When browsing this shop, you may sometimes see a banner saying “Actual Item.” This indicates that the photos shown are of the exact item you will receive.

In many online stores, stock photos are used. For example, the shoes you wear are not the exact same pair as shown in the advertisement. However, in retro gaming, condition matters. Collectors and players want to know what to expect before purchasing a game or manual.

For this reason, every title is carefully checked, and representative photos are provided. Combined with the condition system used on this website (separate ratings for cartridge and label), this ensures there are no major surprises regarding condition, version (such as distribution code), or language.

When this shop was first created, nearly every item was listed with an “Actual Item” photo. As the collection grew and multiple copies of the same game in similar condition became available, photographing each individual copy became less practical and less useful — especially when differences are minimal.

In these cases, representative photos are used instead. These accurately reflect the general condition level you select (for example A/A, A/B, or B/B). The condition grading system ensures that what you receive will match the described quality.

Please note that as the shop continues to grow, fewer listings will show the “Actual Item” banner for common titles and conditions. This allows for a wider and more efficient selection while maintaining consistent quality standards.

For rarer titles, special editions, or unique condition variants, “Actual Item” photos will still be provided.

If you prefer to see the exact item before shipping, you are always welcome to request photos after purchase. Please do this within one hour of buying to ensure the item has not yet been shipped.

In the images below, red arrows indicate where you can check whether a listing shows an “Actual Item” banner.

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code: DMG-TR-MIX Explained

Distribution Code “MIX” – Explanation

For some very common titles, multiple (European) distribution variants exist (such as FAH, NOE, UKV, ITA, EUR). While these codes indicate the original distribution region, the game itself is identical in language, content and gameplay.

To simplify selection and improve availability, these variants are now grouped under a single code:

MIX = Mixed distribution codes (e.g. FAH, NOE, UKV, ITA, EUR,FRG,SCN and sometimes -USA)

When you select a game marked with MIX, you will receive an original cartridge with one of these distribution codes. The exact code may vary, but the game itself will always be the same.

For example, the same game was released in different regions with slightly different distribution codes.
In this case, TR is the game code for Tetris.

A copy released in France may have the code DMG-TR-FAH, while a German release may be labeled DMG-TR-NOE.

When purchasing DMG-TR-MIX, you are guaranteed to receive a Tetris cartridge (DMG-TR). The final three letters may vary, depending on the distribution code.

Japanese versions are never included in MIX.
Codes such as JPN, or cartridges without the final three letters (as used for Japanese releases), are always excluded.

About “Actual Item”

Listings that use the MIX system will not show an “Actual Item” banner.

Because multiple copies in similar condition are grouped together, it is no longer practical or useful to photograph each individual cartridge. Instead, representative photos are used together with the condition grading system (cartridge and label) to give a clear and reliable expectation of what you will receive.

Special Variants

If a particularly rare or collectible distribution variant is found (for example a less common code or unusual version), it may be listed separately.

In such cases:

• The exact item will be shown with an “Actual Item” banner

• A higher price may apply, reflecting its rarity or collector value

Ongoing Updates

This system will gradually be applied to more common titles over time.

A list of games that have been updated to use the MIX system is maintained on this page.

The first title included in this system is:

• Tetris (DMG-TR-MIX)

Take me to the Games!

For more informative content, please CLICK HERE

Here's a (growing) list of Game Boy Games where Language and Regioncode is very important when buying one. If you know more games please let me know. The List:

Pokémon Blue, Red and Yellow, Gold, Silver and Crystal ; All made in different Lingual editions.

Pokémon Sapphire, Leafgreen, Fire Red , Emerald ; All made in different Lingual editions.

Zelda Link's Awakening for D.M.G. ( examples NOE for German, HOL or UKV for English)

let me know what games to add here