In a significant crackdown on counterfeit retro gaming, Italian police have dismantled a massive video game trafficking ring. Authorities seized fake vintage consoles and games valued at nearly €50 million ($55.5 million), signaling a major blow to the illegal trade in retro gaming merchandise. This operation uncovered approximately 12,000 consoles loaded with over 47 million counterfeit games, including beloved titles such as Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter, and Star Wars.
The counterfeit consoles were poor imitations of iconic devices produced by gaming giants like Nintendo, Sega, and Atari. Despite their outward appearance, these pirated systems did not meet the rigorous safety and technical standards set by the European Union. The devices were equipped with non-certified batteries and electrical circuits, posing potential risks to consumers. Consequently, all seized units were destroyed to prevent any further sale or distribution.
According to Alessandro Langella, head of the economic crime unit for Turin’s financial police, the seized consoles were all imported from China. These items were intended for sale in specialized shops and through online platforms, exploiting the growing popularity of “retrogaming.” The trend, which involves playing and collecting vintage video games and consoles, has seen a resurgence in recent years, with some original consoles and games fetching high prices. For example, a working Super Nintendo system with games can sell for between £100 ($131) to £275, depending on its condition. Additionally, in 2021, a sealed copy of Super Mario 64 shattered auction records by selling for over $1.5 million.
The retrogaming phenomenon has garnered significant attention on social media platforms like TikTok, where the hashtag #retrogaming has amassed over 170 million posts. This rising demand for vintage gaming has unfortunately led to an increase in counterfeit goods, as unscrupulous individuals seek to capitalize on the market’s growth.
Nine Italian nationals have been arrested in connection with this counterfeit ring. If convicted, they face up to eight years in prison for trading in counterfeited goods. This case follows similar incidents earlier this year, such as the arrest of individuals in China for distributing counterfeit merchandise related to popular franchises like Final Fantasy and Nier: Automata.
This operation serves as a stark reminder of the risks associated with the purchase of counterfeit goods. Not only do these fake products fail to meet safety standards, but they also undermine the value and integrity of the legitimate gaming market. As retrogaming continues to grow in popularity, consumers are urged to exercise caution and ensure they are purchasing authentic, certified products.