Spotting a Counterfeit Game

[kep1616]

Hello everyone!

I have actually been reading Racketboy for a long time, probably closing in on some ten years, but I have never joined the forum. So first, thank you to everyone for this wonderful site that has helped me grow my love of classic games.

Unfortunately my reason for joining is not the best. Recently I decided to pick up a copy of Super Mario RPG on eBay as a present for my girlfriend and the game struck me as off. First the cartridge felt "loose". I was able to gently move the plastic pieces of the cartridge ever so slightly. Second, the game is immaculate. There's hardly a scratch on it. The stickers have no scuffs, the cartridge no discoloration. The connectors at the bottom also look brand new like it had hardly every been used. Immediately I assumed the worst; I may have purchased a fake or counterfeit game.

Now I do not have the screwdriver necessary to open up the cartridge and look at the inside. I will try to get one by the end of the week. I may be overreacting. Maybe this really was never played. So the reason I joined is this: I would like to know what people here look for in spotting a counterfeit game?

[Daria]

Well without even opening the cart take a look at the label, are the corners perfectly round and symmetrical or do look remotely squarish? Official labels are die-cut and that's incredibly hard to replicate by hand. So it's your first tip to at the very least an illegit label.

Super Mario RPG isn't really an expensive game, I doubt you have a fake board. It wouldn't really be cost effective for a pirate. But if you do open it up your looking for this:
http://www.snescentral.com/0/0/4/0049/S ... ont-v2.jpg

No weird wires, no extra solder built up, no tape... basically nothing altered.

Chances are you just need to tighten your screws.

[flojocabron]

There are some blatantly fake SNES games.

They come in a really bad label or not even the original label.

I have a couple of fake games. But you can tell these things.

Now there are some Majesco re-releases out there. They came out a little after the original print runs. And the label quality isn't as good.

Maybe another Racket-person or you can check on google and see if Super Mario RPG was ever re-released as a Majesco Budget Title.

They are still legit. But others here can vouch for their less than stellar quality.

Lets hope you got one of these.

[JoeAwesome]

Majescos are primarily, if not only, Capcom reprints, afaik.

[Daria]

Majescos are primarily, if not only, Capcom reprints, afaik.

They're also really easy to spot as they state "made in mexico" on them.

[Soldier Blue]

Post a pic of the label so we can see. Also make sure the game is playing correctly.

[kep1616]

Thanks for all the replies! You guys are helping me feel a lot better. I'm starting to believe I just assumed the worst too quickly since my concerns are not terribly obvious. It does play. I only booted it up for a few seconds. I'll play some more when I get a chance.

The label does look different than my other SNES games, but the differences are subtle. The most noticeable difference is that it is not as glossy. If it is a replacement though, it is good quality. The corners are completely round and not the least bit square. The colors are strong, and the details are not blurry. Frankly if it is the real game with a replacement label, I'd be happy. The cartridge says "Made in Japan" on the back. I guess that rules out Majesco.

I just ordered some of the needed bits to open the cartridge up. I'll take a look at the board. Hopefully I can tighten the screws as suggested and enjoy playing the game... err excuse me. Enjoy giving this game away as a gift.