Fake Video Games: How to Spot Counterfeits, Reproductions, and Homebrew

The Table of Contents

Reproduction Video Games

Reproduction video games are copies of original games. They’re usually made so players can enjoy hard-to-find games.

• These are not made by the original manufacturer (e.g., Nintendo or Sega).
• They can include fan translations, unreleased titles, or patched ROMs.
• A typical example is the NES game Little Samson, which sells for over $1,000. Reproductions sell for around $20.

A quick warning: It’s okay to own a reproduction for yourself. But selling one as if it'sa real is crossing the line, and that’s where counterfeit games become a real problem.

Some reproduction cartridges look like the real ones. They replicate the label and cartridge shell with great attention to detail. That’s why it is important to know how to check if a retro game is authentic.

Fake Video Games (Counterfeits)

Counterfeit video games trick buyers into thinking they are real.

• They mimic original labels, shell designs, and boards.
• Often sold as "authentic" in marketplaces such as eBay.
• Can damage consoles or corrupt save files.
• These games are often tied to favorites like Pokémon for the GBA. They also connect to rare SNES titles like Chrono Trigger and EarthBound.

Do Amazon, eBay, and Walmart sell counterfeit games?

Yes, but not on purpose. These sites have thousands of employees who aren’t trained to spot fake retro games. When someone returns or trades in a game, staff often can’t tell if it’s real or not.

A customer once brought in a 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 stunned. "I bought it new at Walmart," he told me.

This example shows that even big stores can sell fake games without realizing it. Someone may not have examined the return. Also, a third-party seller on Amazon or eBay might have added one without anyone noticing.

Homebrew Video Games

Homebrew video games are original games made by fans or indie developers.

• They aren’t licensed by big companies like Nintendo.
• They’re usually legal unless they use copyrighted characters or assets.
• Homebrew games are 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)
  • Released first in Japan on the Famicom.
  • Later, developers translated it and made it available as a NES-compatible homebrew game.

Homebrew games aren’t made to trick collectors. Homebrews offer fresh experiences, unlike reproduction games that mimic old titles.

What Nintendo is doing to fight counterfeiting.

From what I can tell, Nintendo has taken some decisive action, which is a good sign. But it's up to the big retailers to actually understand the issue and do something about it rather than just talk about it.

Searching for rare NES games on eBay a few years ago turned up fakes constantly. There has been some progress, but fake Nintendo Switch games and GBA cartridges are still very much an issue.

It's up to us: educate ourselves and others.

Sites like eBay and Etsy can’t check every listing. So, buyers and sellers need to know how to spot fakes and check if games are real. Bootleg games can be tough to tell apart from originals.