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Counterfeit Nintendos and Netbooks?
Word of the day in the Computeractive office has been "counterfeit". Yesterday afternoon we first heard that UK customs had impounded hundreds of fake Nintendo DS and DS Lite consoles, and this morning an ELSPA spokesperson told us that the company was also aware of fake DSi (that's the new DS, currently only available in Japan) and Wii consoles, too.
The fake DS consoles come with unsafe power adapters, so if you've picked up a funny looking DS at a bargain price, we'd strongly advise that you contact Trading Standards before even thinking about plugging it in.
This afternoon, though, an even stranger case: counterfeit netbooks. We've seen several reports that HIS, normally known for its graphics cards, had produced a netbook computer - this afternoon we received word that it is, in fact, nothing to do with the company. In a statement, the company's Paul Yeung said that it "has no plan for netbook products" and that "unauthorized usage of the HIS name or brand will result in swift legal action".
So, how to avoid a fake this Christmas? In the case of the Nintendo DS, it's quite simple: the fakes are far too cheap (some retailing for around £40) and the packaging is a poor imitation of the real thing. In particular, the fake DS consoles have a power adapter supplied separately rather than tucked neatly in the box. As for netbooks, it's even easier: if you want a HIS netbook, you'll just have to forget about it for the time being.
fake is far to control. because someone who want to pay a cheap price for get the product.
posted-by aboutnewtech2 | December 6, 2008 12:37 PM
Hey,
I didnt even know there was such thing as fake games and consoles. I wouldnt have thought it would be worth doing since would be so hard to replicate.
Anyway interesting read,
Thanks.
posted-by Free Online Store | December 6, 2008 3:53 PM
There is not the slightest evidence that these power supplies are unsafe. They are only uncertified. That is quite another thing. That said, it is certainly prudent to be cautious in their use. But the blanket label of unsafe is completely unwarranted in any of the reports of this I have read. It is simply speculation on the part of an offended manufacturer who has done no testing of these and is angry about being vicitimized by counterfeits. Understandable but not factual.
posted-by Wandering | December 7, 2008 12:14 AM
I've heard about the fake DS but this is the first I have heard about fake Wii's. Wow. But if you go to a well known place to buy one, and it looks "normal" it should be okay.
posted-by earth07 | December 7, 2008 6:33 PM
Knock offs might be cheap, but you suffer in quality and support for your purchase.
The revenue brought in from sales is what pays for development of better stuff. So if you want your favorite company to keep up don't by the knock offs.
posted-by tom | December 8, 2008 6:30 PM
I purchased up a Nintendo DS last and thought I was just getting a good bargain. But now I'm worried that it might be a fake... it fits the description. What problems might arise if it is a fake? You mentioned a faulty power supply, but so far it seems to be working fined.
posted-by mfopro | December 8, 2008 9:11 PM
Wow! Fake Wii's, who would of thought. Hey if it works and the price is right, why not?
posted-by Mia | December 8, 2008 9:12 PM
Congrats to UK Customs officials who detected these fakes.
posted-by Nigel | December 9, 2008 12:51 PM
Being from the US is there any chance we also see these over here. I live in a major city but have had no word of this yet.
posted-by Jessie Henry | December 9, 2008 11:52 PM
wow, good to know. my ds has a crack in the hinge (and a few small ones that look promising). i was about to start searching for a new one at a discount...
posted-by acne cure remedy | December 10, 2008 3:53 AM
Hi,
I did not know about 'fake' consoles neither. I know there are 'fake' games(that's very popular even in some areas of world ) but fake consoles? And there are even fake 'Wii' consoles? That's something new for me...I mean it was supposed to be 'nextGen' and they can even copy it and sell for halve of the price? Interesting...
posted-by Sylwester | December 12, 2008 12:04 PM
I don't know that even these types of computer games can be counterfeit. That begs the question of "Did i bought one of those fake ones? If its done in the UK in can also happen here in Canada. But the problem with this fake stuffs flooding the markets is the buyers who always look for cheap ones even if they know that is fake.
Just my thoughts,
Thanks
posted-by Julie Viola | December 15, 2008 10:41 PM
This is terrible, I feel horrible for the people who got screwed for this.
posted-by computer freezes up | December 17, 2008 3:13 AM
That is so ridiculous. The fakes must be pretty close to the originals if no one caught them until now. I am surprised that someone was actually able to pull it off.
Wouldn't you need some sort of factory to manufacture them? I don't know who would knowingly allow their factory to be used to produce obviously counterfeit products.
posted-by forex help | December 17, 2008 7:13 AM
Fakes are everywhere at the moment, especially ebay. If you are thinking about buying designer labels clothes or golf gear then don't shop there this xmas. I have been stung quite a few times already this year.
posted-by Keith80 | December 21, 2008 10:28 PM
Seriously scary.
I have two of these things - an Acer Aspire One and a Samsung NC10 (which blows the Acer out of the water by the way).
I would think that an easy way to avoid falling into this trap would be to make your purchases at a reputable dealer like NewEgg, Tiger Direct or Amazon.
You don't suppose those guys could get fooled too though? I wonder what the recourse would be if you were to end up with one of these counterfeits from a place like Amazon?
posted-by B_Masklee | December 23, 2008 2:31 AM
Wow...I had no idea that fake Wii consoles were being sold also. Have any of these consoles been sold in Canada? How can you tell if it is a fake Wii console?
posted-by get fast abs | December 31, 2008 7:02 AM
I was traveling in Asia over the holidays and found some cheap Nintendo Wii's on sale. I am now worried that I may have purchased a counterfeit Wii.
posted-by look up cell number | December 31, 2008 7:05 AM
Funny thing is I got a Nintendo DS for Christmas and low and behold, it's a counterfeit that wont even turn on!
Edu Backlink
posted-by Oscar | December 31, 2008 8:48 PM
I also heard on TV that if you buy from abroad customs may check your package on entry to the UK and if they find the goods are fake they seize the goods - you are left without money or item. One reason to buy from a reputable company in the UK.
posted-by k45ss | January 3, 2009 9:59 AM
Id buy one as long as its worked,with the price of stuff now.
posted-by Shelly | January 4, 2009 2:56 AM