a new level of piracy for the ds now exists

Except that companies use handhelds to re-release old titles and make money on old franchises, so you could argue the case against emulation on consoles like the DS. Look how many Nintendo churn out themselves.

It's piracy, basically. Just you justify it to yourself as legit because it is something you want to do.

 

If I own an original (i.e. NES, SNES, etc...) version of a title and that title has NOT been remade on the DS or any other handheld....there's no goddamned problem whatsoever with me emulating it.

When they make a new version expressly for my handheld, I'll buy that, because it'll probably be superior (i.e. the Final Fantasy GBA remakes), but until then, I'll emulate, and there's nothing wrong with that.

And from a legal standpoint, in the cases when I really do own the original cart that I am emulating (almost all cases), there REALLY isn't anything wrong with that, as it is 100% legal to own and play ROM's of games when you have legal copies of the originals.

 

ethics and law don't have anything to do with each other. Something's are either legal, or they aren't besides the point that it might be "fair" to argue this or the other.

the "legal copies of the original" applies only when you have made a copying mechanism yourself and it stems out of the "archival copy" right you have.(i.e downloaded roms do not amount to that, nor does using copying machines -machines made for the sole purpose of making backups)

 

How about you read my quote and then come back to me with a snide remark:

Thanks!

 

note to self: don't post anymore topics regarding the likes of piracy

 

Just so you know, many of the legalities involving emulation, ROMs, fair use, etc. are not tested in the courts. It's generally believed that if you own the original game, having a backup copy is legitimate. However you do not have the right to transfer that copy to anyone (via the internet or otherwise). If you discard, trade, or sell your original you must either transfer the copy as well or destroy it. Again it's not really tested in the courts, but having for your own private use a backup copy (ROM image, whatever) when you own the original is ok. Many arcade board owners like to have the ROMs so they can reburn/reprogram ROM chips if one goes bad. Using your backup copy is suggested that you could use it in emulation as they did have something about emulating older platforms, but again I can't cite that as it's been awhile.

You can always just use common sense. If you buy a Super Mario Brothers 3 NES cartridge, you can have a SMB3 NES ROM to emulate on whatever you want. But no one other than Nintendo has the right to send you a copy via any medium. You must obtain that ROM yourself. But as the law goes you have to prove something to be true, so if you downloaded the ROM and now have it, they still have to prove someone illegally copied it. Even then would you be in trouble or would the person you got it from be in trouble or both?

You should just figure to be safe it's all about the money. If Guy-A sends Guy-B ancient NESGAME-A, is it worth the time and money to prosecute them? No. If Guy-A runs a massive public website that offers hundreds of games, ya sure it's worth it.

Anyway, I think we all know what's gonna get you busted and what won't. Whether things are right or wrong is going to be debated forever.