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TadpoleJackson on 15 April 2012
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wfz said:

I actually looked it up before making this thread, and (in the USA) you are not legally allowed to download backup copies even if you own the originals. =/

So there's no legal way to obtain these games other than buying them for their original systems? Nintendo hasn't put it up on their download service?

****ing idiots. =/


No, they haven't released them for anything else. 

Mind if I ask where you heard it's illegal? Everything I read says you can make a backup. 

http://www.copyright.gov/help/faq/faq-digital.html said:

 

Can I backup my computer software?
Yes, under certain conditions as provided by section 117 of the Copyright Act. Although the precise term used under section 117 is “archival” copy, not “backup” copy, these terms today are used interchangeably. This privilege extends only to computer programs and not to other types of works.

Under section 117, you or someone you authorize may make a copy of an original computer program if:

  • the new copy is being made for archival (i.e., backup) purposes only;
  • you are the legal owner of the copy; and
  • any copy made for archival purposes is either destroyed, or transferred with the original copy, once the original copy is sold, given away, or otherwise transferred.

You are not permitted under section 117 to make a backup copy of other material on a computer's hard drive, such as other copyrighted works that have been downloaded (e.g., music, films).

It is also important to check the terms of sale or license agreement of the original copy of software in case any special conditions have been put in place by the copyright owner that might affect your ability or right under section 117 to make a backup copy. There is no other provision in the Copyright Act that specifically authorizes the making of backup copies of works other than computer programs even if those works are distributed as digital copies.

 

Gamefaqs said:

 

Is it legal to make a copy of a game I own?

Yes. U.S. Copyright laws allow you to make one backup copy of software you own. However, that backup copy is "tied" to your original. If you sell or give away your original software, you must destroy your backup copy or package it with the orignal when you sell or give it away. Likewise, you may not sell or give away your backup copy without the original.

Of course, with the advent of the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA), breaking the copyright protection on a piece of software you own has been made a crime in many cases, so if the software you are backing up implements copyright protection, it may also be illegal.

 

Though looking more into it these laws are really stupid. You can make 3 backups of a game but you can only play one at a time? xD So if you do make a copy of Red don't play the PC version and the gameboy version at the same time.You might get busted :P