How to spot fake Pokemon games.
Use real comparison photos to spot common reproduction and counterfeit Pokemon games.
Game Boy Color: Real vs Fake Overview
A quick visual overview showing authentic cartridge presentation compared with an obvious fake.
Fast first-pass signs
This kind of photo helps sellers understand that shell color, label placement, print quality, and overall presentation matter.
- Real cartridges should match the expected shell color family.
- Labels should fit the recessed area cleanly.
- Fake examples often look too glossy, crooked, blurry, or strangely colored.
Pokemon Red: Front Label and Shell
This image clearly shows a fake beside a real cartridge, including label layout and shell differences.
What to inspect
The front label is usually the fastest way to flag a suspicious cartridge before asking for more photos.
- Fake side shows different label proportions and glare/finish.
- Real side shows cleaner label placement and expected shell details.
- Ask for a straight-on photo so text, seal, and art are not distorted.
Pokemon Emerald: Label Shine and ESRB Details
Emerald is a great example because the label finish and background effect are a major visual cue.
What to inspect
This example explains why close-up label photos matter, especially on GBA Pokemon games.
- Real labels can have a different reflective/background effect.
- ESRB/rating icons and print weight can look off on fakes.
- Shell transparency and label quality should both be reviewed together.
Pokemon FireRed: Board and Internal Check
If a game is already open, the board photo can be one of the strongest authenticity checks.
What to inspect
The inside of the cartridge can reveal obvious board layout differences that are not visible from the label alone.
- Compare board layout, chips, contacts, and printed board markings.
- Fake boards may look generic, sparse, or oddly arranged.
- Battery and chip placement can matter depending on the title.
Back Shell and Screw Check
The back side matters because many sellers only photograph the front, and many fakes show issues on the back.
What to inspect
Fakes often use regular Phillips screws instead of the star screw. It's the easiest way to identify a fake.
- Check screw style and placement.
- Look at molded text and shell texture.
- Compare the back shell to the expected cartridge family.
Pokemon DS: Authentic vs Counterfeit
DS games can be subtler than Game Boy cartridges, so front label, shell shape, and code details matter.
What to inspect
This gives sellers a simple visual reason to send better DS photos instead of one blurry front picture.
- Check label spacing, printed codes, and Nintendo DS logo area.
- Look for suspicious shell shape, shallow details, or wrong plastic tone.
- Back photos may be needed for final review.