Italian police have cracked down on a massive video game trafficking ring, seizing fake vintage consoles and games worth nearly €50 million ($55.5 million). The operation targeted counterfeit games from the 1980s and 90s, including beloved titles like Mario Bros., Street Fighter, and Star Wars.
The pirated consoles imitated iconic devices from Nintendo, Sega, and Atari, but failed to meet safety standards. With the rise of “retrogaming,” where old games and consoles have surged in popularity, the demand for these counterfeit items has also increased.
Authorities confiscated around 12,000 consoles holding over 47 million pirated video games, with an estimated value of €47.5 million. These devices, all originating from China, were intended for sale in specialized shops or online. However, they were equipped with non-certified batteries and electrical circuits, posing a risk to consumers.
In response to the illegal activity, nine Italian nationals have been arrested and charged with trading in counterfeit goods. If convicted, they could face up to eight years in prison. The seized games have been destroyed to prevent further distribution.
The phenomenon of retrogaming has gained significant traction, with the hashtag #retrogaming on TikTok amassing over 170 million posts. Alessandro Langella, head of the economic crime unit for Turin’s financial police, noted that the trend is experiencing a period of strong popularity and commercial expansion.
The demand for old games and second-hand consoles is evident, with prices for a working Super Nintendo system with games ranging from £100 ($131) to £275 online. In a record-breaking sale in 2021, a sealed copy of the video game Super Mario 64 fetched over $1.5 million at auction.
As authorities continue to crack down on illegal trafficking of counterfeit video games, consumers are urged to be cautious when purchasing retro gaming items to ensure they are authentic and safe.
