Nintendo Switch: How to Spot a Fake Console?

Released in 2017, the Nintendo Switch gave Nintendo a new lease of life. Sales of this new console have surpassed those of the WII console, which had been a huge success a few years earlier. Its practicality and playfulness won over a large number of gamers. However, given its success, counterfeiters have been quick to reproduce Nintendo's most emblematic consoles, including the Switch. If you're looking to buy your console second-hand or outside an official shop, here's a real guide to identifying a fake Nintendo Switch console from the real thing.

The box :

First of all, please pay particular attention to the correspondence between the serial numbers on the packaging and those on the console. This may seem an obvious detail, but it's not uncommon for counterfeiters to make the mistake of using a different number.

The box serial number is at the bottom of the box. The same applies to the console serial number, which is located at the bottom of the console.

Also check that the box the Switch comes in is the right colour. All the boxes for the big Nintendo Switch have a red background. The box with a white or white and red background is the original version of the Nintendo Switch.

If you don't have the right colour box, you can now doubt the authenticity of your console.

The console software :

Before checking the console software, make sure you have reset the console if you are buying it second-hand, to ensure that no PIN parental controls are set on the Switch.

To reset it, simply go to the Nintendo Switch home menu, select 'System Settings'. Scroll down and select 'System', then scroll to the bottom of the menu and select 'Format Options'.

If a parental control PIN code has been defined, you will be asked for it at this stage. If you do not have it, ask the retailer from whom you purchased the console. Select "Restore factory settings". Read the information and select "Next" to continue. Finally, select "Restore settings" to reset the console.

If you buy it outside an official shop, make sure you have completed the initial configuration and have access to the "HOME" menu.

Serial number :

Now that your console's settings have been updated, you need to check that the console's system serial number matches the serial number shown on the console to be able to certify its authenticity.

To do this, in the Switch's HOME menu, select System Settings. Scroll down the left-hand side of the menu and select "System" > "Serial Numbers". The serial number should appear at the top of the list.

You can then check whether or not the two numbers are identical. If they're not, chances are you're looking at a counterfeit console.

Joy-Con :

Also check that the colour of the Joy-Con is available from Nintendo. The colours available for the left Joy-Con are grey, red, light blue, yellow, green, pink, blue and purple. The colours available for the right Joy-Con are grey, red, light blue, yellow, green and orange.

You can also analyse a third-party Joy-Con case. The case is normally designed for the original Joy-Con, so if the Joy-Con that came with your console doesn't fit the case, it may be a fake Joy-Con. Counterfeit factories reproduce Joy-Cons that are generally larger than the originals.

Secure your Nintendo Switch purchase with Obvy :

If you want to buy your Nintendo Switch console on resale platforms, we advise you to use Obvy to secure your transaction.

Obvy is a secure payment platform that helps you avoid the scams that are common in transactions between private individuals. When you make a transaction on Obvy, the funds are only credited to your seller when the buyer certifies that the goods purchased are in order. If this is not the case, you are automatically refunded and the item is returned to the seller.

By using Obvy to carry out transactions between private individuals, you can also benefit from payment in several instalments.