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So I just found out that one can download GBA games online in rom form (yeah, I'm a little behind on this internet thing) and I had a few questions about this. Now before I get flamed I don't have any intention of downloading bootlegs instead of buying games, but there are a few titles that I'd like to try out just to see if I like them or not (like Warioware. sounds pretty lame, but I hear it's great. I'm curious).

I hear that it's only illegal to have these for more than 24 hours, so can you download and play roms, and just delete them within 24 hours no questions asked? (heck, if you can do that, is there anything stopping you from repeatedly doing that with the same game?) And also, can someone reccommend a good emulator and rom site?

Its not like the police will come and arrest you. The 24 hour policy as well as getting them even if you own this game is BS. If you can find them, download them, enjoy them. You won't get a knock at the door the next day.

It's illegal period and this topic will probably be locked quickly since you asked for an emulator.

downloading roms is illegal. period.

the 24 hours myth is just that.

please do not ask for links to rom sites here. (anyone that posts links will have their posts deleted)

Originally Posted by zionoverfire It's illegal period and this topic will probably be locked quickly since you asked for an emulator.

emulators are perfectly legit actully, since almost all are freeware. its the roms that are illegal.

I'd hate to tell you punqsux, but does this sounds familiar:

"ok let me start by saying ive heard no one ever talk about this game, so im going to bet its pretty far under the radar. i first played this game over a year ago, and i loved it, but i stopped playing because it was a rom, and i didnt want to beat it until i got the real deal, which i didnt find until last week, ebgames had it for $10 shipped AC (cart only) and i jumped on it. " -Punqsux

You're actually the one who brought roms to my attention. Now look what you did.

Originally Posted by punqsux emulators are perfectly legit actully, since almost all are freeware. its the roms that are illegal.

Wait so we can talk about emulators until the cows come home so long as ROMs aren't mentioned? I'll remember that for the future.

Are emu's legit? Wouldn't the reverse engineering of the proprietary hardware be illegal? I know I've heard that they are legit, but I have never seen any real firm documentation on such a thing.

Originally Posted by Tromack Are emu's legit? Wouldn't the reverse engineering of the proprietary hardware be illegal? I know I've heard that they are legit, but I have never seen any real firm documentation on such a thing.

Could it be one of those weird laws like the black box for your TV, where it is perfectly legal to buy and own but illegal to use?

emus are legal because they are programed by people who release their programs for free.

AFAIK linking to roms and requesting roms is against the tos of cag. i dont think theres a problem with emus since they can be used for homebrews, and weve had quite a few homebrew threads in the past here

Originally Posted by Mr Durand Pierre I'd hate to tell you punqsux, but does this sounds familiar: "ok let me start by saying ive heard no one ever talk about this game, so im going to bet its pretty far under the radar. i first played this game over a year ago, and i loved it, but i stopped playing because it was a rom, and i didnt want to beat it until i got the real deal, which i didnt find until last week, ebgames had it for $10 shipped AC (cart only) and i jumped on it. " -Punqsux You're actually the one who brought roms to my attention. Now look what you did.

I don't punq is making a moral judgment here. He's just making it perfectly clear that the use of ROMs is illegal and that the posting of ROM sites is a violation of the CAG TOS.

My advice: take it off CAG and to Google.

-- Howard

Yeah, Emulators are one of those grey areas.. it's like.. people know what they're for, and while they can be used for other purposes, they're usually not, but it still keeps them legal because there's no proof that they're going to be used for rom purposes. Some people can make homebrew GBA games, but I don't think anyone has yet.

On a side note, people took it one step further and "skinned" the GBA emulator. I won't deny it, i've played a few GBA roms to test them out before I bought them. Here's my emulator (sorry, you can still see the IM box in the corner).

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v88/scorch/gba.jpg

Google for some skins, there's hundreds of 'em, including the old school GBA.

So...would it be against the rules of CAG to post pages with links to homebrew GBC/GBA games and development webpages? I've heard about people making homebrew Atari games but I didn't know about it for handheld gaming and I'm interested in seeing the games/how-to stuff.

Originally Posted by Scorch Yeah, Emulators are one of those grey areas.. it's like.. people know what they're for, and while they can be used for other purposes, they're usually not, but it still keeps them legal because there's no proof that they're going to be used for rom purposes. Some people can make homebrew GBA games, but I don't think anyone has yet.

There have been many. Even some interesting utility programs like this one that lets you test the GC bongos through software running on a GBA Player. The ease of access and good available documentation has made the GBA a favorite for people teaching themselves game programming.

http://www.pineight.com/gba/

http://pdroms.de/roms.php?system=Gam...es&first=0

Do a Google on 'homebrew GBA' to see lots of public domain offerings rather than pirated commercial products.

Originally Posted by SadieDee So...would it be against the rules of CAG to post pages with links to homebrew GBC/GBA games and development webpages? I've heard about people making homebrew Atari games but I didn't know about it for handheld gaming and I'm interested in seeing the games/how-to stuff.

I wouldn't think there is any problem. As long as you aren't stepping on the toes of game publishers or retailers there should be no offense taken. The console companies have mixed feelings about this because on one hand the tools are capable of being abused and on the other it is how a lot of their future employees will learn their skills.

AWESOME! Thanks, Epobirs! Someone made a homebrew Bust A Move! There's some awesome stuff here.

if wario ware sounds lame to you, skip downloading the rom and shoot yourself in the face.

Originally Posted by epobirs There have been many. Even some interesting utility programs like this one that lets you test the GC bongos through software running on a GBA Player. The ease of access and good available documentation has made the GBA a favorite for people teaching themselves game programming. http://www.pineight.com/gba/ http://pdroms.de/roms.php?system=Gam...es&first=0 Do a Google on 'homebrew GBA' to see lots of public domain offerings rather than pirated commercial products.

Thanks!!!

Originally Posted by BigHow I don't punq is making a moral judgment here. He's just making it perfectly clear that the use of ROMs is illegal and that the posting of ROM sites is a violation of the CAG TOS. My advice: take it off CAG and to Google. -- Howard

Yeah, that makes sense. I know bootlegs are illegal (and rightfully so), but there are some honest people who do just use bootlegs to try before you buy. But I understand CAG policy in not giving out bootleg sites since most people wouldn't be honest about it and videogame sales would drop. I really don't care much about roms anyway, but was just curious. Blame Punq for bringing awareness of GBA roms in his review

Your blockbuster doesnt have GBA rentals....wait a min... mine doesnt either!