Is Video Game Emulation Legal?

Everyone loves being able to play their favorite video games from their phone and more with emulators, but is video game emulation legal?

Video Game Emulation: Is it Legal?

Emulators have been around for quite some time. People have made them for phones, PCs and even devices like calculators (I am not kidding). But what is the legality of playing a game on an emulator?

I mean, no one wants to get in trouble for video game emulation, but quite a few people would love to play their favorite Pokemon game without having to buy an old game boy that costs $100 or more.

So, are game emulators legal?

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Video Game Emulators

The legality of video game emulators depends on a few different factors. Actual emulators are not illegal. If you find one on the App Store, go ahead and download it. You won’t get reprimanded for it.

But what about the actual games?

Well, a video game emulation is technically not illegal IF you purchase the game and then rip it onto an emulator. It becomes illegal once you start sharing that emulator (or selling it) with other people.

This violates various copyright infringement laws, and there is really no way around it. Downloading ROMs from websites for free is technically illegal, too, but the main person who would get in trouble is the person distributing them

Should You be Playing Video Game Emulators?

It is really up to your own personal discretion on whether or not you should be playing video game emulators. More than likely, you will never get in trouble. However, if you plan on ripping games and distributing them to others, there is more of a chance you could get caught and fined.

If a company like Nintendo finds out, there may be a hefty lawsuit in your hands.

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