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Discover how to read Nintendo product codes for Game Boy Advance (GBA) games. Using Super Mario Advance 4, learn how to identify authentic GBA cartridges by title, region, and more.


What Are Nintendo Product Codes?

Nintendo product codes are unique identifiers used for GBA games to distinguish titles and regions. Found on the cartridge label, game box, and manuals, these codes are particularly helpful for collectors and retro gaming enthusiasts.


GBA Product Code Format

The product code for every official GBA game follows this format:

AGB-XXXX-XXX

  • AGB = Advanced Game Boy (Nintendo's internal codename for the GBA). Is it that "internal" when they named the first GBA handheld AGB-001? Hmmm
  • XXXX = A four-letter game identifier, usually an abbreviation of the title.
  • XXX = A three-letter region code (USA, EUR, JPN, etc.).

Example: Super Mario Advance 4 Product Code

Let’s look at the product code for Super Mario Advance 4: Super Mario Bros. 3 (North American version):

AGB-AA4E-USA

  • AGB = Advanced Game Boy
  • AX4E = The unique code for Super Mario Advance 4
  • USA = North Am
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The Nintendo product code for SNES cartridges typically follows this format:

SNS-XXXX-XXX

Here’s the breakdown:

  • SNS = Super Nintendo System (denoting it’s a Super Nintendo game).

  • XXXX = A 2 to 4-letter unique identifier for the specific game (often an abbreviation of the title).

  • XXX = Region code (commonly USA, CAN, EUR, JPN, etc.).

Example:

  • SNS-SM-USA → For Super Mario World (North American release).

    • SNS = Super Nintendo System

    • SM = Super M Collectors and retro enthusiasts often use these codes to verify authenticity, identify regional versions, or spot re-releases!

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