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Facepalm: Retro gaming has become a lucrative market, with companies repackaging old titles as new experiences. However, criminals are also taking advantage of the retro appeal, flooding the market with cheap, counterfeit replicas of "official" consoles pre-loaded with classic, emulated games.
Italy's Guardia di Finanza (GdF) law enforcement agency recently announced the results of its "Coin-Up 80" investigation. The Turin division of the GdF successfully dismantled a criminal ring specializing in selling counterfeit retro gaming consoles, seizing thousands of illegal devices and arresting nine individuals on charges of fraud, trafficking counterfeit goods, and copyright violations.
The investigation targeted counterfeit consoles in several locations across Italy between late 2023 and 2024. Authorities uncovered approximately 12,000 fake devices, hosting over 47 million pirated games. The total trade value of the illegal digital goods was estimated at €47.5 million.
The counterfeit retro consoles were designed as both portable and TV-connected devices, loaded with games from the 80s and 90s. Although the GdF did not specify exact titles, many popular game mascots from that era were part of the illicit offerings. It's assumed that franchises like Super Mario Bros., Street Fighter, and Star Wars were among those available on the fake devices.
The counterfeit consoles were designed to imitate the appearance of popular, official "retro" consoles developed by major gaming companies in recent years. All of the devices were manufactured in China but lacked the "CE" marking required for safe, lawful, and authorized goods sold in Europe. The illegal consoles were sold both in physical stores across major Italian cities like Naples, Milan, Bologna, and Caserta, as well as through online platforms.
Guardia di Finanza emphasized the significant resurgence and growth of the retro gaming market, which has made it an attractive target for both traditional and digital criminals. Emulation technology has further exacerbated the problem, as nearly anyone can now transform a cheap single-board computer into a functional retro console with minimal expense.
The seized consoles were ultimately destroyed in accordance with Italy's and the EU's e-waste management regulations. As for the nine individuals arrested, it's unlikely they will be selling fake consoles again anytime soon. The legal charges brought against them by the GdF could result in prison sentences of up to eight years.