Originals only.

The policy

A reproduction is any unlicensed copy made to look like an original game: a cart with a copied ROM on a new or donor board, a burned disc, or a fake label on a real shell. These are not allowed:

• Reproduction or counterfeit cartridges and discs, labeled or not
• Bootlegs, unlicensed “hacks” and translations on cartridge
• Multicarts and flash carts presented or bundled as an original game
• Original shells or boxes paired with a reproduction game inside
• Items described with euphemisms like “reprint,” “aftermarket,” “custom” or “backup copy”

What's allowed

Licensed re-releases

Official releases from licensed publishers such as Limited Run Games or Retro-Bit are welcome. They must use the “Licensed re-release” edition so buyers can tell them from original prints.

Reproduction boxes & manuals — disclosed

An original game with a reproduction box, manual, case or insert can be listed if each repro part is marked. It can't be called Complete in Box.

Replaced shells and batteries — disclosed

A genuine board in a replacement shell, or a replaced save battery, is a modification. List it with the modification selected.

Original hardware and accessories

First-party and licensed third-party consoles, controllers and accessories. Unlicensed accessories must be clearly identified as such.

Enforcement

Reported listings are reviewed by our staff. If a listing is confirmed as a reproduction sold as an original:

1. 1

   First offense: strike

   The listing is removed, any affected orders are refunded, and the account gets a strike. Payouts for those orders are not released.
2. 2

   Second offense: permanent ban

   The account is permanently closed. Funds still held on the account are applied to refunds owed to affected buyers.

We may skip straight to a ban for deliberate fraud, such as knowingly passing off reproductions in volume.

How to spot a reproduction

No single tell is proof. Look at several together, and when in doubt, ask the seller for a photo of the circuit board before you buy. Genuine sellers of high-value games expect the request.

Anything on cartridge

• Board photos are the best evidence. Original boards carry the manufacturer's name and part numbers, with individual, labeled chips. A single black epoxy “blob” where the chips should be, or a board with no maker markings, is a strong sign of a fake.
• Label print quality. Fakes are often blurry, pixelated, oversaturated or too glossy, with colors that don't match known originals. Check for misspellings and missing ® or ™ marks.
• Screws. Nintendo carts use security screws (gamebit or tri-wing depending on the system). A standard Phillips screw means the cart has been opened — sometimes for a legitimate battery swap, often not.
• Shell details. Compare the plastic color, texture, molded text and seam fit against a known-good copy. Shells that are too shiny, the wrong shade, or have soft molded lettering deserve a closer look.
• Weight. Reproductions often use fewer or smaller chips and cheaper plastic, so they can feel noticeably lighter than a known original.
• Price and quantity. Multiple “mint” copies of a rare game from one seller, priced well under market, is a red flag.

Game Boy, Game Boy Color & Game Boy Advance Pokémon

These are the most-faked games in the hobby. Check:

• The board says Nintendo and has separate chips — not a single epoxy blob. Battery-backed titles should have a visible coin-cell battery.
• GBA carts: genuine front labels have a small number stamped into the label (it presses into the sticker rather than being printed on it). Fakes usually lack it or print it flat.
• GBA Ruby, Sapphire and Emerald use a battery for the in-game clock; many fakes don't, and they often fail or show clock errors.
• Back labels on fakes are often missing, generic, or printed with the wrong codes and fonts.

Super Nintendo

• Many SNES repros are built inside real donor carts, so the shell alone proves little. The board type and chips should match that specific game — ask for a board photo on any expensive RPG.
• Watch for labels that are slightly the wrong size, sit crooked, or are glossier than the rest of the cart.

Nintendo 64

• Genuine boards carry Nintendo markings and part numbers with labeled chips; repros commonly use generic flash chips or epoxy blobs.
• Compare label color and finish against a known original — fakes are often too dark or saturated, with soft text and missing trademark symbols.
• Check the back label for correct product codes and a clean print.

How to report a listing

1. 1

   Open the listing

   Any active listing can be reported, whether or not you've bought it.
2. 2

   Choose “Report” and select “Reproduction”

   Add what you noticed — a label detail, a screw, a missing board photo. Specifics help our review.
3. 3

   We review it

   Staff review reported listings and may ask the seller for more photos. High-value listings can be paused while we look.

Already received a reproduction? Don't just report it — open a claim from Dashboard → Purchases so your refund is handled.