Pokémon Authenticity Guide

Concerned about the authenticity of your recent Pokémon video game purchase? No worries, we've got you covered! Dive into our detailed guide to learn how to distinguish between genuine and counterfeit copies across all major gaming platforms. We cover Game Boy, Game Boy Color, Game Boy Advance, DS, 3DS, and Nintendo 64. Simply select your gaming system below and explore our collection of photos and information to verify your cartridge's legitimacy. Have questions or want to contribute to future guides? Join our Discord community and get whitelisted today!

For most Pokémon games, you can usually determine if they're fake just by examining the exterior. However, if you want to double-check the authenticity by inspecting the circuit boards, we recommend using the appropriate bit set. For Game Boy cartridges, consider using this from Amazon, and for NES, SNES, and N64 games, opt for this on eBay!

Game Boy

Game Label:

Compare your cartridge to those in these photos. The text, image, and logos should be clear and not pixelated or blurry. Nothing on the cartridge should be spelled incorrectly.
Near the bottom right of the label, you should see an indentation with two numbers. The number on your cartridge may be different from the one pictured. Note that some fakes may still have this indentation, which is why it’s important to check multiple distinguishing features.
Game Cartridge:

The logo at the top should say “Nintendo GAME BOY ™” and be in a concave oval shape, not slightly concave then flat. The font on fake cartridges is often off-center in this same logo space.
On a real cartridge, the “o” in “Nintendo” is more oval-shaped, whereas on a fake copy, the “o” in “Nintendo” is usually a circle shape.
On a real cartridge, the screw should require a Game Bit, never a Phillips head.
Game Board:

Fake copies usually DO NOT have circular batteries inside, although some may have “dummy” batteries glued inside. All real boards will have batteries that are soldered directly to the board. If you see glue or any black goopy substance around the battery, it’s not a good sign.
On the back of the board, there should be a “Nintendo” logo.
On the back of the board, there should be a 2x2 set of rectangles near the top. This is common across nearly all authentic boards in this guide.
Other Notes:

This guide does not take into account the different print runs of the games, so your copy may have a board that has a different variation of text.
The labels may also have a white or black “ESRB” logo on the front that correlates to print runs.

More Game Boy Images

Game Boy Color

Game Label:

Compare your cartridge to those in these photos. The text, image, and logos should be clear and not pixelated or blurry. Nothing on the cartridge should be spelled incorrectly.
Near the bottom right of the label, you should see an indentation with two numbers (see other notes for Pokémon Crystal). The number on your cartridge may be different from the one pictured. Note that some fakes may still have this indentation, which is why it’s important to check multiple distinguishing features.
Game Cartridge:

The logo at the top should say “Nintendo GAME BOY ™” (see other notes for Pokémon Crystal) and be in a concave oval shape, not slightly concave then flat. The font on fake cartridges is often off-center in this same logo space.
On a real cartridge, the “o” in “Nintendo” is more oval-shaped, whereas on a fake copy, the “o” in “Nintendo” is usually a circle shape.
On a real cartridge, the screw should require a Game Bit, never a Phillips head.
Game Board:

Fake copies usually DO NOT have circular batteries inside, although some may have “dummy” batteries glued inside. All real boards will have batteries that are soldered directly to the board. If you see glue or any black goopy substance around the battery, it’s not a good sign.
On the back of the board, there should be a “Nintendo” logo.
On the back of the board, there should be a 2x2 set of rectangles near the top. This is common across nearly all authentic boards in this guide.
Other Notes:

This guide does not take into account the different print runs of the games, so your copy may have a board that has a different variation of text and dates
On Pokémon Crystal, the case is clear-blue, so you should be able to identify authenticity quickly without opening the cartridge.
On Pokémon Crystal, the logo on top of the cartridge should say “GAME BOY COLOR” and be convex, not concave.
Pokémon Crystal may have three digits stamped into the label instead of two. It may also have two numbers and one letter.

More Game Boy Color Images

Game Boy Advance

Game Label:

Compare your cartridge to those in these photos. The text, image, and logos should be clear and not pixelated or blurry. Nothing on the cartridge should be spelled incorrectly.
Near the bottom right of the label, you should see an indentation with two numbers. The number on your cartridge may be different from the one pictured. Note that some fakes may still have this indentation, which is why it’s important to check multiple distinguishing features.
Game Cartridge:

Check the label quality: Look for clear, crisp printing without fading, pixelation, or blurred images.
Examine the cartridge shell: Ensure it's well-constructed without rough edges, mismatched colors, or poor molding.
Verify the Nintendo logo and font alignment: Authentic cartridges have engraved Nintendo logos and consistent font alignment, while counterfeit ones may have printed logos and irregular text.
Game Board:

Fake copies usually DO NOT have circular batteries inside, although some may have “dummy” batteries glued inside. All real boards will have batteries that are soldered directly to the board. If you see glue or any black goopy substance around the battery, it’s not a good sign. Please note, FireRed and LeafGreen do NOT have batteries.
On the back of the board, there should be a “Nintendo” logo.
On the back of the board, there should be a 2x2 set of rectangles near the top. This is common across nearly all authentic boards in this guide.
Other Notes:

Serial number verification: Genuine Pokémon Game Boy Advance cartridges often have a unique serial number imprinted or engraved on the label or shell. Verify the serial number against known authentic copies to ensure legitimacy.
Cartridge weight: While not always definitive, authentic cartridges typically have a specific weight. Noticeably lighter or heavier cartridges could be a sign of a counterfeit.
Additional authentication methods: Consider using multiple authentication methods, such as comparing the cartridge to known authentic copies, consulting reputable sources for identifying features, and seeking professional appraisal if uncertain.

More Game Boy Advance Images

Nintendo DS

Game Label:

Check label quality: Look for clear, sharp printing without any signs of pixelation or blurriness.
Ensure correct logo placement: Authentic cartridges have the Nintendo DS logo correctly positioned and aligned.
Verify spelling and branding: Genuine Pokémon Nintendo DS games have accurate spelling and branding without any discrepancies.
Game Cartridge:

Examine cartridge shell: Authentic cartridges have a solid construction without any rough edges or mismatched colors.
Verify Nintendo logo: Look for an engraved or embossed Nintendo logo on the cartridge shell.
Test cartridge weight: Authentic cartridges typically have a specific weight, so variations in weight may indicate a counterfeit.
Game Board:

Verify Nintendo logo: Authentic cartridges feature a Nintendo logo on the back of the board.
Look for authentication markings: Genuine cartridges may have unique markings or engravings for authentication purposes.
Other Notes:

Verify serial number: Genuine Pokémon Nintendo DS cartridges often have a unique serial number that can be verified for authenticity.
Consult reputable sources: Compare the cartridge to known authentic copies and consult reliable sources for identifying features.
Seek professional appraisal: If unsure, consider seeking professional appraisal or authentication services for further verification.

More Nintendo DS Images

Nintendo 3DS

Game Label:

Check label clarity: Ensure the label text, image, and logos are clear and not pixelated or blurry.
Verify serial number: Genuine Pokémon Nintendo 3DS games often have a unique serial number imprinted on the label.
Look for holographic seal: Authentic cartridges may have a holographic seal sticker on the label for additional authenticity.
Game Cartridge:

Examine cartridge design: Authentic cartridges have a sturdy construction with no visible defects or inconsistencies.
Verify Nintendo logo: Look for an engraved or embossed Nintendo logo on the cartridge shell.
Test cartridge weight: Authentic cartridges typically have a specific weight, so variations may indicate a counterfeit.
Game Board:

Verify Nintendo logo: Authentic cartridges feature a Nintendo logo on the back of the board.
Look for authentication markings: Genuine cartridges may have unique markings or engravings for authentication purposes.
Other Notes:

Consult reputable sources: Compare the cartridge to known authentic copies and consult reliable sources for identifying features.
Verify online purchases: Be cautious when purchasing online and ensure the seller is reputable.
Seek professional appraisal: If unsure, consider seeking professional appraisal or authentication services for further verification.

More Nintendo 3DS Images

Nintendo 64

Game Label:

Check label clarity: Ensure the label text, image, and logos are clear and not pixelated or blurry.
Verify serial number: Genuine Pokémon Nintendo 64 games have a unique serial number imprinted on the back shell on the label.
Game Cartridge:

Examine cartridge design: Authentic cartridges have a sturdy construction with no visible defects or inconsistencies.
Verify Nintendo logo: Look for an engraved or embossed Nintendo logo on the cartridge shell. And again, the back of the shell will have a number imprinted on it.
Test cartridge weight: Authentic cartridges typically have a specific weight, so variations may indicate a counterfeit.
Game Board:

Verify Nintendo logo: Authentic cartridges feature a Nintendo logo on the back of the board.
Look for authentication markings: Genuine cartridges may have unique markings or engravings for authentication purposes.
Other Notes:

Consult reputable sources: Compare the cartridge to known authentic copies and consult reliable sources for identifying features.
Verify online purchases: Be cautious when purchasing online and ensure the seller is reputable.
Seek professional appraisal: If unsure, consider seeking professional appraisal or authentication services for further verification.