This was the one that caught me off guard when it came through in a big box of Nintendo Switch games we bought. My understanding was that there weren't any fake Switch games out in the wild, but I wasn't aware of label switching. That's exactly what I ran into. A Zelda Breath of the Wild, or at least the label said Breath of the Wild. The actual game was some weird title called JoJo Siwa.
The game looked genuine at first, but the differences only became clear when we compared several copies side by side. That experience prompted us to start documenting the specific checks we use whenever we get a Switch game. If you've ever wondered how to spot a fake Switch cartridge, these are the exact steps we use.
- Serial Number Match: The model number on the front label (example: LA-H-AXB8A-USA) must contain the same middle code as the serial number on the back. If they don't match, it's a fake.
- Back Imprint: Every genuine Switch cartridge has HAC-008 and the letters CC imprinted just above the serial number on the back. Fakes often omit or alter these.
- KYOTO Label: Display cartridges have KYOTO printed in the model number on the back instead of the game code. These are not real games and should never be sold as playable copies.
- Label Switching: GameStop has been hit hard by scammers buying cheap games and relabeling them as valuable titles. Always verify the serial numbers match before buying secondhand.
- Bitter Taste Test: Real Nintendo Switch cartridges are coated with Denatonium Benzoate, a non-toxic bittering agent. If it doesn't taste bitter, it may not be genuine.
- The Old School Game Vault has been buying and authenticating Nintendo Switch games since 2008. We check every cartridge before paying.
From Licking to Examining
The Table of Contents
Step 1: Examine the Front Label
- On the front label, you’ll see writing on the bottom of the label like: LA-H-AXB8A-USA. This is the game's model number.
- On the back of the cartridge, in white lettering, there will be serial numbers. The third group of numbers [AXB8A] must be included in the serial number on the back of the cartridge. This is a key point: the front & back numbers must match.
- GameStop has been hit hard by people trading in games with counterfeit labels. Scammers are buying cheap games and relabeling them to make them appear more valuable.
Step 2: Examine the Back
- Just above the serial number on the back of the cartridge. Each genuine Nintendo Switch cartridge will have the Nintendo HAC-008 & the letters CC imprinted on it.
- Fake Nintendo Switch games may lack or have altered serial numbers and barcodes. Inspect errors or signs of tampering, such as smudged ink or mismatched fonts.
Step 3: Beware of Display Cartridges
- What is happening here is that someone is selling these display cartridges as if they are real games. This could be intentional or accidental. They appear to be genuine game cartridges, but the "KYOTO" label on the back is a key indicator that the game is counterfeit.
- When examining this Breath of the Wild Cartridge. (below) –- You’ll notice the model #number on the front bottom of the game. [LA-H-AAAAA-JPG]
- On the back of the cartridge, the model number needs to be identical to the one on the front. On the back cartridge, the model number starts with [KYOTO] rather than [AAAAA].
Step 4: Lick the Cartridge
- Yes, you read that correctly, lick the cartridge and see if it tastes bitter.
A bittering agent (Denatonium Benzoate) has also been applied to the Nintendo Switch game cartridges. This bittering agent is non-toxic. Yes, it sounds gross, but at least you’ll know.
💰 Sell your Nintendo Switch games!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are there fake Nintendo Switch games?
Yes, though most fakes involve label switching rather than full counterfeit cartridges. Scammers buy cheap games and relabel them as valuable titles. We received a JoJo Siwa game inside a Zelda Breath of the Wild case.
How do I check if my Nintendo Switch game is real?
Match the middle code in the model number on the front label against the serial number on the back. They must be identical. Also check for HAC-008 and CC imprinted just above the serial number on the back.
How do I identify a counterfeit Switch cartridge?
Check the front and back serial numbers first, then look for the HAC-008 and CC imprint on the back. If the back model number starts with KYOTO instead of the game code, it is a display cartridge being sold as a real game.
Where can I find reputable sellers for authentic Nintendo Switch games?
Look for buyers and sellers with verifiable track records and real customer reviews. The Old School Game Vault authenticates every Switch game before buying or selling and has been operating since 2008 with a 4.99-star rating.
Can I get a refund if I buy a fake Switch game?
It depends on where you bought it. Major marketplaces like eBay and Amazon have buyer protection policies that cover counterfeit items. Private sales and local deals rarely offer recourse once the transaction is complete.
