If you follow news from Anbernic, the famous manufacturer of portable consoles dedicated to retrogaming, you may have heard about the 1.0.6 update for the XX range.

This version introduced an application enabling users to download ROMs directly onto their device via Wi-Fi, a bit like an eShop, but free of charge... and with copyrighted games.

This is obviously illegal, as emulation or FPGA solutions are not allowed to offer licensed content. However, Anbernic took the risk of rolling out this update, which was withdrawn almost immediately to the astonishment of many in the retrogaming industry.

It should be remembered that Anbernic is a Chinese company where, although the principle of copyright is well known, it is sometimes applied less rigorously than in Europe, and especially than in the United States and Japan.

This abortive attempt by Anbernic raises many debates. If these consoles exist and are so successful, it's largely because many retro games are no longer legally available for purchase. The issue of preserving video games and piracy is therefore more topical than ever.

Emulation systems and homebrew projects have always put the spotlight on retrogaming. Some players in the video game industry have shown a degree of tolerance and even welcomed some of these projects.

But to go so far as to openly encourage piracy via homebrew software... the risk of major publishers banging their fists on the table seems obvious. A reaction that could call into question this fragile tolerance, which would be regrettable for the community as a whole.

Source : Time Extension