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Krisp
Lite Four
Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 6:21 pm Posts: 3471
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People have made a lot of topics about their Pokemon games in the 3rd generation acting up. Well, it's been discovered that greedy pirates in poor Asian countries have been manufacturing fake Pokemon cartridges. Yes, they go through all that trouble to make a quick buck. Well, I've decided to put an end to these threads by writing this guide.
How to identify a fake Pokemon cartridge:
Since I don't own any fake games, I've browsed EBay in search of fake cartridges. Here are some pictures:
(Compare to mine/Frost's pictures later in this post)
The cartridge is the wrong shade of green; it is more like LeafGreen Version's color. The box is also wrong.
The label is on slightly crooked. The box does NOT say it includes a wireless adapter OR that it is a Player's Choice game. It is also poorly photoshopped and should be compared to my box for further proof that it is indeed a fake.
Totally fake. Compare it to Frost's official game.
...I don't really think this one needs an explanation.
PLEASE ALSO NOTE: THERE IS NO ENGLISH GREEN VERSION. IF IT DOES NOT LOOK LIKE THE FOLLOWING IMAGE IT IS A FAKE:
Okay, now for the REAL Pokemon cartridges. (I made them big so you can identify detail, so click on them instead)
http://img151.imageshack.us/img151/4599/1000852kh7.jpg
Pokemon LeafGreen box, and manual. Pokemon Sapphire box and manual. Pokemon Ruby cartridge and instructions. Pokemon Emerald box, and cartridge. Pokemon FireRed cartridge and box. Since it's hard to see the cartridges, I took another picture.
http://img142.imageshack.us/img142/6966/1000854lh6.jpg
For the games/boxes I missed, here's an image of them:
And as for the first, second, and fourth generation games, please refer to these images:
http://img410.imageshack.us/img410/892/1000858ce0.jpg
(Gold/Silver/Crystal; Crystal's manual is similar to G/S but is lavender instead of gold or silver)
http://img521.imageshack.us/img521/4048/1000859xj8.jpg
(Red/Blue/Yellow; also note that my Red Version's book is faded for some reason. It should look like the book on the left. Yellow's manual is identical to R/B).
Diamond/Pearl cartridges
Diamond/Pearl boxes
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Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:11 pm |
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Frost
THE POWER IS ON!
Joined: Wed Aug 04, 2004 3:29 am Posts: 1581 Location: Purple Ranger
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-random trolling because i helped get pictures and krisp's avatar + frost's avatar = hot-
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Mon Jul 07, 2008 10:44 pm |
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Russellah
Bug Catcher
Joined: Sat Jul 14, 2007 12:04 am Posts: 10
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To be honest i think the 3rd Gen fakes are pretty good.
You only notice if you know what to look for.
_________________Animeviewer.net
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Tue Jul 15, 2008 1:25 pm |
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hammythepig
Ace Trainer
Joined: Fri Nov 16, 2007 7:57 am Posts: 302 Location: Whitby, Ontario, Canada
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I knewly got LeafGreen, can you show pics of real games so I can see if its fake?
EDIT: Sorry Krisp
_________________Soul Silver: FC: 1033-7425-8991 Name: Andrew Black: FC: 5028 3780 4610 Name: Hammy
Last edited by hammythepig on Wed Jul 16, 2008 7:43 am, edited 1 time in total.
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Tue Jul 15, 2008 2:19 pm |
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Krisp
Lite Four
Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 6:21 pm Posts: 3471
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_________________
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Tue Jul 15, 2008 10:01 pm |
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Prof. Dom
Dragon Tamer
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 1:18 pm Posts: 205 Location: oh...noes.
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My LeafGreen is grey like that of a normal Advance catridge, it is compatible with other pokemon games but doesn't work on Collosseum.
It also says "the save file is ok." when I turn it on, I've been told that's abnormal. Other than that it hasn't played up. Is mine a fake?
_________________thanks to hammy.
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Thu Jul 31, 2008 9:31 am |
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Pokemaniac
Pokemon Ranger
Joined: Fri Aug 25, 2006 2:27 pm Posts: 920 Location: Canada
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Quote: My LeafGreen is grey like that of a normal Advance catridge
Well you just answered your own question. Why it works with the other Pokemon games but not with Colosseum is odd.
_________________ Pokemon Pearl FC:2749 9225 9473 Up for a battle anytime! Just PM me.
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Thu Jul 31, 2008 5:17 pm |
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JsXtm
Gym Leader
Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2005 1:34 pm Posts: 2204 Location: Madison, WI
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Prof. Dom wrote: My LeafGreen is grey like that of a normal Advance catridge, it is compatible with other pokemon games but doesn't work on Collosseum.
It also says "the save file is ok." when I turn it on, I've been told that's abnormal. Other than that it hasn't played up. Is mine a fake?
Yes, that would be a fake copy, according to this guide.
If it works just fine, though, there's no reason to buy a new (legit) one.
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Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:55 am |
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Krisp
Lite Four
Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 6:21 pm Posts: 3471
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I was going to reply to this thread with my phone, but the pictures in the first post crashed it.
As for your fake cartridge, I suggest you get a real copy. It saves with a BATTERY back up, not flash memory. If you've seen my guide for replacing the battery in G/S/C cartridges, you'll know what a pain this is. Your file will poof eventually, when the battery dies. The battery is most likely very poor quality (those damn Koreans), and I'd say it won't last longer than a GSC battery.
I'm interested to know what it looks like though - could you possibly take a picture of it? Can you migrate Pokemon to Diamond/Pearl from it?
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Sat Aug 02, 2008 9:23 pm |
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jupiter
Pokemon Trainer
Joined: Fri Nov 09, 2007 8:14 am Posts: 45 Location: philippines
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To Krisp:
Hi,may i request sumthing? can u post in ur guide the pics of the original GBA SP and NDS Pokemon games?or just pm it to me or just give me the website wer i can find the pics of those original pkmn games?OR can u take a picture oF ur original pkmn games in possession?i guess u have original pokemon R/S/E and pkmn Diamond And Pearl.^^tnx
Um a Little off topic:i noticed sumthing funny here it says on my data that i joined here in Dec 31 1969 wat the HECK!? why is that?ahhaah^^
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Sun Aug 17, 2008 10:46 pm |
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Horadrius
Bug Catcher
Joined: Sun Aug 19, 2007 10:23 pm Posts: 4
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As someone who was fooled twice on eBay (got both counterfeit Ruby AND Sapphire cartridges) I thought I'd put in my two cents.
The first weird thing I noticed was that upon starting the game, I would get a message that said "The save file is OK" after the title screen. Then after losing my game data TWICE after attempting to trade with Colosseum, I started to look for information.
The piece of information I came across proved to be extremely useful. If you look up the bottom of the cartridge, on the green circuit board you should actually see the word "Nintendo" printed on it, in its signature oval shape.
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Mon Aug 25, 2008 9:57 am |
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Veilor
Bug Catcher
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2008 5:11 am Posts: 3
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Hi, I bought Pokemon Emerald on internet and it's really a GOOD fake, but there's just a few things that I noticed for it to be a fake.
1. The obvious box, where the art looks printed and the front shiny like on the picture above(and the 7 page book!)
2. The clock doesnt work.
3. The sticker doesnt match whats on the pictures
Now the cartridge looks like the real deal, it does, says made in japan and everything. But when I flip it, it's some black text on the circuit board and missing what previous poster said nintendo logo thing.
It says when I start the game, ''The save file will be loaded'' and ''The game can be played'', I don't know if thats normal or not.
Well anyway my conclusion is that its a fake, hope the seller will be nice to return the money, heres a picture of the cartridge...looks blurry as I took it with the webcam
Another thing I noticed is that EU versions of the games have a CE mark on the right side of the cartridge and the nintendo logo to the left, might help.
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Tue Nov 04, 2008 5:27 am |
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JsXtm
Gym Leader
Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2005 1:34 pm Posts: 2204 Location: Madison, WI
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Veilor wrote: It says when I start the game, ''The save file will be loaded'' and ''The game can be played'', I don't know if thats normal or not.
Well anyway my conclusion is that its a fake, hope the seller will be nice to return the money
Not normal, and ha ha ha ha ha, good luck with that, the seller most likely knew that it was fake, and was intentionally trying to rip you off.
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Wed Nov 05, 2008 6:38 am |
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Veilor
Bug Catcher
Joined: Tue Nov 04, 2008 5:11 am Posts: 3
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No sorry I cant =/ I got a hold of the guy and I've sent it back. I will get my money back =)
I did however get a shot of the text on the circuitboard, a decent pic with my webcam(with the help of a flashlight though...)
EDIT: Wow didn't think this was possible, but I now present to you pictures of a fake Pokemon Pearl! (I am an unlucky guy ). When I first opened it looked really suspicious and then other things got noticed.
Pics of the front, as you see it's missing the wifi icon. Other than that it looks alright.
Totally different picture than whats on your cartridges up there.
Now I havent seen the back of Pokemon Diamond or Pearl, but this background sure looks suspicious to me. if I am wrong just correct me . But to me it looks fake..
and also, Pokemon is written really weird in the weird looking book I got with it. And it looks copy pasted in the book also. can take a pic of it too if you want.
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Fri Nov 07, 2008 12:01 am |
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Krisp
Lite Four
Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 6:21 pm Posts: 3471
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Today, I was in another town, so I decided to visit their Gamestop. I looked at the GBA games, and....
This is either a fake cartridge (a very well done one) or it's the European version. Can anyone in Europe confirm this is the official Ruby Version cartridge?
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Sat Mar 07, 2009 12:32 pm |
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Patchy
Pokemon Master
Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:17 am Posts: 1018
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My Ruby doesn't look like that. The Nintendo seal of approval sticker is in the wrong place on that one, the text looks bolder and my cartridge is a shinier colour. I'll post its picture in the morning.
Edit: here it is
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Mon Mar 09, 2009 12:34 am |
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petz629
Bug Catcher
Joined: Mon Jan 21, 2008 7:27 pm Posts: 16
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Here's a better picture of the box of the cartridge:
I have few questions:
1. Do the boxes of Pokemon cartridges look the same evn if they are not from the same region?
2. Do Leafgreen and Firered come without a wireless daptor?
3. Does "The save file is OK." an indication that the cartridge is fake? What are the other indications that it's fake aside from the box and the picture on the cartridge?
4. How much does a genuine Pokemon cartridge cost in USA? Please list each version's price.
I have a friend that is coming home from California and I am requesting her to buy for me genuine Pokemon cartridges. I want genuine cartridges but I can't find any here. The previous posts saying that "piracy is common here" is true.
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Thu Mar 12, 2009 12:38 am |
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JsXtm
Gym Leader
Joined: Fri Sep 02, 2005 1:34 pm Posts: 2204 Location: Madison, WI
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petz629 wrote: I have few questions:
2. Do Leafgreen and Firered come without a wireless adaptor?
Yes, pretty frequently. The version with the wireless adapter was only available for a few months, I think, most versions in stores right now are without.
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Mon Mar 16, 2009 5:16 pm |
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Patchy
Pokemon Master
Joined: Wed Oct 03, 2007 6:17 am Posts: 1018
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Quote: 3. Does "The save file is OK." an indication that the cartridge is fake? What are the other indications that it's fake aside from the box and the picture on the cartridge?
4. How much does a genuine Pokemon cartridge cost in USA? Please list each version's price.
3. Yes, unless it says something else about the internal battery and clock-based events.
4. Hopefully someone actually from the USA can clarify this, but I think they're about $30-$40. Al long as you get them from somewhere reliable, like Toys R Us or Gamestop, they should be genuine.
And I'm not sure about the boxes. My DP boxes are American and they're sort of sparkly, and I think the ones in shops here were just plain.
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Tue Mar 17, 2009 3:53 am |
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DarkMegaMan
Ace Trainer
Joined: Wed Nov 26, 2008 7:39 pm Posts: 335 Location: Sitting on a chair
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Patchy wrote: Quote: 4. How much does a genuine Pokemon cartridge cost in USA? Please list each version's price.
4. Hopefully someone actually from the USA can clarify this, but I think they're about $30-$40. Al long as you get them from somewhere reliable, like Toys R Us or Gamestop, they should be genuine.
Actually, RSE and FRLG have pretty much disappeared from most stores, all they have is DP. When they were first released they were $29.99. If you see any on store shelves they will most likely be around $19.99.
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Tue Mar 17, 2009 4:52 am |
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Krisp
Lite Four
Joined: Sun May 29, 2005 6:21 pm Posts: 3471
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The last copies of Sapphire, LeafGreen, and Emerald Versions at Walmart are marked down to $10. I picked up Sapphire Version because I gave my old game to my brother, and I was thinking about buying the last Emerald Version and pawning it off on EBay, but I can't be assed.
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Tue Mar 31, 2009 4:52 pm |
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Pokemaniac1237
Psychic Trainer
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:56 pm Posts: 71
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DarkMegaMan wrote: Patchy wrote: Quote: 4. How much does a genuine Pokemon cartridge cost in USA? Please list each version's price.
4. Hopefully someone actually from the USA can clarify this, but I think they're about $30-$40. Al long as you get them from somewhere reliable, like Toys R Us or Gamestop, they should be genuine.
Actually, RSE and FRLG have pretty much disappeared from most stores, all they have is DP. When they were first released they were $29.99. If you see any on store shelves they will most likely be around $19.99.
Where do you live? I get them for $30!
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Fri Apr 10, 2009 1:44 pm |
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jirachiX
Psychic Trainer
Joined: Sun Apr 05, 2009 4:24 am Posts: 93 Location: *gone.*
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The first cartridge I bought won't save! Gaaahhhh!!!!
_________________ Bye Psypoke.
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Thu Apr 16, 2009 8:28 pm |
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Beav232
Just your average 10 year old
Joined: Sat Jul 19, 2008 5:05 pm Posts: 197 Location: Look behind you. I'm the guy with the knife.
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I saw the worst attempt at a fake the other day on Ebay.
Sorry for no pics.
But:
1. It was titled 'Sea Blue' (obvious)
2. Has a 3-D Blastoise on the front
3. Cartridge looked like a non-tansparent Sapphire.
I E-mailed the buyer and told him it was a fake not to pay for it. Then I e-mailed the seller and reported him.
ANd my leafgreen at Wal-Mart was $14.99.
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Sun Apr 19, 2009 8:48 am |
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Pokemaniac1237
Psychic Trainer
Joined: Thu Jan 01, 2009 10:56 pm Posts: 71
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Beav232 wrote: I saw the worst attempt at a fake the other day on Ebay.
Sorry for no pics.
But:
1. It was titled 'Sea Blue' (obvious)
2. Has a 3-D Blastoise on the front
3. Cartridge looked like a non-tansparent Sapphire.
I E-mailed the buyer and told him it was a fake not to pay for it. Then I e-mailed the seller and reported him.
ANd my leafgreen at Wal-Mart was $14.99.
Sea blue is a [forbidden word] hack. A guy put it on a cartridge and sold it.
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Sun Apr 19, 2009 4:02 pm |
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