Maybe this is old news...

[HyoImowano]

What are Nintendo ROMS?

A Nintendo ROM ("Read Only Memory") is the type of chip used in Nintendo's video game cartridge which contains the game software. However, this term is commonly used on many gaming sites on the Internet and refers to game data that was copied from an authentic Nintendo video game cartridge.

What is a Nintendo Video Game Emulator?

A Nintendo emulator is a software program that is designed to allow game play on a platform that it was not created for. A Nintendo emulator allows for Nintendo console based or arcade games to be played on unauthorized hardware. The video games are obtained by downloading illegally copied software, i.e. Nintendo ROMs, from Internet distributors. Nintendo ROMs then work with the Nintendo emulator to enable game play on unauthorized hardware such as a personal computer, a modified console, etc.

Can I Download a Nintendo ROM from the Internet if I Already Own the Authentic Game?

There is a good deal of misinformation on the Internet regarding the backup/archival copy exception. It is not a "second copy" rule and is often mistakenly cited for the proposition that if you have one lawful copy of a copyrighted work, you are entitled to have a second copy of the copyrighted work even if that second copy is an infringing copy. The backup/archival copy exception is a very narrow limitation relating to a copy being made by the rightful owner of an authentic game to ensure he or she has one in the event of damage or destruction of the authentic. Therefore, whether you have an authentic game or not, or whether you have possession of a Nintendo ROM for a limited amount of time, i.e. 24 hours, it is illegal to download and play a Nintendo ROM from the Internet.

How Does Nintendo Feel About the Emergence of Video Game Emulators?

The introduction of emulators created to play illegally copied Nintendo software represents the greatest threat to date to the intellectual property rights of video game developers. As is the case with any business or industry, when its products become available for free, the revenue stream supporting that industry is threatened. Such emulators have the potential to significantly damage a worldwide entertainment software industry which generates over $15 billion annually, and tens of thousands of jobs.

What Does Nintendo Think of the Argument that Emulators are Actually Good for Nintendo Because it Promotes the Nintendo Brand to PC Users and Leads to More Sales?

Distribution of an emulator developed to play illegally copied Nintendo software hurts Nintendo's goodwill, the millions of dollars invested in research & development and marketing by Nintendo and its licensees. Substantial damages are caused to Nintendo and its licensees. It is irrelevant whether or not someone profits from the distribution of an emulator. The emulator promotes the play of illegal ROMs , NOT authentic games. Thus, not only does it not lead to more sales, it has the opposite effect and purpose.

How Come Nintendo Does Not Take Steps Towards Legitimizing Nintendo Emulators?

Emulators developed to play illegally copied Nintendo software promote piracy. That's like asking why doesn't Nintendo legitimize piracy. It doesn't make any business sense. It's that simple and not open to debate.

People Making Nintendo Emulators and Nintendo ROMs are Helping Publishers by Making Old Games Available that are No Longer Being Sold by the Copyright Owner. This Does Not Hurt Anyone and Allows Gamers to Play Old Favorites. What's the Problem?

The problem is that it's illegal. Copyrights and trademarks of games are corporate assets. If these vintage titles are available far and wide, it undermines the value of this intellectual property and adversely affects the right owner. In addition, the assumption that the games involved are vintage or nostalgia games is incorrect. Nintendo is famous for bringing back to life its popular characters for its newer systems, for example, Mario and Donkey Kong have enjoyed their adventures on all Nintendo platforms, going from coin-op machines to our latest hardware platforms. As a copyright owner, and creator of such famous characters, only Nintendo has the right to benefit from such valuable assets.

Virtual Console?

Nintendo's Anti-Piracy Website

 

[ShadowXP]

How selfish

 

[Sick Wario]

after 10 years any media (music, softare, games, movies) should become public domain. the author/creator/estate should only collect royalties for 10 years.

charging $5 for 20 year old games is crazy to me

 

[VmprHntrD]

Wow actually that is new.

Nintendo previously called all roms and emulators outright illegal, and even ignorantly left it up there when they had their own roms and emulators out there (animal crossing, etc.)

Their new terms actually are very interesting as it leaves a door open that was before closed on their write up. Notice it says downloading a game you already own is illegal. That in itself is true, as American law says you can't do it. BUT...notice they only address the 24 hour fake rule, and the other lies people use, YET...they now have completely removed the emulators are illegal, roms are illegal, and that you can NOT have a backup copy. While obviously not saying it to give people ideas, they indirectly yet clearly to the informed said if you can make a copy you can have a copy due to american backup copy laws.

That's actually kind of cool.

 

[HyoImowano]

Mind you, this isn't their entire Piracy Policy Page.

 

[Vater Unser]

What's going on, have Virtual Console ROM sales declined?

 

[HyoImowano]

No, I was just pointing out how hypocritical Nintendo is by talking about how ROMs and emulation do nothing but hurt game companies and they're evil and they'll kill us all...and yet Nintendo uses emulation and ROMs to make the Virtual Console work.

 

[Norman3000]

So when you play with your dstt, r4 etc. you use roms right? does that make you a criminal?

 

[gizmo_gal]

So when you play with your dstt, r4 etc. you use roms right? does that make you a criminal?

Well, if you say it like that then ofcourse it sounds bad!!!!

Though I really love homebrew and I have plenty of GBA and DS games lying around for the time being.

 

[Panzer Tacticer]

There is the law, and then there is reality.

The law says a lot of things, but the reality is the internet is not going anywhere. Nintendo can insist that the law be followed, but they can't ignore reality.

Another truth, every country has it's own laws. So when speaking about the legality of something, not identifying your country makes listening to the comment almost pointless.

I'm Canadian, and US law means nothing to me. Why should it? I'm not American, and this isn't America. It isn't Japan either.
Welcome to the wonderful world of international commerce.

If I want a back up copy of my game, my choices are either buy the hardware, do it myself, or download it. Hmm such a hard choice. Nintendo can tell me anything they want, I'll stick with Canadian law thank you. If they don't like Canadian law, well I guess they can always refuse to sell Nintendo goods in Canada. But hmm how does that stop me from getting their games?

There is only one way to beat piracy, beat them at their own game. Do it better than they can. Not easy I realize.
Sucks to want to be a business. And that too is reality.

 

[gaboumafou]

If I wasn't aware of piracy devices, I would have learned a lot from this site; they talk about modchips and R4, what they do, etc...

After seeing that site, someone can do a quick google search about "R4", "wiikey" or anything else presented on their "anti-piracy" site, order one of those "infringing devices", and they are good to go!

 

[Mrbob2]

I have recently got a ds for the simple reason that i can play on my ttds card downloaded roms. If it wasnt for the ability to use a flashcart i wouldnt have bought a ds.

I bought 2 nintendo ds`s, 1 for me at £99 and one for my girlfriend £99

Thats nearly £200 nintendo WOULD NEVER HAVE GOT FROM ME.

So in my case they have piracy to thank.

In a way its debatable but paying £20 for a copy of The sun crossword challenge, a game that is 8mb in size and is basic at best is simply ripping off the consumer.

At the end of the day, people can discuss the pros and cons of piracy but you cant argue with free games............

 

[PBC]

I bought a DS ONLY AFTER I had ordered an EZ4 flashcart online. If I didn't know I could play Nintendo DS roms with a flashcart I wouldn't have bought the system...and my knowledge of the DS and modchips actually caused no less than 5 of my friends to purchase DS lites as well. And some of them bought real games eventually...

I want to say I buy every game I play to the finish but that is a lie.
I will say that I'm glad I don't have to buy every game I am interested in only to find out that they aren't worth it...