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ESA Labels Anbernic Handhelds as 'Superfakes' Amid Piracy Concerns

ESA Labels Anbernic Handhelds as 'Superfakes' Amid Piracy Concerns

First seen 15 Oct 2026, 02:33 UTC • •
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ThreatCluster AI
ThreatCluster •October 16, 2026 at 01:39 UTC
  • •ESA targets Anbernic for selling devices preloaded with pirated games.
  • •The term 'superfake' describes high-quality counterfeit goods that facilitate piracy.
  • •Inclusion on the USTR's Notorious Market List could lead to increased enforcement actions.

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has urged the U.S. Trade Representative (USTR) to classify Anbernic handheld gaming devices as 'superfakes' due to their association with piracy. These devices, which often come preloaded with unauthorized game ROMs, are said to normalize hardware-based piracy. The ESA's submission follows a significant enforcement operation in Italy that seized 12,000 Anbernic devices containing over 47 million pirated games. The ESA warns that these devices may also pose security risks, potentially harboring malicious software. While inclusion on the USTR's Notorious Market List does not guarantee immediate legal action, it could lead to increased scrutiny and enforcement against Anbernic and similar manufacturers. The ESA's recommendations highlight broader concerns about the impact of such piracy on the gaming industry and consumer safety.

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Timeline

2026-10-07
ESA submits request to USTR
The ESA submitted recommendations to the USTR to classify Anbernic as a Notorious Market due to piracy concerns.
Arstechnica
2026-10-12
Italian authorities seize Anbernic devices
Italy's Guardia di Finanza seized 12,000 Anbernic devices containing over 47 million pirated games.
Techspot

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Common questions

What are 'superfakes'?
Superfakes are high-quality counterfeit goods that facilitate piracy, particularly in gaming hardware.
What actions is the ESA proposing?
The ESA is urging the USTR to classify Anbernic as a Notorious Market to combat piracy.
What risks do these devices pose?
These devices may contain insecure firmware and could harbor malicious software, posing security risks to users.