Nintendo NES Mini: Counterfeits Continue to Invade the Internet

A worldwide success since its release, the NES Mini continues to unleash passions, but its €60 price tag and the fact that it's hard to find at times may put some people off or lead them to find ways other than the usual distribution networks to (re)discover the classics of Nintendo's first home console. So they're turning to second-hand or private purchases to get their hands on them. But as with any successful product, counterfeits abound.

Even if the situation improves, it can still be difficult to get your hands on Nintendo's little console. The reason? Demand far outstrips production. As a result, many retrogaming fans are turning to the internet to buy the little grey box that saw the birth of Mario, Zelda, Donkey Kong and so on.

Unbeatable prices

Counterfeit consoles are generally priced between €20 and €40. Although they do contain the games, they can present certain risks, due to their design and the materials used.

Play doesn't have to mean danger

Poor-quality welds, non-compliant and low-grade plastics, no testing, non-compliance with standards, risk of overheating and house fires... It's not worth the risk, no pun intended. These products can literally start a fire.

From Ebay to Leboncoin, they're everywhere

These counterfeit consoles are easy to find on private ad sites. As well as some people deliberately wanting to buy these consoles, many buyers actually believe they are buying a genuine console, straight from Nintendo's factories. But it's nothing of the sort!

How can I avoid buying a counterfeit?

A little information and a keen eye can help you avoid buying a counterfeit console:

The invoice

Start by asking for the purchase invoice! This will show you where the console came from and the exact name on the receipt. This is the first indicator that, if conclusive, will make you continue or stop the purchase.

Console packaging

The differences are subtle but very real. If the console is sold as new or with its box, compare it to this photo of authentic packaging:

This is what counterfeit packaging looks like:

The colours of the inks are not the same, there is a small yellow pictogram in the red insert... There are many small details that differ between the two.

Finishes

This is what a counterfeit console looks like: the buttons are not straight, the colour is dull, and the two parts (light and dark) are not properly assembled.

If the buttons move, if the components are poorly assembled, if the cables are not smooth, then the console is very likely to be a poor imitation of the original.

This is what the real console looks like. Note even the colour, which is grey and not at all dull:

The console interface

The Nintendo NES Mini interface is not the same on genuine and counterfeit consoles.

The interface of an authentic Nintendo NES Mini :

The interface of a counterfeit Nintendo NES Mini :

Secure booking and payment

With Obvy, it's simple: you send a promise to purchase to the seller, and the money is secure until the console is delivered or you meet the seller. If you realise it's a counterfeit, you can simply cancel the transaction or return the console to the seller for a full refund.

And if everything's good and it's a genuine console, then you've validated the transaction and the seller has been paid! So don't take any chances, and we hope you have a great night out in Hyrule and the Mushroom Kingdom.