Collecting Super Nintendo games can be exciting, but can quickly turn to disappointment if you're not careful.
There are a lot of collectors who unknowingly purchase bootleg or fake SNES cartridges.
These counterfeit copies not only take away the value of your collection, they can ruin your gaming experience.
What You’ll Learn in This Guide
✅ How to inspect labels, shells, and screws on SNES cartridges for signs of authenticity
✅ How to analyze a game’s internal PCB (circuit board) to spot counterfeit components
✅ Key differences to distinguish genuine SNES boards vs. reproduction boards
✅ Why correct label fonts and product codes are crucial indicators of a real game
✅ Where to buy and sell SNES games safely while avoiding fakes and scams
✅ Highlights of expert advice from veteran collectors on quickly identifying counterfeits
Identifying authentic SNES games is an essential skill for serious collectors and gamers alike. By knowing how to spot a reproduction, you can save money and enjoy your games as was intended. In this article, we'll provide some tips on how to identify if a SNES game is authentic ir not.
Recently we obtained a handful of games. These were some really rare Super Nintendo titles, that someone was trying to sell to me as legit copies. At first glance, it was pretty obvious to tell none of these were an authentic game.
The Table of Contents
Understanding Fake Retro Games: Identifying Authenticity
The games are also commonly referred to as "fake", "reproduction" or "bootleg snes games". The game titles in reference are: Real Vs Fake Chrono Trigger, Real Vs Fake Earthbound, and a real vs fake The Legend of Zelda etc. For larger images, you can refer to the pinterest page.
Now keep in mind, I'm writing this article because someone is trying to sell me bootleg cartridges as the real thing.
I have no problem if you buy reproduction games for your collection, but selling bootlegs as the real thing is where I draw the line. So just make sure, if you are a collector of these games, make sure you buy from a super-reputable store.
How to Spot Fake SNES Cartridges: First Impressions Matter
- The Condition of the SNES Cartridge looks New & Cheap
- I was just amazed at how clean the games look.
- The front & back labels look pretty new for the 25-year-old game.
- The cartridge color looked practically brand new as well.
- The Screws, were not the typical gold screws used to keep the game shut. These screws had an odd shape, and were not perfectly circular like an actual screw would be.
- The screws used were jagged and appeared to be just cut from a manufactured sheet of screws.
Step 1: Inspect the Back Label for Authentic SNES Games
When analyzing the back of the cartridge, look at the cartridge label. You are looking to see if the label has a number imprinted into the label, like "00 or 40" for example.
- All Nintendo cartridge games from Super Nintendo, Nintendo NES, and Nintendo 64 will have a number imprinted on the back label.
- This does not apply to handheld game boy games, as they don't have back labels. But Game Nintendo Boy Cartridges will have a similar imprint on the front labels.
Step 2: Common Indicators of Fake SNES Games: Analyze the Internal Board
- The easiest and most sure fire way to spot fake Super Nintendo games. Is to open up the game cartridges to examine the internal circuit board.
- Like I've mentioned in previous articles, you need to buy yourself a 3.8 mm size game bit opener. This one on Amazon has the (large 4.5mm) and (small 3.8mm) game bit opener & the "Y" shape screwdriver to open Game Boy Advance Games.
- Observe the contrast in the board photo above. The game boards compared are from a Real vs Fake Chrono Trigger.
- You can clearly see the distinction between the authentic Chrono Trigger board and the counterfeit one. An authentic chrono trigger cartridge will have a save battery. As you can see the fake SNES cartridge does not have any battery.
- Now observe the game cartridge board size - You'll notice the fake cartridge has a tiny game board compared to authentic copies of the game.
- The legit game board will have a year and Nintendo imprinted on the board. – like the Chrono Trigger board in the photo, says 1993 Nintendo on the board.
Step 3: Verify the Product Number Code for Authenticity
- If you look inside, right above and below where the game pin connector is located. On a real vs fake Earthbound cartridge, you'll see an alphanumeric product code stamped into the shell.
- As the Top Shell has a four digit stamp of (F(A)- 55) and the bottom shell has a similar three digit stamp of B - 32.
- None of the bootleg SNES games had any product number markings of any kind on the inside of the cartridge shells.
- This tip is also an easy identifier for to spot counterfeit versions of NES cartridges, and fake N64 cartridges.
Step 4: Assess the Game Title on the End Label
- "In the Video" The writing is not clear on the “Chrono Trigger” game, and it was hard to Read” due to the blurry image.
- As you can see by the real vs fake Earthbound cartridge Photo below, the fake Earthbound game has the font & color all wrong on the end label.
- Really, if you take the time to actually look at a game label, you'll pick up on the flaws.
- Most of the font's on the fake SNES games were wrong, the print wasn't clear, and at times the end label was just hard to read.
Step 5: Examine the Front Label: Identifying Common Flaws
The same thing applies to the front labels as did the end labels. Really, if you just look at the details of the label, the vast majority can spot the imperfections pretty easily. Just keep in mind that the graphics used on the counterfeits I have here, are really just poor images.
- You'll notice front labels are out of focus, the print is not clear.
- The game rating box was smaller on the counterfeit games.
- The Player's Choice Logo on the Legend of Zelda game in the video was Tiny.
Check Out The YouTube Video of the Article
🛑 “When it comes to fake SNES games, one of the biggest red flags is in the label. If the colors seem off, the gloss looks strange, or it feels thin, there’s a good chance it’s a reproduction. Always compare side-by-side with a known original when possible.”
— Brandon Perton, The Old School Game Vault
🕵️♂️ Watch our hands-on guide to spotting fake SNES games. This video dives into label quality, cartridge shell differences, and how to confidently identify reproductions — all from actual hardware examples.
Detecting Counterfeit SNES Games: Top Expert Advice
“Reproductions have gotten really good over the years, and sometimes it takes opening the cartridge to know for sure. Things like wrong label texture, incorrect font, or even weight differences can be signs of a fake.”
— Source: Reddit – How to Spot Fakes/Reproductions (r/snes)
“One of the easiest ways to spot a fake SNES game is by looking at the label quality and shell design. Many counterfeit games have off-color labels, incorrect fonts, or lack the official Nintendo branding on the back of the cartridge.”
— Source: John Hancock – Fake SNES Games vs Real SNES Games (YouTube)
“Fake SNES cartridges often use recycled shells from other games or completely inaccurate molds. Look closely at the PCB and compare it to known authentic layouts—counterfeits usually have telltale signs like different chip configurations or missing Nintendo markings.”
— Source: Retro Game Mechanics Explained – How To Spot Fake SNES Games! (YouTube)
FAQ's - About SNES Reproduction Carts
What are SNES bootleg games?
- Bootleg SNES games are counterfeit copies made to look like authentic games but are usually made with inferior materials and lack the quality of original products.
Are reproduction games worth collecting?
- Reproduction games can be fun to collect for yourself. However, they usually don't have the same value as real SNES games.
- Many buyers choose to purchase a reproduction cartridge of a rare Super Nintendo game for a fraction of the cost, rather than spending hundreds of dollars on the original.
Where can I safely buy authentic SNES games?
- To reduce the chance of purchasing fake SNES games, consider buying from reputable stores, online platforms that offer buyer protection, or collectors you can trust.
- Don't be shy — always ask questions if something doesn't look right.
Want to Sell or Trade Authentic SNES Games?
Looking to sell your Super Nintendo games online? The Old School Game Vault is your
trusted platform for retro game trade-ins.
We make it easy to:
- Sell authentic SNES cartridges
- Trade in old games and consoles
- Get the best value for your vintage collection
🎮 Start Selling SNES Games Now
Help Protect the Retro Gaming Community
🎯 Know someone collecting SNES games? Share this guide to help them spot fake SNES cartridges and avoid getting ripped off.
And don’t forget to check out our other guides on:
Sharing is Caring: Spread the Love for Gaming on Social Media!
🛡️ Protect Your Collection: Get expert tips from The Old School Game Vault —trusted by retro game collectors since 2007. Learn how to authenticate your SNES games and avoid costly counterfeits.
