How to Tell if a GBA Game Is Fake

Step-by-Step Guide

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   Step 1: Look at the label.

   Sometimes, the label will be a custom one different from the official one.
   
   There are many things that can be altered: the Nintendo loo, the ESRB rating icon, and the Game Boy Advance logo.
   
   Search the cartridge on Google Images and compare them.
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   Step 2: Check the color.

   Most GBA games are grey, excluding the label.
   
   Some games, like the Pokémon Games, will have a certain colour, whether it is solid orange (FireRed) or green (LeafGreen), or translucent ruby (Ruby), green (Emerald) and blue (Sapphire) colors. , If there is a small number imprint on the label, it most likely is official.
   
   Almost all (if not all) legit games have this.
   
   If there isn't, it's a fake. , There should be a certain copyright text there.
   
   If there isn't, it's a fake. , Mainly check the label, for such errors as Licensed or on the back Nintendo. , Generally, these fakes won't save properly, and come up with a message when you start it.
   
   Pokémon fakes are generally always gonna do this. , A good example is Super Mario Advance 4:
   Super Mario Bros.
   3.
   
   Which on the fake says 'Licensed By'
   
   but the regular cartridge just has "Nintendo" on it. ,, If your game does has a battery inside, it's a fake. ,
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   Step 3: Hold it up in the light.

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   Step 4: Look inside the circuit board.

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   Step 5: Look for typos.

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   Step 6: Play the game!

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   Step 7: Check if it should say 'Licensed by Nintendo' or just Nintendo.

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   Step 8: If something on the cartridge is missing

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   Step 9: and should be there

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    Step 10: then that game is a fake.

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    Step 11: Check if your game has a battery in it.

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    Step 12: Sometimes a fake game cartridge has trouble fitting in a Game Boy Advance/Game Boy Advance SP/Game Boy Micro.

Detailed Guide

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