Real NES Parts Fake Game: How to Inspect a Cartridge
To tell if a Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) cartridge contains a real, licensed game or a fake reproduction (repro), you need to inspect the cartridge shell, the label, and most importantly, the internal printed circuit board (PCB). This guide shows you the key physical checks that distinguish an authentic cartridge from a counterfeit, without needing to open the console.
Why Fake NES Cartridges Exist
Fake NES cartridges, often called reproductions or “repros,� are unlicensed copies of original games. They are made for several reasons: to sell rare, expensive games at a fraction of the cost, to create translated or hacked versions of games that were never officially released in a region, or simply to produce new copies of common games. The rise of affordable flash memory and PCB manufacturing has made it easy for individuals and small operations to produce these cartridges. While some repros are clearly labeled as reproductions, many are passed off as authentic, which is why inspection is so important for collectors and buyers.
Inspect the Cartridge Shell and Label
Start with the outside of the cartridge. Authentic NES cartridges have a distinct look and feel that is hard to replicate perfectly.
- Plastic quality: Original NES cartridges are made of a hard, slightly textured gray plastic. Repro shells are often smoother, shinier, or feel cheaper. Look for any rough edges, mold lines, or imperfections.
- Label printing: Original labels are sharp, with vibrant colors and fine text. Repro labels may appear slightly blurry, have incorrect colors, or use a glossy paper finish instead of the original matte finish. Check the “Nintendo� logo and the “Official Nintendo Seal of Quality� – these are often poorly reproduced.
- Label placement: On authentic cartridges, the label is aligned straight and sits flush with the edges. Repro labels may be crooked, have air bubbles, or wrap slightly over the edge.
- Cartridge grooves: Look at the top edge of the cartridge where the label meets the plastic. Authentic NES cartridges have a distinctive groove pattern. Repro shells often lack these fine details.
Open the Cartridge and Examine the PCB
The most reliable way to verify authenticity is to open the cartridge and inspect the printed circuit board (PCB). You will need a special 3.8mm or 4.5mm game bit screwdriver (a security bit) to remove the two screws on the back. Once open, check the following:
- PCB color and shape: Authentic NES PCBs are typically a dark green or brown color, with a specific shape that matches the cartridge shell. Repro PCBs are often a different shade of green, sometimes with a lighter or darker tone, and may have a different outline.
- Nintendo markings: Look for the Nintendo logo and a part number (e.g., “NES-UNROM-03�) printed on the PCB. Authentic boards have this. Repro boards may have no markings, or they may have a generic “REPRO� or no text at all.
- Integrated circuits (chips): Original games use specific chips from Nintendo or licensed manufacturers (like Sharp or Ricoh). Repro cartridges often use a single large flash memory chip (like a 29F032) or a modern microcontroller. If you see a chip with a label that says “29F� or “MX29�, it is almost certainly a repro.
- Solder joints: Authentic boards have clean, uniform solder joints from factory wave soldering. Repro boards may have sloppy, uneven, or excessive solder, or you may see hand-soldered wires or jumper wires.
Check the Edge Connector and Contact Fingers
The gold contact fingers at the bottom of the cartridge are also a giveaway. Authentic cartridges have a consistent, shiny gold color. Repro cartridges may have duller, thinner, or slightly different colored contacts. Also, look at the number of contact pins – NES games have 72 pins. If the board has a different pin count or a different layout, it is not a standard NES game.
Test the Game in a Console
If possible, test the game in a real NES console. Some repros work perfectly, but many have issues:
- They may not boot at all.
- They may show graphical glitches, corrupted sprites, or wrong colors.
- They may freeze or reset randomly.
- They may not save properly (if the original game had a battery-backed save).
If the game does not behave like the original, it is likely a fake. However, some high-quality repros work flawlessly, so a working game is not proof of authenticity.
Common Misconceptions About Fake NES Games
There are a few myths that often lead people astray when inspecting cartridges:
- “The label looks perfect, so it must be real.� Many repro labels are made from high-resolution scans and look very close to the original. The label alone is not enough to confirm authenticity.
- “It has a battery, so it’s original.� Repro cartridges often include a battery for save games, so the presence of a battery doesn’t prove anything.
- “The game plays fine, so it’s real.� As mentioned, many repros are made with modern chips that run the original ROM perfectly. Gameplay is not a reliable test.
- “All repros are marked as such.� While some sellers are honest, many intentionally sell repros as authentic to make a profit. Always inspect before buying.
Tools and Resources for Inspection
To do a thorough inspection, you will need a few tools:
- A game bit screwdriver (3.8mm or 4.5mm) to open the cartridge.
- A bright light or magnifying glass to examine the PCB and chips.
- A smartphone camera to take close-up photos that you can zoom into.
- Online resources, such as console-specific forums or collector databases, that show what the original PCB and chips look like for a particular game.
Remember that some authentic games have different PCB revisions, so a board that doesn’t match one photo might still be genuine. Cross-reference multiple sources.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I tell if a NES cartridge is fake without opening it?
Sometimes. You can check the label quality, the shell texture, and the weight (authentic cartridges are slightly heavier due to the PCB and sometimes a battery). However, the only way to be 100% sure is to open it and inspect the PCB.
Are reproduction NES games legal?
Reproduction cartridges that use unauthorized copies of copyrighted game ROMs are generally illegal to produce and sell, even if they are not marketed as authentic. The copyright holder has not given permission. However, the legality can be complex, and it varies by jurisdiction.
Why do some fake NES games not save?
Many repros use a flash memory chip that does not have a battery-backed SRAM (static RAM) like the original. Instead, they may use a different save method that is not compatible with the original hardware, or they may lack the battery entirely. This is a common flaw.
Do fake NES cartridges damage my console?
Most repros are electrically compatible and will not damage your NES. However, some poorly made cartridges may have voltage issues or short circuits that could theoretically harm the console. It is generally safe, but if a repro causes graphical glitches or crashes, it is best not to use it.
What is the most reliable way to identify a fake?
Opening the cartridge and looking for the Nintendo logo on the PCB and the specific chip numbers is the most reliable method. If you see a flash memory chip (like a 29F032) or any hand-soldered wires, it is definitely a repro.
Are there any NES games that are commonly faked?
Yes, rare and expensive games like “Little Samson,� “Flintstones: Surprise at Dinosaur Peak,� “Panic Restaurant,� and “Stadium Events� are frequently counterfeited because they can sell for hundreds or thousands of dollars. Common games are less likely to be faked because there is no profit margin.
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