Key Takeaway: To spot a fake Pokémon HeartGold or SoulSilver cartridge, check that the middle four letters on the front label "the game code" match the first four characters of the serial number on the back.
I got these games in with a collection of Nintendo DS titles, all complete in the box. Pokémon HeartGold and SoulSilver were the only loose cartridges in the order, which made them easy to flag right away. The games looked clean and undamaged, but during testing, one failed to load entirely, and the other froze shortly after starting. Every other DS game in the lot ran fine, so the cartridges were the problem.
When I told the customer the games were counterfeit, the reaction was pretty indifferent. Make of that what you will.
We compared them against real DS titles, and the differences were clear across game codes, fonts, and shell color. The steps below are the exact checks we use to verify a cartridge is legitimate.
4 Steps to tell if Pokémon HeartGold & SoulSilver DS Games are Real:
Expert Tip: The Pokéwalker test: An authentic Pokemon SoulSilver cartridge will connect to a Pokéwalker without any issues. Most fakes can't do this at all. If your game can't link to a Pokéwalker accessory, it is most likely counterfeit. This quick check is often overlooked by guides, but it's a reliable way to confirm authenticity.
The Table of Contents
Step 1: Inspecting the Game code
- The fastest initial check is the game code. At the bottom of the front label, you will see a code such as NTR-IPKE-USA:
- NTR identifies the Nintendo DS platform.
- PKE is the four-character game code.
- USA identifies the release region. - Next, check the black code printed on the back of the cartridge. Its first four characters should match the four-character game code on the front label.
For example, if the front label reads NTR-IPKE-USA, the code on the back should begin with IPKE. If the codes do not match, the cartridge may be counterfeit or an authentic cartridge with a replacement label. Matching codes are a good sign, but they do not prove the cartridge is authentic by themselves.
Step 2: Look at the Font
- The main noticeable difference is the font on the cartridge's back. The Nintendo logo on the back of the cartridge is in a larger font than that on a real game.
- Then, if you look at the font for the model number and the [Pat. Pend.], it is the same, larger font as the "Nintendo lettering." Refer to the photo below.
- Look at the font above the letter “E” on the front of the cartridge.
- Compared to an authentic game, the wording “everyone” is much more legible in a real game. This also goes for the basic font on the front of the label.
- In the legitimate game, the font is much clearer and more pronounced, as shown in the photo.
Step 3: The Shell Color
- When you look closer at the game "BELOW," you'll notice the games are different colors. The shell on the fake cartridge in the photo is a grayish color.
- The color should be black, like the authentic one in the image.
- Use a flashlight - Shine a flashlight through the back of the DS cartridge. A real HeartGold glows clear purple. (Watch the video below)
Step 4: Analyzing the Label
- Look at the bottom left corner of the cartridge. This helps you spot fake copies versus real games, like the ones in the photo. It has a unique angle.
- When you look at fake copies, notice that the bottom left corner of the label is rounded. Real labels have a cut at a 45-degree angle.
- The label on the front of the game looks like a real one. The only difference is the rounded bottom-left corner on the cartridge above.
💰 Sell your Nintendo DS games!
A quick video going over the flashlight trick
Pokémon HeartGold, SoulSilver, Black, White, Black 2, and White 2 use translucent NTR-031 infrared cartridges. When held against a bright flashlight, an authentic shell has a dark reddish-purple tint. However, newer counterfeits and relabeled NTR-031 cartridges can also pass this test. Use the flashlight trick as one clue, not proof that the game is authentic.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the common signs of counterfeit Pokémon DS games?
Wrong serial code, oversized font on the back, grayish shell instead of black, and a rounded label corner instead of a 45-degree cut.
What are the visual differences between authentic and knockoff DS games?
On a fake, the shell is grayish, the back font is too large, and the bottom left corner of the label is rounded. Real cartridges have a black shell, correct font size, and an angled label corner.
How do I check if my Pokémon DS cartridge is real?
Look at the front label — you'll see a code like NTR-IPKE-USA. Those middle four letters should match the first four characters of the serial stamp on the back. If they don't match, it's a fake.
Can a fake Pokémon DS game still play?
Sometimes. The counterfeits we received either failed to load or froze shortly after starting. Every other DS game in the same lot ran fine.
Does the Pokéwalker test work for spotting fakes?
Yes. Real HeartGold and SoulSilver cartridges connect to a Pokéwalker. Most fakes can't.
