I have had my copy for quite some time now, and about 2 years ago, I posted in the r/snes reddit forums asking if this was a legit copy.
I asked because it took me a long time to realized that the cartridge shell was not period-appropriate (being the older front locking style, rather than the later style on snes cartridges, like this game should have. Its also obvious that the label has been messed with. When I finally got around to opening up the cartridge, it turns out it was an authentic copy, which was a big relief for me.
My only guess is that something happened to the original shell, and the previous owner very carefully removed the label somehow and transferred it (along with the board) to a different cartridge shell. I guess they didn't think choose the appropriate era?
In any case, just thought I would share this strange story / copy of my game. Anyone else happen to have a copy of Mega Man X2 like this, or a bandaged up "Frankenstein" copy of another game? I kinda like its weirdness.
https://imgur.com/a/r6KI7cf
So here's the thing with megaman x2 and X3
There are fakers out there who take the original japanese counterparts wich cost a fraction and take those circuit boards wich are identical to the usa and european ones only some minimal alterations needed also to set the language in english etc etc in wich you can't see the difference since the boards are pretty much the same.
So your label could potentially be fake but with an original board of the japanese version with alterations to make it western
Pretty profitable to do for especially european megaman X3 wich even cart only goes for a ton. 400+ easy.
in other words could be a frankenstein project with multiple other game carts to make it happen in wich the cardridge has a shell that doesn't seem correct.
not saying that your copy ain't authetic but for megaman X2 and X3 they could make some really legit semi fakes with legit japanese boards, the value is there to make the money.
Still pretty fishy transferring a lable, why would anyone mess with that on a legit copy. could happen but especially the plastic shells are rarely damaged that they are unusable.
Might be a semi fake done wrong or to make it authentic that it has been used making you question it less?