instantly on our website.
- Trusted by collectors for over 18 years.
- Hundreds of 5-star reviews from gamers like you.
Whether you're selling, collecting, or just protecting your games from counterfeit cartridges—we’re here to help.
