Recently, bootleg N64 games have become very common – Every other retro store sells it.
It made it difficult to distinguish fake N64 games from the original ones for those who are interested in buying genuine ones
In this article, I will share my personal research and experience to help you spot fake N64 games (within a minute or two!)
What is a Repro N64 Cartridge?
Repro N64 cartridge is simple a non-original game cartridge reproduced illegally. The functions and the looks are quite similar, but it lacks originality and quality.
The reproduced cartridges aren’t manufactured by Nintendo. Therefore, the material, prints, embossing, and stickers do not match with the original N64 cartridges.
But the question is, ‘Should I buy fake N64 games’?
There are many problems linked with counterfeit cartridges of Nintendo N64. But one thing which concerns the most is:
Bad Quality of Fake N64 Games
Since N64 repro cartridges aren’t produced originally by Nintendo, quality control is terrible.
Although many duplicate manufacturers use the same original components used by Nintendo to counter the lockout capability of the console (which prevents the use of pirated games).
The graphical quality is low, unlike the original N64 cartridges. You wouldn’t want to play like that, would you?
Why does it happen? Because they do not go through a proper process of the quality process. (Not to mention – A good quality control system requires a financial capital and repro companies can’t afford that)
Would a bad quality product work for you? Maybe — Maybe Not.
It won’t necessarily work for everyone since there is no warranty associated with it.
Also read: Nintendo 64: A Complete Guide With User Experience.
Retro Sellers Misleading to Sell N64 Cartridges
Now you know the problems linked with repro N64 games, it’s not a good idea to buy one.
Still, a lot of retro games sellers have fake N64 games in their showcase. And the worse part is that they call it genuine!
Tips to Spot Fake N64 Games
How can you spot such games to avoid getting scammed?
Simply by following these tips.
1. Check Weight
Since most of the fake cartridges look fairly identical to the original ones, it’s hard to spot originality by appearance if you’re a newbie.
One easy way is to check the weight of the N64 cartridge and compare it with the original game if you have one. You’ll see some significant weight difference.
The fake cartridge will have less weight because of the low-quality material used. The plastic is less smooth and feels like a bit odd in hand.
2. Check Logo at the Back
Nintendo’s printing is nice and smooth. The logo spells ‘Nintendo’, and the above dot in ‘i’ should be square in the original N64 cartridges.
On the other hand, a fake Nintendo logo will have a ‘circle’ dot, which is a sign of bad quality debossing. This is a super-easy way to tell just from eBay pictures. You would never want to buy one having a circle dot.
The whole font of ‘Nintendo’ might be different at the back of a fake cartridge
3. Edges of the Fake Cartridge Box
Fake boxes have a shiny gloss on the surface when you expose them to light. Original N64 boxes are printed like on a card-board.
Since the print is done by photo printers, they do not fold as well as the genuine boxes. It messes up the color and splits from the edges because of folding at the edges.
Imagine folding a photograph; it will break in the same way. An authentic one doesn’t have color breaks because it is meant to be folded.
Another way of identifying fake N64 cartridges is to check the edge of their boxes.
4. Glossy Label
Fake labels are super glossy because of a print on a photo paper.
Original game labels are matte and don’t shine like fake ones. They are a bit duller and tinted. That’s one way to identify if you have a fake game in your hand.
Rear labels have the same characteristic as the front one. Check out both to have a clear confirmation.
5. Stamped Number
Look for a two-digit number stamped on the rear label of the cartridge. (The fake may also have one, but that’s one sign to spot fake N64 game).
The stamped number shows which production facility produced this game or what’s the batch number of the product.
Check other signs, too, if you want to clear your doubts about the game’s originality.
6. Miscellaneous Silly Things
There are lots of silly things that your fake games can display.
For example, the N64 logo printed upside down, mis-spellings, and other goofy stuff like that.
Some of the boxes have a word printed on them ‘reproduced,’ which is the apparent sign of a repro N64 game – You don’t need any tips after that to figure out.
7. Copyright Symbol
In original copies of N64 games, the copyright symbols at the back of cartridges are a lot crisp and sharp than the fake ones.
8. Metal Shield Inside
You can spot the difference here at first glance! This is why you should ask the seller to open up the casing and show you the inside view of the cartridge – He won’t refuse most of the time.
The original cartridge metal shield is a lot bigger than the counterfeit ones. Smaller shields may be a sign of less used material to make the product cheaper.
Fake N64 Games – Don’t Fall for Them
I know the pain of losing your game progress in the middle when you’ve completed several missions — A fake N64 game might cost you that.
I would highly encourage you to buy N64 games from a genuine online retro games store only. This would save your time and money both!
