Homebrew Will Bootleg/Fake DS Games Work with TWLSaveTool?

[Rogerzz]

I bought a few DS games off ebay with original cases and manuals, and I am wondering if I can use TWLSaveTool to verify the legitimacy of the cartridges.

My question is: Will fake DS games work with TWLSaveTool at all? I heard on Reddit that they won't but I want to be sure.

 

[VictorMoreno015]

TWLSaveTool crashes with the newest version of Luma3DS+boot9strap since it hasnt been updated since 2016
Use Checkpoint instead, it detects my R4 despite not being a Nintendo cart. So I'm assuming it should work.

 

[Rogerzz]

I am on 11.8 and twlsavetool runs fine, some people were sayinit only works with genuine copies. is that true

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TWLSaveTool crashes with the newest version of Luma3DS+boot9strap since it hasnt been updated since 2016
Use checkpoint instead, it detects my R4 despite not being a Nintendo cart. So I'm assuming it should work.

I am on 11.8 and twlsavetool runs fine, some people were sayinit only works with genuine copies. is that true

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------

TWLSaveTool crashes with the newest version of Luma3DS+boot9strap since it hasnt been updated since 2016
Use Checkpoint instead, it detects my R4 despite not being a Nintendo cart. So I'm assuming it should work.

i know that checkpoint can be used with bootleg games, and i have the app. But this does not verify authenticity of the game

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TWLSaveTool crashes with the newest version of Luma3DS+boot9strap since it hasnt been updated since 2016
Use Checkpoint instead, it detects my R4 despite not being a Nintendo cart. So I'm assuming it should work.

out of curiosity, what does the name of the r4 card say when in Checkpoint? does it just say undefined etc

 

[Searinox]

TwlSaveTool works fine on all firmwares. But it is only known to work with cartridges - real or fake - that have proper gamecart layout.
The reason why it was mentioned to not be working with some bootlegs is likely this category:

These are rebranded R4 clone cards loaded up with a Pokemon ROM on the microSD and made to autoboot it.
TwlSaveTool doesn't play nice with these - or any other flashcart. It will straight-up freeze when launched requiring you to restart the console. If you don't have one of these kinds of bootlegs, it should work fine. But then again if you have any of these all you have to do is take the microSD out and manually back up the save file anyway.

Also because they have non-standard hardware layout, Pokebank's Transporter won't work with them.

 

[Rogerzz]

TwlSaveTool works fine on all firmwares. But it is only known to work with cartridges - real or fake - that have proper gamecart layout.
The reason why it was mentioned to not be working with some bootlegs is likely this category:

These are rebranded R4 clone cards loaded up with a Pokemon ROM on the microSD and made to autoboot it.
TwlSaveTool doesn't play nice with these - or any other flashcart. It will straight-up freeze when launched requiring you to restart the console. If you don't have one of these kinds of bootlegs, it should work fine. But then again if you have any of these all you have to do is take the microSD out and manually back up the save file anyway.

The copies that I bought are the UK release ones, which are far less bootlegged here in the UK. My Pokemon Platinum game that I bought since release works fine with TWLSaveTool with no problems. Is it safe to say when I receive the games, and they work with TWLSaveTool, they are legit?

 

[Searinox]

The copies that I bought are the UK release ones, which are far less bootlegged here in the UK. My Pokemon Platinum game that I bought since release works fine with TWLSaveTool with no problems. Is it safe to say when I receive the games, and they work with TWLSaveTool, they are legit?

Not necessarily. Some counterfeits aren't as obvious as those clones. Their layout includes a save chip that will be found by the tool and save dumping and writing will be fine. Unfortunately the case for telling apart counterfeits from legits is complicated business. Some save chip types will differ. But then again some hardware revisions of original games will also have different save types. The business of telling them apart is tricky and it involves a lot more including watermarks, PCB color etc.. But at least a proper chip read test with TwlSaveTool is a step in the right direction. Look for dedicated guides on telling originals apart from fakes.

 

[Rogerzz]

Not necessarily. Some counterfeits aren't as obvious as those clones. Their layout includes a save chip that will be found by the tool and save dumping and writing will be fine. Unfortunately the case for telling apart counterfeits from legits is complicated business. Some save chip types will differ. But then again some hardware revisions of original games will also have different save types. The business of telling them apart is tricky and it involves a lot more including watermarks, PCB color etc.. But at least a proper chip read test with TwlSaveTool is a step in the right direction. Look for dedicated guides on telling originals apart from fakes.

The ones I bought came with the manuals, health and safety booklets, other booklets that were included in original cases on release. Is this a clear indication that they could be real? I have looked up guides on telling original from fakes, however there is none for european DS games. They are all american/canadian guides.

 

[lone_wolf323]

The ones I bought came with the manuals, health and safety booklets, other booklets that were included in original cases on release. Is this a clear indication that they could be real? I have looked up guides on telling original from fakes, however there is none for european DS games. They are all american/canadian guides.

i dont think that means nothing. anyone can get ahold of things needed to make it look legit.

 

[Rogerzz]

i dont think that means nothing. anyone can get ahold of things needed to make it look legit.

Why would anyone go through the effort of including 5 manuals though? You can't even buy them separately. They are specifically Pokemon Diamond and Pearl. Are there any definitive ways that I can tell they are real? They shoould not work in a New 3DS XL on 11.8 if they are fake right?

 

[Rogerzz]

i dont think that means nothing. anyone can get ahold of things needed to make it look legit.

Is it possible to confirm if cartridges are real by using godmode9 to see the ROM file name? I just loaded up my Genuine Pokemon Platinum from release and it says "POKEMON_PL_CPUE01_10". That corresponds to the letters at the front of the cartridge. I presume fake cartridges will have generic ROM names?

 

[Bobissad]

Is it possible to confirm if cartridges are real by using godmode9 to see the ROM file name? I just loaded up my Genuine Pokemon Platinum from release and it says "POKEMON_PL_CPUE01_10". That corresponds to the letters at the front of the cartridge. I presume fake cartridges will have generic ROM names?

I think it's a good start. Do you have any other tip ?