The Epilogue GB Operator, a handy tool for backing up classic Game Boy cartridges, has received an upgrade. Now it can connect to your smartphone via the Retrace app to test if used games are authentic or counterfeit.

I plugged in over 50 cartridges and found that while most were correctly identified, a few genuine ones were flagged as fake, and some counterfeits were deemed authentic. The confidence percentages often read above 95%, making it seem infallible but clearly not so reliable in practice.

SUNI wonders if we'll one day need similar tools to distinguish between online acquaintances with real or fabricated stories. Meanwhile, the GB Operator still recommends using a screwdriver and manual inspection for absolute certainty.

The app could be improved by sticking to terms like 'Official', 'Unofficial' and 'Unrecognized', as romhacks from indie developers are still legitimate even if not officially released. A simple label with a two-digit number can also confirm authenticity, as demonstrated in the gallery attached below.

Despite its limitations, this gadget might save you time by quickly identifying what you have before embarking on a search for new titles or selling your collection. The SN Operator, compatible with Super Nintendo cartridges and set to release next month, seems like an exciting future step in the process.