It notes that there are a few checks, including that the CIC (region/licensing lockout chip) is the right variant, values of specific memory addresses (a checksum value, a specific piece of code, value at a stack offset).
After 22 boots, in vs mode games, the player knockback is randomized if the check fails.
After 43 boots, in single player games, the controls are limited to half range (e.g. so you can walk, but not run), if the check fails.
After 69 boots, it forces you to play as Mario if the check fails. This is the one trip-up that the Kotaku article mentions.
After 93 boots, it forces the level to be Peach's Castle, if the check fails.
slevenson30•4mo ago