How to detect fake Nintendo DS Games
Nintendo DS games, introduced to North America on November 21, 2004, have unfortunately become susceptible to counterfeit versions flooding the internet and various retail establishments. To safeguard your purchase and ensure authenticity, here are key steps to distinguish between real and fake Nintendo DS games.
Identifying Genuine Nintendo DS Games
Step 1: Assess Printing Quality and Label Alignment Examine the overall printing quality and label alignment. If you notice conspicuous quality issues, chances are the game is fake.
Step 2: Examine the Official Seal Inspect the quality and print on the official seal. Legitimate games have easily readable words with clear edges, and the seal should simply say “Seal” at the bottom, not “Seal of Quality.”
Step 3: Check the Print Above the Contacts on the Back Look at the print above the contacts on the back of the game. Authentic games have many slots with print, while fakes may only have a few.
Step 4: Evaluate the Area Above the Contacts Examine the area above the contacts for any visible circuits. Genuine games do not display circuits in this area.
Step 5: Inspect the Embossed Print on the Back Observe the embossed print on the back. On a fake game, the lettering and the oval line around “Nintendo” may appear disproportionately thick.
Step 6: Verify the Code Printed on the Back Check for the presence of the code printed on the back. If the code is missing, as seen in the fake example, it’s likely a counterfeit.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How can I quickly identify a fake Nintendo DS game based on printing quality?
- Obvious quality issues in printing and label alignment suggest the game may be fake.
What should I look for in the official seal to confirm the authenticity of a Nintendo DS game?
- Ensure the seal has easily readable words with clear edges and only says “Seal” at the bottom, not “Seal of Quality.”
How can I distinguish a real Nintendo DS game from a fake by examining the print above the contacts?
- Genuine games have many slots with print, while fake ones may only have a few.
Are visible circuits above the contacts on the back indicative of a fake Nintendo DS game?
- Yes, circuits should not be visible in this area on authentic games.
Why is the embossed print on the back important in identifying counterfeit Nintendo DS games?
- A disproportionately thick lettering and oval line around “Nintendo” suggest the game may be fake.
Is the absence of a code printed on the back a clear sign of a counterfeit Nintendo DS game?
- Yes, if the code is missing, it’s a strong indicator that the game is fake.
