On the topic of emulators.

[Tsuyu]

On the topic of emulators.

So, let's say I wanna feel nostalgic and play some NES games. However, I can't do it the traditional way so I'm thinking about getting myself an emulator and ROMs. However, I do wonder what the legal status of it all is: is it considered piracy to download ROMs/Emulators?

Never really bothered with it previously, so I don't know much about it.

 

[Trawgdor]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

It probably is, but I'd say, "Hey, what the hell, where are you gonna buy a NES and Cartridges now-a-days?"

 

[Steve]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

To my understanding:

• You may download and use emulation software provided you are the owner of the hardware that the software is emulating
• You may download ROMs provided you own the original games

I'm fairly certain that provided you meet the above criteria then you are now breaking the law. ROMs and emulation software were actually welcomed when they first arrived on the scene by companies like Nintendo (at least, if memory serves correct) as emulation was meant to be used as a means to keep a backup of your games should the original CD/cartridge degrade and become dysfunctional over time.

I'm not 100% sure if what I listed above is still the case and I'd definitely advise you to do your homework. But, for what it's worth, I'm a Christian and I want nothing to do with illegal what-not, but I used to use an emulator to play my old Mega Drive games (even though both my Mega Drive and games are still perfectly functional - I just prefer to be able to move my saves from PC to laptop and to not have to reserve additional desk space for an extra console. That and I can't hook up a Mega Drive to a HD projector.

tl;dr: Emulation and ROMs are not illegal provided you meet the required criteria: own the original console and games. IMO.

 

[Shirosaki]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

I'm sure its legal, cause this site sells them and they wouldn't sell illegal stuff.. right?

http://www.thinkgeek.com/electronics/retro-gaming/bd6f/

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

So, being that I own an original console and a bucketload of games, you'd have nothing against me asking for a link to a good emulator here on the forums?

 

[Steve]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

I've used a fair few emulators and my favourites were "Gens" as a means for emulating Sega Mega Drive games and "Project64" for N64 games. I don't know if either emulators are still supoorted as I haven't used Gens for almost a year and Project64 for about 5 years but I imagine even if the main websites are down that you'd be able to track down a mirror somewhere.

If you're looking to emulator PS2/PSX games - stay away from "Ekaf"...

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

Well, I'm looking for a reliable and easy to use NES emulator first and foremost.

 

[runeblade265]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

I remember reading this.

1. Downloading an Emulator is not illegal
2. Downloading the BIOS for an emulator is.
3. Downloading ROM's of games you own is illegal

If you want to be 100% legal. You would rip the bios from your system to use with the emulator. You would also need to make your own ROM's by ripping it from your cartridge/disk

 

[cheezMcNASTY]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

I remember reading this.

1. Downloading an Emulator is not illegal
2. Downloading the BIOS for an emulator is.
3. Downloading ROM's of games you own is illegal

If you want to be 100% legal. You would rip the bios from your system to use with the emulator. You would also need to make your own ROM's by ripping it from your cartridge/disk

part true, or part false if you wanna be a pessimist. 1 and 2 are correct, but if you own the game you can legally download roms (assuming it's the same where you are as the usa) and run them for as long as you like.

there is also a widely believed urban legend worth mentioning that if you don't own the game you can play the ROMs for 24 hours and delete them, don't believe it for a second!

 

[Tsuyu]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

there is also a widely believed urban legend worth mentioning that if you don't own the game you can play the ROMs for 2 hours and delete them, don't believe it for a second!

That's sorta like saying it is OK to steal a car, as long as you return it within two hours.

 

[queenofdisco]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

I used to have a sega mega drive, but it got stolen techinacally I still own it.....
But finding it is a real bitch.
I use a sega emulator now, is that so wrong?

 

[TRA Rotid]

Re: On the topic of emulators.

Simply put - if you haven´t payed for it, you can`t have it!
So you can download an emulator (as long as it doesn`t come with the BIOS), bc it`s freeware.