Malfunction on copy of HeartGold?

Question

When I click 'Continue' on my save file, it's an infinite black screen. It's done this multiple times. I did do the soft reset trick (start new game, L + R + START + SELECT, works all the time) but I need it to load upon clicking continue. If someone can help, that'll be great. It's basically black with the HeartGold sticker on it, not a fake or anything.

Thank you in advance! :)

Comments

Where did you get the game from? Can you post good quality pictures of the front and back of the cartridge? https://pokemondb.net/pokebase/meta/68253/how-do-i-add-a-picture-to-my-post

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From eBay. On the back, it says NTR-005 PAT. PEND. Below it, it says IPKENOJ22, which I don't understand.

Pic 1 (front)

https://i.postimg.cc/k5dbPjD3/IMG-20260811-133342.jpg

Pic 2 (back)

https://i.postimg.cc/FF2cxsm6/IMG-20260811-133406.jpg

Did it from my laptop. Bit rubbish the pictures, from my old Chromebook lol

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If you hit new game (not reset game) does it boot?

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@Stoutland Fan, it does, yes, but then when I play Voltorb Flip in Goldenrod, it just has the same black screen. I tried it in my 3DS but again it refused to open by clicking continue.

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You played all the way to goldenrod? Anyway it might honestly be a data corruption or something it’s a 20 year old game I am not “tech excellent” but I know that the Pokémon games corrupt after this long of time

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Well, I played all the way to indigo plateau, obs saving along the path, but what could help with the corruption?

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You reset your game? I don’t know about the corruption but if you reload the game does it boot?

Answer 1

Hi,

I’m sorry to inform you: your cartridge is fake. These issues are caused from having a reproduction, non-authentic copy of the game. This cannot be fixed.

Heartgold cartridges are black in colouration, should say NTR-031 on the back. (Keep in mind, that just because a cartridge says NTR-031 and is black, that doesn’t make it authentic).

Reproduction cartridges are prone to errors like you’re describing. HGSS reproduction cartridges are known to black screen during Voltorb Flip as well. You should try to file a return where you purchased the cartridge from for your money back.

Legitimate Heartgold cartridges often cost over a hundred dollars.

Before and after purchasing a cartridge, you should post photos of it on r/gameverifying to confirm its legitimacy. They also have great guides on how to tell if a game is authentic or not.

I hope this helps

Comments

dang thats rough

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Oh well. Guess I learn my lesson. Don't buy hgss copies from ebay for nearly 20 quid!