UK Fake Nintendo DS Warning

A UK government agency has issued a warning about fake imported Nintendo DS and DS Lite consoles that pose fire and safety risks.

‘Tis the season to be wary of counterfeit items. In the UK, Her Majesty’s Revenue & Customs (HMRC) has issued a warning after seizing hundreds of fake Nintendo DS and DS Lite consoles with dangerous power adapters.

A number of people had ordered the products after being attracted by the price, around $60 rather than the normal $150. Nintendo has said it did not produce the adapters.

HMRC warned that people should only buy from reputable websites, and HMRC spokesperson Clare Merrills told the BBC that faulty counterfeit consoles might pose safety problems:

"You might find you plug it in and the adaptor sets on fire or the wires start to melt and stick out."

"When you buy these goods, you’re not funding our economy, you’re actually funding criminals in these far off places and it could be linked to terrorism."