So... Turns out my copy of Emerald has been a fake this whole time

[CatalystiCam]

Yeah exactly what I figured. I imagine the GBA used a lockout chip though this time, didn't it? I'd also figure they found ways around that though.

[Seahawk]

Nope, no lockout at all. The pirates don't need to bypass anything. The key to unlock the system are inside the game file itself, so all you need to do is stick it in a ROM chip and you're done.

Detail:
Turn on a GBA with no cartridge in the slot. The little Nintendo logo will not be there on the boot up screen. Now put in a game cartridge. The logo will be there. The code for that logo is the only thing you need for your game to run on hardware.

[CatalystiCam]

Huh, you think they would have learned after the NES, eh?

---------- Post added 01-30-2013 at 12:03 AM ---------- Previous post was 01-29-2013 at 11:40 PM ----------

The Many Ways To Spot Fake GBA Games (UPDATED) - YouTube

This showed up in my recommended videos, very helpful.

Ironically so, I'm going to the store tomorrow to look for a legit Ruby/Sapphire/Emerald.

[Seahawk]

MORE BOOTLEG.

Must read:
The Pirate Hacks Of Africa | Featured Article | The Gameological Society
The Art Of Syrian Games | Feature | The Gameological Society

Bottomless well of delight:
SYRIAN GAMES :: Extreme Games For You!

10/10 teaser:

[Razeluxe]

I'd play the hell out of that game.