• For the Nintendo DS accessories, click here.
• For the NTR-031 cartridges, click here.
• For other Nintendo DS cartridges, click here.

This is a very in-depth guide dedicated to both legitimate and fake Nintendo DS NTR-005 cartridges. The Nintendo DS cartridges had a production lifespan from 2004-2014.

We have made this wiki entry as clear and accessible to all as we can. In order to keep this as tidy as possible, we've included collapsible tables. Simply tap (click here to expand) to see further, in-depth information.

Contents

1. Carts
1. What about IR carts?
2. How many types of cartridges are there?
3. Debossings on Rear Cart
4. Regions
2. Labels
1. Dual-Screen Logo (Not a Verification Method)
2. Nintendo Seal of Quality
3. PCB Batch Identifiers
1. How many carts have Nintendo on the PCB?
2. The M8 and MB Problem
4. PCB Variations
5. Inked Codes (Not a Verification Method)
6. Top Seam (Not a Verification Method)
7. Decoding
1. Cartridge Codes
2. Inked Codes
8. Cases
9. Seals
10. Opening a DS Cart
11. Special Thanks

Carts:

There are multiple ways to determine a fake DS game. We'll start with one of the most commonly faked games, Pokemon Platinum; and a numbered list (in pink) of what to look for to determine a fake cart. A legitimate US Pokemon Platinum cartridge is below the numbered fake. Please note, some points in this visual guide are not applicable to other cartridges.

Explanations and Comparisons (click here to expand)

No.	Fake	Legit
1	Label positioning and size is incorrect.	Label should be centered and have a noticeable margin (0.5mm) from label to cart, but can shift over time. .
2	ESRB rating is the incorrect typeface.	ESRB rating should look like this: [click me](https://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/a/a9/ESRB_Everyone.svg/1468px-ESRB_Everyone.svg.png)
3	Font is incorrect.	Front should have more definition, and clearer.
4	Nintendo logo background is opaque.	Nintendo logo background should be translucent.
5	Lower-left label corner is curved.	Lower-left corner should be straight-cut.
6	Serial cart font looks similar to Calibri - https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Calibri.	Font should look slim and blocky in most cases, this can differ for some JP and US cartridges.
7	Triangle on front is too deep.	Triangle should be barely visible in some lighting.
8	Back is visibly convex.	Back should be minutely but visibly concave.
9	Injection mold mark is deep and clearly visible.	Injection mold should be faintly visible and shallow.
10	Nintendo logo font is thick, blocky and not level.	Nintendo logo should be clearly definable, matching Nintendo's typeface.
11	NTR-005 font is thick and blocky.	NTR-005 font should be more defined with a shallow debossing
12	PAT. PEND. is thin and the incorrect font.	PAT. PEND should be more defined with a shallow debossing.
13	Dot-matrix stamp is the wrong font, and slightly stretched.	Whilst these can be rubbed off, the dot-matrix stamp should be more defined (XXXXN0J09 is a legitimate stamp variation).
14	Kerning, position and size of DB is incorrect.	PCB batch identifier should be thinner, and sharper.
15	PCB colour is a solid green.	PCB colour should be dark green.
16	Plastic tab is curved.	Tab should be chamfered at a 45° angle.
17	C29-01 as a PCB variation.	C29-01 is not a valid PCB variation.

Shaking the cart for it to make a sound doesn't always prove a legit cart. Legit carts without the interior making a noise while shaking do exist and are common. After cracking a DS cart open (DON'T), this is because of the DS's carts symmetrical mounting system. Images can be found here, of the interior of the cart.

What about IR carts (NTR-031)?

These were harder to fake due to the bespoke IR components on the PCB, and the translucency of the cartridges, however this is no longer the case and has been for some time.

The biggest difference of the NTR-005 and NTR-031 carts is the colour. In direct light, the NTR-031 carts have a crimson tint as the cart is translucent. In comparison, NTR-005 carts are always grey or white.

• Prior to 2021, counterfeits of these cartridges were common in the "R4" guise. That's basically a flashcart with concave edges to signify the differing cartridges.
• From 2021 to May 2023, it was very common to be hit by a relabel scam. Unscrupulous sellers would remove a label of Walk With Me/Active Health, and tack a third-party label for a Gen 4 or Gen 5 mainline Pokemon game.
• In May 2023, we were made aware of new NTR-031 counterfeits. These cartridges have translucent casings, and are closer to legitimate NTR-031 cartridges than ever before. See the image below.

As a result, the light trick is no longer a verification method.

Due to this section on the Nintendo DS cartridges being very long as it is, we have a separate verification guide for the NTR-031 carts, explaining how to verify these effectively.

See the NTR-031 Verification Guide for more information, and a list of games that use IR carts.

How many types of cartridges are there?

There are 6 different types of DS cartridges (click here to expand).

Cart Type	Games	Colour	Front	Back
NTR-005	3452	Grey
NTR-005¹	6	White
NTR-005(-04)	2	Grey
NTR-016²	1	White
NTR-030³	1	Grey
NTR-031	8	Crimson

¹ This variant of the NTR-005 is used for DSi Exclusive games. These games are only compatible for the DSi and 3DS.

² Whilst not necessarily a game, per se, the NTR-016 cartridge is used as an antenna to allow your DS to receive TV signals. Due to space constraints, the NTR-016 cartrdige may be a bit smooshed. Click here for the front of the cartridge and click here for the back of the cartridge, or right-click the image to open in a new tab. If you've got a better back image of the NTR-016 cartridge, submit an image onto the subreddit. No møøses.

³ Whilst not necessarily a game, per se, the NTR-030 cartridge is used as an positional sensor to allow your DS to bring out your inner astronomer and chart the night sky. Japan definitely got the cool shit.

There are other carts used for the Nintendo DS that do not use the DS cart format, these are not included in this table. For verification guides on these cartridges, click here.

Debossings on Rear Cart

• All legitimate carts show "PAT. PEND.", with a space in between the first full stop and "PEND"; however there are fakes with both the spacing, and omitted.
• The dot in the "i" of the Nintendo logo must match Nintendo's typeface, being square. A circular or ovular dot equals a fake. However, there are fakes with the square dot, and in certain lighting conditions and picture quality, the square can appear chamfered. As a result, this is not a verification method.

Regions

Contrary to popular belief of those who think America is the only country in the world, there are several different regions in which the Nintendo DS (a Japanese console) and its games were released. There are many instances where some games were not released in the US, being a Japanese and/or European exclusive (Learn with Pokemon being a prime example of this). Due to the release of games in different countries, there can be instances where the game name slightly changes to be a direct translation in its native tongue. For example, see the below table for Pokemon Pearl:

English	French	German	Italian	Spanish
Pearl Version	Version Perle	Perl- Edition	Versione Perla	Edicion Perla

Remember, just because a game is spelled "wrong" by your logic, doesn't automatically mean it's fake. There are hundreds of languages that have existed longer than the English language.

For a full list of regional variants of the Pokemon franchise, click here for more information.

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Labels:

The section of the label where the NTR game code identifier resides does not have to be white. This can also be black dependent on regional variations, namely European and Japanese copies. The position of the NTR code does not have to be dead center, either.

Legitimate PAL Mario Kart and Tetris Party Deluxe with differing NTR coloured sections, legitimate US Pokemon Black 2 with differing NTR code position.

The font of the NTR game code identifier on the label can vary, dependent on game. This is rather uncommon, but has some variations.

All legitimate DS carts with differing NTR game code identifier fonts. "Common" identifier font bottom-right.

Dual-Screen Logo (not a verification method)

Every DS cart should have the dual-screen logo. However, there are instances where the logo has been omitted due to printing errors. This is rare. Most dual-screen logos include a skewed marker, but there are some carts have the marker squared off, such as Pokemon Black 2. This is also normal, and as a result, we shouldn't be using this as a verification method.

Legitimate Dual-Screen logos for the NTR-005 and NTR-031 carts. Skewed, straight and missing. Note the smaller "TM" for the DSi cartridge.

Nintendo Seal (of Quality):

The "Official (or original) Nintendo Seal (of Quality)" is not a viable way to determine a fake. Some games have ONS, other games have ONSoQ, but in some cases a game could have ONSoQ, and in a different printing batch at a later date by the manufacturer, the game could be printed with just ONS. Pokemon Platinum is a definite miscreant (for lack of a better word) for this. As a result, we won't be weighing heavily into the seal for this guide. Yes, the seal can be a factor in determining a fake, but it's no way near as viable or a dead giveaway as most people think. Japanese carts lack the ONSoQ in its entirety for most carts..

US SoulSilver, Official Nintendo Seal. JP SoulSilver, no seal. EU Black, Original Nintendo Seal of Quality.

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PCB Batch Identifiers

All DS carts utilise a batch indentifier on the PCB. This batch identifier is based on the PCB itself, dependent on manufacture date, factory location, revision etc. The PCB batch identifiers can use the common 1 or 2 (x or xx) digit alphabetic format shared with the 3DS cartridges, or in the launch era of the Nintendo DS cartridges (2004-2006), "Nintendo". From mid-late 2005, the 1-2 digit alphabetic format came into play.

Identifier	2004	2005	2006	2007
Nintendo	Yes	Yes	Yes	No
"x" Format	No	Yes	Yes	Yes
"xx" Format	No	Yes	Yes	Yes

How many carts have "Nintendo" on the PCB?

"Nintendo" as a batch identifier was used for titles early in the DS's lifespan, prior to Nintendo utilising the 1 or 2 (x or xx) digit alphabetic format. The below table details the latest release date in which "Nintendo" on the PCB is found, in alpabetical order by game. Some games released after another region may have a different PCB batch identifier - this is common. Some images have been added.

List of Games using Nintendo on the PCB (click here to expand)

Game	Release	Game Code	Image
Asphalt Urban GT	Jun 2005 (JP)	ASHx
Daigasso! Band Brothers	Dec 2004 (JP)	ABBx
Devilish Ball Bounder	Apr 2005 (JP)	ADVx
Egg Monster Hero	Mar 2005 (JP)	AGGx
Feel the Magic/Project Rub	Mar 2005 (EU)	APRx
Frogger: Helmet Chaos	Sep 2005 (NA)	AFGx
GoldenEye Rogue Agent	Jul 2005 (EU)	AGEx
Madden NFL 2005	Nov 2004 (US)	AMDx
Madden NFL 06	Sep 2005 (EU)	AM6x
Metroid Prime Hunters: First Hunt (Demo)	Mar 2005 (EU)	AMFx
Need for Speed Underground 2	Jul 2005 (US)	AUGx
Ping Pals	Feb 2005 (AU)	APPx
Pokemon Dash	Mar 2005 (EU)	APDx
Rayman DS	Mar 2005 (EU)	ARYx
Super Mario 64 DS	Mar 2005 (EU)	ASMx

Some counterfeit cartridges do have "Nintendo" on the PCB. These are usually on games released later than the 2004-2006 area. As a result, if your game was released after 2004-2006 with Nintendo on the PCB, it's most likely fake.

The M8 and MB Problem

M8 (13 when obscured by the plastic contact guards) on the PCB is a bonafide way to determine counterfeit carts. However, the M8 should not be confused with "MB", which is a legitimate cart identifier.

Fake Mario Kart DS on left with M8 batch identifer, legitimate Kirby Mouse Attack on right with MB batch identifier. Back faces.

Unfortunately, we are aware of some fake carts that use MB as their batch identifier.

Back faces of fake Pokemon Diamond on left and fake Pokemon Pearl with MB batch identifer. Note the PCB identifier not matching any known PCB variations.

M8 and MB are not the only batch identifiers used by fakes. Here's a table including some of the common batch identifiers:

List of Batch Identifiers (click here to expand)

Batch Identifier	Fake	Legit?	Earliest Release?	Latest Release?
Nintendo	Yes	Yes	2004	2005
ADS	No	Yes	2007	2013
CG	No	Yes	2006	2007
CS	Yes	Yes	2005	2009
DA	No	Yes	2005	2012
DB	Yes	Yes	2005	2009
DI	Yes	Yes	2007	2013
DJ	No	Yes	2006	2009
DQ	Yes	Unknown
DS	No	Yes	2005	2009
DT	No	Yes	2005	2012
DY	No	Yes	2006	2010
DZ	No	Yes	2006	2013
GB	No	Yes
A	No	Yes	2005	2012
I	Yes	Yes	2005	2014
K	Yes	Yes	2005	2013
M8	Yes	Never
MB	Yes	Yes	2005	2009

Just because a batch identifier isn't used for fake games yet, doesn't mean it won't be in the future. You must always bear this mind when verifying games. Counterfeits always evolve over time.

Release dates are subject to more research

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PCB Variations

This section is in progress, and PCB cart variations are not absolute.

All DS carts have varying PCB variants. The type of PCB can be determined via the back right of the PCB, above the contacts. Some games would only use one type of PCB, yet others would use several. Pokemon Platinum, for example, uses five different PCB variations dependent on region and printing revision, from the C-series to the Y-series of PCB's (C03-10, C05-01, C05-20, Y08-01, Y10-01). As long as the kerning is correct, and the PCB matches a known variant, this can be used as a verification method.

Nintendo DS cartridges use the following alphanumeric formats for PCB variations:

• NTR-005: X##-##
• NTR-016: XXX-##
• NTR-031: IRX##-##

For the NTR-005 series:

• X is the 1st letter which dictates the series of PCB.
• ##-## is the 2nd to 5th digits, using numbers and a dash separator between the 3rd and 4th digits.

For the NTR-016 series:

• XXX are the three letters which dictate the series of PCB.
• ## is the 4th to 5th digits, using numbers after the dash seperator.

For the NTR-031 series:

• IR always precedes the NTR-031 line of cartridges.
• X is the 3rd letter which dictates the series of PCB.
• ##-## is the 4th to 7th digits, using numbers and a dash separator between the 5th and 6th digits.

Legitimate PCB Variations (click here to expand)

C01-01	C01-02	C01-10*	C02-01*	C02-10	C03-01
C03-10*	C04-01	C04-10	C04-20	C05-01	C05-10
C05-20	C08-01	C17-01	C22-01	-	-
OSD-01	OSD-02	OSD-03	-	-	VAN-01
Y01-10	Y08-01	Y08-10	Y10-01*	-	-
IRC01-01	IRC01-10	IRC02-01*	IRU01-01	IRU01-10	IRU02-01

If a cartridge doesn't follow any of the above formats, it's fake (unless it's a prototype cartridge). Images of legitimate PCB variants can be found here. Fake PCB variations that use the same identifier as a legit PCB are marked with ( * ).

Fake PCB Variations (click here to expand)

ASIC01	B12-Z4	C01-10*	C01-11	C01-V5	C02-01*	C03-10*	C08-1
C08-10	C08-12	C08-14	C08-44	C08-45	C08-8C	C08-BC
C08-FA	C08-FB	C08-M6	C08-S1	C08-U6	C08-UE	C08-VA
C29-01	C39-I2	C55-1G	C79-BE	C79-GS	CGS-5G	CGS-UE
GS8-09	GS9-01	IRC02-01*	04G-GS	079-GS	Q08-M6	QSC-2G
-	T01-56	Y10-01*	Y10-02	Y20-02	100-GS	114-1C

Just because a PCB variant's code hasn't been used for fake games yet, doesn't mean it won't be in the future. You must always bear this mind when verifying games. Counterfeits always evolve over time.

PCB Variations, Both Used by Legit and Fakes (click here to expand)

C01-10	C02-01	C03-10	IRC02-01	Y10-01-	-

If a fake cartridge uses the same PCB variation code, but the kerning of the silkscreen printing is incorrect, this doesn't make it a debunked method.

Prototype PCB Variations (click here to expand)

-	C01-X4	C08-X2	C12-X2	L01-X1	M02X01
M10-X1	M14-X1	M16-X2	M17-X1	M17-X2	M18-X1

As stated previously, prototype carts don't follow the retail cart formats. These are only here to document them for historical purposes.

Known Release Dates for PCB Variations (click here to expand)

PCB	Earliest Date	Latest Date
C01-01	2004	2005
C01-10	2005	2014
C03-10	2005	2009
C05-01	2005	2009
VAN-01	2012	2012

This is a non-exhaustive list, more research is required on the above section.

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Inked Codes (not a verification method):

Most DS cartridges utilise 9-digit alphanumerical dot-matrix inked code on the back of the DS carts. However, there are more than just the two or three cartridges people are aware of.

Nintendo DS Stamp Types (click here to expand)

Cart Type	Stamp Type
NTR-005	9-digit
NTR-005(-04)¹	11-digit AND/OR 7-digit (engraved)
NTR-016	No Stamp
NTR-030	9-digit
NTR-031	9-digit

¹ EU regions uses only a 11-digit code, whilst JP uses both 7-digit and 11-digit codes.

These can be easy to be rubbed off via the natural oils in human fingerprints and the use of isopropyl alcohol. The lack of an inked code is not an indicator on whether or not a game is fake - fake games have inked codes too, and usually recreate the legitimate style of dot-matrix inked code Nintendo utilise. Some fake cartridges can have inked code relating to the wrong game (CP3E, for example is for Viva Pinata: Pocket Paradise), or even relating to a completely non-existent game.

Contrary to popular belief, games with the inked code ending in "xxxxN0J09" and "xxxxN0J22" do not equal a fake game. Legitimate games also have this stamp. There are instances where the inked code looks pretty piss poor compared to a legitimate cartridge, and also instances where they look very close the really thing. The positioning doesn't matter, even legitimate games can be off-centered, lop-sided, thin or thick. Take a look at Pokemon Diamond below. It's almost perfect.

Fake US Pearl with 0J09. Legit PAL Platinum with 0J09. Fake US Diamond with 0J22. Legit White 2 with 0J22.

As there are counterfeit cartridges with the inked codes matching readily available, along with legitimate cartridges lacking the inked code via either manufacturing mistakes or being rubbed off over time; or even not matching, this isn't a foolproof verification method.

Scroll down towards the bottom to find out what the cartridge codes mean.

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Top Seam (not a verification method)

The top seams of DS cartridges are not a verification method, unlike what some YouTubers claim. This is because that some legitimate DS cartridges lack the "visible rectangle" that is present on some cartridges.

Both legitimate DS cartridges. Left lacking the rectangle, right including.

As a result, we can not use this as a verification method.

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Decoding Cartridge Codes

This section is based on the codes for the front label.

Nintendo DS cartridges have one of the following two formats:

• NTR-βγγδ-εεε
• TWL-βγγδ-εεε

While there are two different formats of code, there are actually three different formats of cartridge:

• Original DS
• DSi Enhanced
• DSi Exclusive

All original DS cartridges use the NTR code, and all DSi exclusive use the TWL code, but DSi enhanced can be both. The decision seemed to be up to the publisher. Prototype cartridges don't follow this format.

β is the cartridge type. (click here to expand)

Value	Type
A, B, C, T or Y	Standard Cartridge
D	DSi Exclusive (TWL Only)
I	Built-in IR transceiver
U	Special cart, Bluetooth and/or TV
V	DSi Enhanced

γγ is the ID code. Both characters are alphanumeric.

δ is the game region. (click here to expand)

Value	Type
C	Chinese
D	German
E	English (American)
F	French
H	Dutch
I	Italian
J	Japanese
K	Korean
M	Swedish
N	Norwegian
O	Dependent on Packaging Region
P	English (Multilingual)
Q	Danish
R	Russian
S	Spanish
U	English (Australian)
V	English (British)
X	English/Danish/Finnish/Norwegian/Swedish
Y	Spanish

εεε is the packaging region (click here to expand)

Code	Region	Language
AUS	Australia	English
CDF	Canada	English/French
CHN	China	Chinese
DEN	Denmark	Multilingual
ESP	Spain	Spanish
EUR	Europe	Multilingual
EUU	Europe	Dutch/Italian/Spanish
FRA	France	French
GER	Germany	German
HOL	Netherlands	Dutch
ITA	Italy	Italian
JPN	Japan	Japanese
KOR	Korea	Korean
NOE	Germany	German
NOR	Norway	Dutch
RUS	Russia	Russian
SCN	Scandinavia	Multilingual
SPA	Spain	Spanish
UKV	United Kindgom	English
USA	United States	English

The packaging region can be different compared to the cartridge and the cover art of the casing. This is normal, especially for PAL titles.

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Decoding Inked Cartridge Codes

This section is based on the inked codes for the backs of the DS cartridges, but not for the NTR-005(-04) cartridges.

Inked cartridge codes follow the same format:

• β γ γ δ N x J z z

β is the cartridge type. (click here to expand)

Value	Type
A, B, C, T or Y	Standard Cartridge
D	DSi Exclusive (TWL Only)
I	Built-in IR Transceiver
V	DSi Enhanced

γγ is the ID code. Both characters are alphanumeric.

δ is the game region. (click here to expand)

Value	Type
C	Chinese
D	German
E	English (American)
F	French
H	Dutch
I	Italian
J	Japanese
K	Korean
M	Swedish
N	Norwegian
O	Dependent on Packaging Region
P	English (Multilingual)
Q	Danish
R	Russian
S	Spanish
T	Test/Prototype
U	English (Australian)
V	English (British)
X	English/Danish/Finnish/Norwegian/Swedish

Now, the 5 digits left will be different for every cart, dependent on batch, factory and time of manufacture:

• N seems to be the same for each different cart.
• x is used to determine the revision. 0 equals the first revision, 1 equals the second revision, 2 equals the third revision, and so-on.
• J seems to be the same for each different cart.
• zz is used to determine the printing batch. 0 equals the first print, 5 equals the sixth print, 41 equals the fourty-second print, and so-on.

For example:

• ADAEN5J13 tells us that's this game is using a standard cartridge, it's Pokemon Diamond for the US or Australian markets, and it's the 14th print of the sixth revision.
• ASMPN1J12 tells us that's this game is using a standard cartridge, it's Super Mario 64DS for the EU market, and it's the 13th print of the second revision.
• CPUDN0J41 tells us that's this game is using a standard cartridge, it's Pokemon Platinum for the German market, and it's the 42nd print of the first revision.
• IREON0J22 tells us that's this game has a built-in IR transceiver, it's Pokemon Black 2 for a market determined by the packaging region, and it's the 23rd print of the first revision.

There are games circulating with the inked code as βγγδN0J00 which signifies a first print of the first revision, these can be incredibly rare.

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Cases:

• Dark grey for NTSC/J.
• Clear for PAL.

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Seals:

• NTSC: No Nintendo strip around the sealed plastic wrap.
• PAL: There is a Nintendo strip around the sealed plastic wrap.

• ---

  Opening a DS Cart

  This goes without saying, that I highly recommend that you do NOT do this!!! The reason why I don't recommend this is because the rear and front casings are "hot-welded" together, meaning that if you break the seals apart in order to get into the cart (which is 99% likely), you won't be able to re-close the cart. If you really want to open a DS cart, please read our table of pros and cons first:

Pros	Cons
You get to see what makes a DS cart "tick".	You'll destroy the fucking thing.
A fun exercise for all the family.	You've wasted your hard-earned cash.
Looks good on a CV.	You'll have to live with the consequences of your actions.

Got that? Ok, let's continue...

At the top left and top right of the cart, you'll see a slight indent. What you'll need to do is, with a plastic spudger (you can use a metal spudger, but this will further damage the plastic of the cart), gently pry apart the front and back casings apart. You'll very likely snap the fused parts apart. Once these parts have come away, you'll need to pry open the indent at the top of the cart. The next part is to pry the left and right parts of the cart apart using the same plastic spudger until you're near the bottom. Then the bottom of the front of the cart should be able to be unclipped off of the back. Once unclipped, you should be able to see the board.

However, if you do wish to replace the DS cart casing, you could use a third-party casing. Some casings do not show any Nintendo markings and you'll need to create (or buy) your own reproduction sticker. This will show that your game is custom, but if you're looking at custom DS cart cases you already know that. We don't recommend it, but we're just showing you that the option is there. Please note that these casings are not compatible with the NTR-031 carts due to the internal tolerances required for NTR-031 PCB's.

Back-side of the PCB for Clubhouse Games.

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Credits

• Thanks to u/flygon333333 for the images of the US Pokemon Diamonds in the "Top Seam" section.
• Thanks to u/jakacop for the image of the PAL Pokemon Platinum in the "Stamps" section.
• Thanks to u/X80_TheRedditor for the images of the PAL Sonic Rush trilogy in the "Labels" section.
• Written by 40 specially trained Ecuadorian Mountain Llamas.