With Nintendo's notorious practice of releasing extremely limited amounts of products everyone wants, buyers now have a new hazard to navigate when looking for an NES Classic system online—bootleg systems being offered as the genuine article. For those looking for something authentic, it can be hard to spot the difference between real and fake items, but there are a few guidelines that gamers can follow if they want to make sure they’re purchasing the real McCoy.

The threat has become more apparent as gamers are still desperately searching for Nintendo’s coveted slice of gaming history. Even though most of the gaming world is psyched for the release of the SNES Classic, it won’t deter Nintendo fans from trying to grab Nintendo’s first Classic console line offering if they don’t already have one.

PREVIOUSLY: CLASSIC NES GAMES THAT ARE WORTH A FORTUNE TODAY

For starters, players thinking of purchasing an NES Classic should become familiar with what consumers get in the NES Classic. The system contains 30 preloaded games, and the library can’t be manipulated in any way. If a listing has additional games, you’re definitely looking at a bootleg system. Potential NES Classic buyers should also check that the system comes with the standard accessories one would expect if they were buying from a retailer; an HDMI cable, AC adapter, and a vintage controller, but some private sellers will offer wireless controllers or controllers with longer cords that aren’t packaged with the NES Classic regularly. This isn’t a sign of a counterfeit system, as a lot of aftermarket sellers will package upgraded controllers with an already opened system. Speaking of the system, make sure you get pictures with time stamps if the system has been taken out of the original packaging; it should be smaller and sleeker than an original NES system. If a seller seems hesitant to present this, that’s a huge red flag.

Via: nintendoprime.net

When shopping private sales on sites like eBay or Craigslist, make sure that the utmost caution is used. Always read the details of the item, check the seller’s ratings and past reviews, and make sure everything adds up. If not, take extra steps to make sure that you’re not about to throw your hard earned cash into the void.

It's sad but true, always make sure that no stone is left unturned when buying a high demand item like the NES Classic. There are more rip-off artists and con-men than gamers can shake a counterfeit twenty at, so covering your own butt is your best bet when looking for an NES Classic on the net.