Are emulators even legal?.

[3DModelerMan]

Hi I was wondering if you guys know if N64 emulators are even legal?, I really want to play DK64 and I can't get a N64 in good condition.
But I don't want to if it's not legal.
Thanks.

[fennec]

Downloading games is illegal. I don't know about the emulators themselves.

But better questions are: Why does it matter? And why are you asking here?

[3DModelerMan]

I just don't want to be in any trouble with anyone from an emulator.

[Dark_Kilauea]

The general rule is, emulators are ok as long as you own a valid copy of both the games AND the ROM on the console. Downloading a ROM image is not legal (though you might get by if you own a console).

[DeM0nFiRe]

Actually, the way it works I believe is that the Emulators themselves are perfectly legal. ROMs are ok (including to download) provided you actually own the game (as it is your legal right to own backup copies of your games for your own personal use.)

If you don't own the game, then what is the point of the Emulator being legal? Well, you can try to make your own games for the system using the emulator.

[fmx]

dark_Kilauea and demonfire have said it clear enough.

Legally, its all a bit of a grey-zone, as so many people use emulators and such, I doubt anyone keeps tracks track of who actually owns the game (and console) or not.

It also a bit of an ethical issue, borderline piracy: assuming you don't own the said hardware and/or game (any the majority of people who use them don't) then *should* you be attempting to "freely" get hold of it?

But don't forget the flip-side - since most of these consoles and games have been out-of-print (so to speak) for well over a decade, using emulators to play some of these age-old gaming gems is fast becoming the only way possible of doing so.

I dunno, you can decide for yourself whether you want to or not (regardless of whether its legal or not) because IMO there's a greater ethical basis for the argument than a legal one, and only your base morals can define what you consider "piracy" (which really is illegal and unethical).

(not that I'm encouraging emulation, just pointing out that is more than just a question of "is it legal?")

[3DModelerMan]

I think I'll wait a little bit for ebay to get an N64. I mean there's wii's VC, but banjo and kazooie isn't going to come their because it's rareware, and DK64 is'nt coming either.

[fmx]

just so you're aware, you'll also need the memory expansion-pack if you're planning to play DK64!

[3DModelerMan]

Yeah .

[zeno60]

If its a matter of just scratching an itch, then go ahead and get an emulator, you can always argue that you are simply demo'ing the game and plan to purchase in the future. If you are a collector, hobbyist, or N64 enthusiast, then get the console on ebay/craigslist or check classifieds in local newspaper/magazine.

The biggest cause for concern I would have about emulators/roms is where you decide to get one. Most sites that come up with a google search are seedy, and are more interested in sharing spyware/virii. I won't share the link, but a popular and trusted source for most of my downloads "for demo'ing purposes" have came from Zophar. [hint: search google]

Anyway, the worst thing that will never happen is you'll be told to remove the emulators/roms from your PC.

[3DModelerMan]

Yeah I used to have an N64 but donated it when I got a gamecube, and donated that when I got a Wii cause Wii is backward compatible, I never got very far in either DK64, or banjo kazooie.