I think my game is fake, how can I tell for sure?
- Random freezing. Not all freezing is a sign of a fake game, but repro cartridges are known for random issues.
- The game won't let you trade with other copies of the game.
- The game has trouble with local or wifi connection.
- Your HGSS copy won't let you play Voltorb Flip. It freezes whenever you try. (Known issue with fake HGSS games)
- Your HeartGold/SoulSilver and Black/White/2 games are Grey instead of Black. HGSS/BW/2 are BLACK, not grey, in colouration.
- Look up pictures of the game online and compare. Does the sticker look the same for region? Is the sticker holographic in photos, but not on yours? What about region code, is it the same? Does your GBC/GBA game have a number imprint on the front?
- Where did you buy your game? If you bought your game from Walmart on release day, don't worry, it's real.
"I still don't know for sure, I don't know what I'm looking for!" Thankfully there's a place for you. Post photos of your game onto The Game Verifying Subreddit, and professionals will take a look for you.
Warning signs when buying cartridges
- Does it look new? Any wear? If it's lacking wear, it's probably fake. They don't make new copies of old games.
- Is the sticker slanted? If yes, it was hand-put on. This doesn't always mean it's fake, but it definitely means it's been tampered somehow.
- The price. Older gens, specifically Gen 4 and 5 games are valuable, typically pricey.
- The Quantity. If there's more than 10 for sale by the seller, assume it's fake.
- If the seller claims it's new. Gen 7 and lower games are too old to be new. If you find an unopened box copy, chances are it'll be for sale for $100+
What to do before buying old games?
- Do research before buying. How much is this game going for? Is this a reasonable price? If you're buying Platinum for $40, it's probably fake.
- Know the value of the game. Knowing the game's value in your area can help you know if you have a deal, or are about to be ripped off. Don't spend $500 for a copy of HeartGold just because it's real.
- Signs of "aged" cartridges are good. Slight scratches and tear on it prove that it's been through a long, working life, make sure it works of course, but imperfections are a good thing when looking for authentic cartridges. It's rare that there's an authentic cartridge that's in new condition.
- Check the seller's history. Make sure the seller has a good reputation, and isn't selling millions of the same game.
- If you're buying from Facebook Marketplace, make sure the profile isn't a fake one.
- Test the game before buying. This is only possible if local, but ask to test and examine the game. Take your time. Good sellers and stores will be kind enough to let you see before selling. If they don't, it might be a red flag that there's something wrong.
- Do not take well-established local stores for granted! Gamestop has sold fake games by accident before! Employees there are NOT professionals, and can get scammed, just like you or me! Don't trust ANYONE'S word when they say it's an authentic game!
In conclusion, if you think it's fake, it probably is.
Why are authentic copies so expensive? Is it really that bad to have a repro?
- Authentic Pokemon games are so expensive because simply, they can be. Nintendo isn't making new copies of older games anymore, and people want them! The more demand there is for a limited resource, the more expensive it will be, because unfortunately, people are willing to spend $1000 for an English copy of Pokemon Box. The more people are willing to pay for a game, the more the prices will increase.
- English Pokemon games are the WORST in terms of pricing. It is significantly cheaper to buy Pokemon Games in different languages! If you can read another language, or don't mind playing a game you can't read, buying an international copy of Pokemon might be the way for you. IMPORTANT NOTE: this does not apply for 3DS Pokemon games, as the 3DS is region locked. Meaning, you can't play a Japanese Pokemon Game on an American 3DS. You can play international games on Gameboy, DS, and Switch consoles, though.
- Ultimately, if you don't mind risking spending money on $20 piece of plastic that might not even work, then buying repro might be for you. It does raise some moral questions, though, as repro games are illegal. No one will stop you, but it's something to keep in mind.
- There's no resale value to repro games. Imagine you're 80 and you just have worthless pieces of plastic, vs old retro games worth hundreds of dollars. If resale value is something that's important to you, it might be worth the investment.
I'm not a pro, but I'm an early 2000's kid who wasn't fortunate enough to get games bought for me on release. I've been spending my adulthood collecting multiple copies of old Pokemon Games, and this is what I've learned so far in my collecting journey. Hopefully it'll help you, too. (In other words, Source: Experience)
