That number doesn't really matter. My assumption is that this is a code for where the cart was assembled and it certainly is a quality assurance mark. My best guess is that Nintendo likely had a couple of assembly facilities in Japan, one or two in the US and there was probably at least one in Europe. With each factory-line where chips were flashed, assembled and then assembled into the cart, they numbered specific lines. So, if Nintendo had six assembly facilities, they may have three assembly lines in each one. Each line would get a stamp number.
The reason why they would do this is because large batches would usually be made at once. If customers started calling and complaining about games that didn't work, this stamp could point them directly to the assembly line it failed on, and Nintendo could start researching the cause of the problem.
"23" is a common number. It's not as common as some of the others, but pretty common. I can't tell you for sure that your cart is not a counterfeit but seeing that stamp on the sticker is one of the first signs to look for for validity. Now, if I saw a "99" stamped on it, or a "01", I'd start to question. However, I've mostly seen "2x" numbers stamped on US carts, so I think this stamp checks out.
But, as everyone has said, you need to crack it open and look at the chip. I think you can get yourself a specialty screwdriver for old Nintendo carts for as little as $4 on amazon, shipped.
Comments
Really? Did you even try to open it?
Zing!
I concur, always open it and verify!
If you cant, order a bit and open it up
The reason why they would do this is because large batches would usually be made at once. If customers started calling and complaining about games that didn't work, this stamp could point them directly to the assembly line it failed on, and Nintendo could start researching the cause of the problem.
"23" is a common number. It's not as common as some of the others, but pretty common. I can't tell you for sure that your cart is not a counterfeit but seeing that stamp on the sticker is one of the first signs to look for for validity. Now, if I saw a "99" stamped on it, or a "01", I'd start to question. However, I've mostly seen "2x" numbers stamped on US carts, so I think this stamp checks out.
But, as everyone has said, you need to crack it open and look at the chip. I think you can get yourself a specialty screwdriver for old Nintendo carts for as little as $4 on amazon, shipped.
Originally posted by: guitarzombie
Btw... just a tip. If it has a number stamp in the label, the shell/label is at least real.
This...