Detecting Counterfeit Cartridges
A lot of this info is coming directly from the website GameVerifying.com. If you have trouble understanding my layout, or perhaps are just curious about knowing more, that's absolutely the place to go!
Overview
With the general price of Pokemon games skyrocketing in a short span of time, so too has the volume of counterfeit cartridges being circulated. It should be a genuine concern every time you plan on buying a new Pokemon game, especially when it's a more expensive title like Platinum or HGSS. As good as counterfeits are getting, it is very rare that the counterfeit cartridge will have every single detail correct, and with enough knowledge and info from online you should easily be able to discern fakes from real carts. From physical defects, to serial number issues, to simply using the wrong sticker art, here's a comprehensive list of things to look out for and compare when buying a Gen 4 cart.
What to Look For First
The first thing to look at with these cartridges is the physical appearance. While most fake carts will not have every single one of these errors, it is very likely at least one will be present. If you're buying online and the pictures from the seller don't show these particular areas, don't be afraid to ask for more pictures to confirm. There are many things to look out for that are dead giveaways, such as:
- Rounded Corner on Sticker
- Font Size and Depth being wrong (too thick or too deep)
- Contacts being Brass instead of Gold (not as shiny)
In my personal experience, the defect I've most often seen, as well as being the easiest to detect, is the depth and font of the NTR number on the back of the cartridge. Below you can see examples.
Pokemon Platinum
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver
Comparing Serial Codes and Stamps
the wrong NTR number
If you don't want to make your judgement based solely on appearance, you can also compare serial numbers on the front, the NTR number on the back, and the black stamps on the back. Note that these stamps can wear off over time, and a cartridge without a stamp does not mean it is fake, but rather, likely just worn down over time. When comparing Heart Gold and Soul Silver carts, note that on the back, there will be a NTR number. There are two types of cartridges that will be used for Gen 4 Pokemon Games:
When buying a HG/SS cartridge, always ask for a picture of the cartridge against a light source. If the cartridge seems real, and the light shows the cartridge is a purple-red color, its most likely real. But you never know! Counterfeit carts are getting better and better and they're constantly changing. You should always try to find as many points as possible to prove the authenticity of a cartridge you're buying, such as the serial numbers below.
Pokemon Platinum
Pokemon Diamond/Pearl
Pokemon HeartGold/SoulSilver
What Else You Can Check
If you happen to have a copy of your game on hand, there are a few things that counterfeit cartridges have trouble dealing with. To be clear, these are NOT verification methods, but rather, some more checks you can employ if somehow the physical defects and serial numbers are still stumping you.
- Some (a very small amount, from what I can find) counterfeit cartridges will refuse to boot on 3DS. This is mostly hearsay, as every fake cart I've come across has worked on a 3DS. But if you have some sort of early fake cart, there's a chance it won't work on a 3DS.
- Counterfeit cartridges have a tendency to crash often. You can try cleaning the pads on the back with some 99% IPA, but to the nature of these cartridges being pretty unstable, constant crashing could be a sign of a counterfeit.
- Some counterfeit carts will refuse to migrate Pokemon from Gen 3, or send Pokemon up to Gen 5
- And finally, some cartridges will just, delete the save. These carts are made with the cheapest parts possible, and are prone to simply dying.
Sources
1. GameVerifying.com
2. The Phase Discord
3. My good friends Poi, Tine, 19XX, and GalaxyGuinea for their tips, pictures, and support.
Last updated 03/15/2024.