The games sought attract unauthorized copies, fake jackets and recomposed copies. Some imitations are obvious; Others ask for a very precise comparison. There is therefore no universal test: the objective is to accumulate consistent evidence before paying.

Why counterfeits exist

Rare and expensive games are reproduced because it is profitable. It can be found on cartridge (especially retro) as on disk. Some repos are coarse, others very convincing: hence the importance of check several indicesNever one.

The signs that betray a false

On the jacket and case

  • Dark or too saturated colours, blurred, pixelized print.
  • slightly different fonts official.
  • Text on the back mistranslated, errors, approximate editor logos.
  • EAN, product code or legal information inconsistent with the region.

An imperfect impression is not sufficient proof: official productions vary according to factory, country and drawing. Compare with scans of the same variant, not with the first image found.

On the cartridge (retro)

  • Colour of plastic unusual, shell that doesn't fit well.
  • Label brilliant, badly cut, or glued from the cross.
  • Screws non-standard (originals often use special screws).
  • Once opened: circuit, markings or components incompatible with an authentic documented card.

Do not open a cartridge that does not belong to you without the agreement of the seller. Use the appropriate tool not to damage the screw or shell, and compare the map with a specific reference to the platform and game code.

On CD / DVD

  • Visible recordable media (CD-R/DVD-R), ink jet printing or atypical data layer.
  • Matrix code near the absent or inconsistent hub with a documented copy.
  • Screen printing, product code and region that do not match the jacket.

A replaced case or missing record does not render the disc false. This changes the completeness, not the authenticity of the medium.

On a sealed game

A blister does not authenticate what it contains. Checks the type of weld, possible tabs, folds, stickers and above all their consistency with the country and the era. For a expensive piece, ask the opinion of a platform specialist rather than relying on a simple "clean sewing".

Check-list before buying used

  1. Demand real photos : front/side of the jacket, cartridge/disc, and back of the case.
  2. Remove IDs EAN, product code, disk/cartouche serial number and matrix code if visible.
  3. Compare the same variant in a documented database, not only the general coverage of the game.
  4. Checks consistency between case, notice, support, region and language.
  5. Examines seller context History, other identical copies, description copied and answers to questions.
  6. Stay on the platform payment and keeps photos and exchanges.

A very low price is a signal to be examined, not proof of false. Conversely, a high price does not authentify anything.

What to do in case of doubt?

Asks specific questions and asks for a photo dated from a detail difficult to repeat from another advertisement. If the evidence remains insufficient, do not buy as "original".

After receipt, photograph the opening of the package and immediately compare the object to the advertisement. In case of a suspected copy, open the dispute within the time limits of the platform and do not return the object for sale. Vinted and eBay explicitly prohibit unauthorized forgeries and copies.

Verified sources

FAQ

How do I know if a video game is an original?

Crosses several clues: print quality of the jacket, label and plastic of the cartridge, disc screen printing, region consistency and barcode. Only one clue is not enough.

Are repos illegal?

The word "repro" covers different situations. Unauthorized copies and objects presented as genuine while not are prohibited by eBay and Vinted. For a specific legal case, seek professional advice.

Is a cheap game necessarily wrong?

No, but on a rare and sought after title, an abnormally low price is the first warning signal to check.