Updated April 18, 2025
I was playing my Nintendo DS, and the Pokémon Nintendo DS game cartridge I was using wouldn't load. I thought that was strange, the pin on the game looked clean.
🎮 What You’ll Learn in This Guide
✅ How to use serial number codes to quickly identify fake Pokémon DS cartridges
✅ Common signs of counterfeit labels, fonts, and cartridge shell differences
✅ Why the color and shape of the cartridge can signal a reproduction
✅ How to examine the label’s angle and print quality for authenticity
✅ Expert insights from iMore, GameFAQs, and Reddit on verifying Pokémon DS games
My Nintendo DS played every other game cartridge I inserted. Then, I tried the Pokémon game on a different Nintendo DS Console, but the game started up, but would then freeze.
This got me thinking that something must be wrong with this game. Then I compared the Pokémon HeartGold game, to a few other Nintendo DS games.
I noticed some big differences that lead me to determine I had a fake heartgold cartridge. So let's examine how I made my conclusion.
The Table of Contents
Understanding Counterfeit Pokémon DS Games: A Collector's Guide
And how you can avoid buying counterfeit versions, of Pokémon Nintendo DS games. If you want to view larger images, you can see them on pinterest @ TheOSGVault
Step 1: Analyzing the Serial Code of Pokémon HeartGold
- The biggest factor I found to determine counterfeit cartridges is the serial number. If you look on the bottom of the front label you will see some numbers such as [NTR-IPKE-USA].
- The middle group of numbers [IPKE] needs to be the first 4 letters of the serial number on the back of the cartridge.
- As you can see from the photo, this group of lettering is not a part of the serial numbers.
Upon inspecting approximately 12 other games
- I determined, matching the [Middle or Second Group of Letters ] to the first 4 letters of the back serial number is by far the quickest and easiest way to identifying authentic vs fake cartridges.
Step 2: Identifying Common Signs of Fake Pokémon Game
- The main noticeable difference is the font on the back of the cartridge. The Nintendo on the back of the cartridge is in a larger font than a "genuine Nintendo DS game".
- Then if you look at the font for the model number & the [Pat. Pend.], it is the same similar larger font as the "Nintendo Lettering". Refer to the photo below.
The font above the letter “E” on the front of the cartridge
- When compared to an authentic game. The wording “everyone” is much more legible on an authentic game. This also goes for the basic font on the front of the label.
- On the Legitimate game the font is much clearer and pronounced as you can see in the photo.
Step 2b: Examining Cartridge Color Differences: Real vs. Fake
- When you look closer game to games, "BELOW" you'll notice the games are different color's. The color of the shell on the fake Pokemon HeartGold cartridge in the photo is grayish. As the color should be black like the Authentic Pokémon Soul Silver cartridge in the photo.
Step 3: Evaluating the Authenticity of the Front Label
- When you examine counterfeit copies & authentic games like the two games in the photo above. You can see that the bottom left corner of Pokémon Soul Silver Cartridge has a very distinct angle to it.
- When you examine fake copies like the Pokémon HeartGold Version. You can see the bottom left corner of the label is rounded.
- As I continue to do some research about the fake Pokémon Nintendo DS games. I thought the game label would stand out, much like a counterfeit GBA game would. This doesn't seem to be the case.
- The label on the front of the Pokémon game appears to have all the similar markings as a genuine Nintendo DS game. Except for the rounded bottom left corner on the Pokémon Heart Gold Cartridge shown above.
Expert Insights on Detecting Counterfeit Pokémon Cartridges
"The easiest way to spot a fake Nintendo DS Pokémon game is to look at the back of the cartridge. Official Nintendo games have an imprinted number that matches the label, and the label itself should have a high-quality finish."
— iMore, Ultimate guide to spotting fake Pokémon games
"The best way to tell is to check the back of the cart. Real ones have a Nintendo product code that matches the front label. Most fakes either don’t have this or the font looks totally off."
— User comment on GameFAQs forum discussion about fake DS games
"The easiest tell for DS games is the code on the back. It should match the game code printed on the label — like NTR-XXXX-XXX. Most fakes either don't have it or the font is way off."
— Reddit user in r/gameverifying
More Help on Spotting Fake Pokémon and Retro Games
Counterfeit cartridges are a growing problem in the retro gaming world, and Pokémon games are some of the most commonly faked. If you found this guide helpful, be sure to check out our other resources:
- How to Spot Counterfeit Pokémon GBA Games — including FireRed, LeafGreen, and Emerald
- Guide to Identifying Fake Video Games Across All Systems
- How to Spot Counterfeit Nintendo Switch Games
These tips are the most reliable ways to tell the difference between real and fake Pokémon cartridges. One more thing to remember: fake Pokémon games won’t connect to a Pokéwalker, which is a major red flag if you’re buying HeartGold or SoulSilver.
Frequently Asked Questions About Fake DS Games
Do fake DS games work?
- The fake Pokémon HeartGold cartridge used for this article didn’t work. However, I’ve encountered some that did load and function like a normal cartridge.
- It varies depending on the quality of the reproduction.
Are you able to identify a fake DS game by its packaging?
- Yes, counterfeit games often come in cheaper packaging. A genuine Nintendo DS case will
have "Nintendo DS" embossed on the inside. - Look for inconsistencies in the artwork, poor print quality, and especially the Nintendo Seal of Quality — it’s one of the biggest giveaways.
How can I tell if a DS game is authentic?
- Check the serial numbers on the cartridge. The middle group (e.g., "IPKE") must match the code on the back of the cartridge.
- Compare the fonts, especially the Nintendo logo. Look at the cartridge shell color and the bottom left corner of the front label — it should be cut at a 45-degree angle.
- Most counterfeits have a rounded edge.
Want to Sell or Trade Your Nintendo DS Games?
Looking to sell your Nintendo DS games online? The Old School Game Vault is your trusted platform for retro game trade-ins.
We make it easy to:
- Sell authentic Nintendo DS cartridges
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- Get the best value for your handheld game collection
The tips given above can easily help you spot fake DS games.
- Have you ever accidentally bought a fake DS game? Share your experience in the comments!
- What other tips do you have for spotting counterfeit games? Let us know below!
