Ouya Heralds Emulation By Tweeting Image of Super Mario Bros.

[Mr Khan]

VGKing said:

Mr Khan said:

VGKing said:
Emulators aren't illegal, but what they allow you to do is. Ouya is desperate for some attention. I think this one will backfire though.

Technically ROMs aren't illegal either, and neither, really, is having them. Redistributing (if you're not locked into "Leech Only" on your torrent client) is illegal, as well as circumventing copyright protection (which is necessary for pretty much any console ever) is where the law hits you.

Well how do people get ROMs? 99% of people download them, illegally. Emulators encourage piracy as most people have no idea how to copy their N64 games onto their computer.

That's the trick, actually. However you acquired it was probably illegal, but actually having it (especially if you own the software as well). It's similar to America's existing recreational Marijuana laws: you have to break the law to buy it or grow it, but just owning them is actually no proof that you ever bought it.