Fake Sony PSP, Nintendo DS flood UK

Counterfeit gaming consoles are flooding the UK in response to Christmas demand, according to customs officials. The fake consoles pose a variety of dangers to UK gamers, including electrocution, fire and simple disappointment when they break. “Across the EU the rise in counterfeit electronics is growing very rapidly, it was barely on the radar until very recently. It used to be fake Nikes and Gucci, but now we’re seeing fake PSPs and high-end iPod-style mp3 players more often”, said a spokesperson for HMRC. One current example is the so-called ‘Red Dragon’ DS lite, widely available from well-known online auction sites, none of which are genuine UK models. “Many of these consoles have been confirmed by Nintendo to be fake, while the rest are designed for the Japanese market, where controls are far less rigorous”, continued the spokesperson. EU-wide figures point to a ‘worrying increase’ in fakes in sectors that are potentially ... (link)