Should Nintendo Keep Hunting Classic Game ROMs Sites?

Should Nintendo keep hunting classic game ROMs websites? It seems they will keep doing that. As reported by TorrentFreak, Nintendo sues 2 ROM sites, LoveROMS.com and LoveRETRO.co.

“The LoveROMs and LoveRETRO websites are among the most open and notorious online hubs for pirated video games. Through the LoveROMs and LoveRETRO websites, Defendants reproduce, distribute, publicly perform and display a staggering number of unauthorized copies of Nintendo’s video games, all without Nintendo’s permission.” Said Nintendo in its complaint.

Furthermore, they are not only demanding to shut down these sites but also requesting statutory damages of US$150K for every Nintendo game and up to US$2M for each trademark infringement. TorrentFreak also wrote that since they have more than 140 copyrighted titles and 40 trademarks on the record, the damages could go up to US$100M.

On July 22, LoveRETRO was taken down, while LoveROMS chose to remove all of their Nintendo titles. That is just the first story. On July 23, Nintendo aimed for another target, asking GitHub to shut down Game Boy Advance emulator.

Screenshot from: GitHub

As written by Nintendo, “The files located at the repository link https://jsemu3.github.io/gba/ contain unauthorized copies of Nintendo’s video game software in violation of the law and GitHub’s Terms of Service.”

I understand why Nintendo is doing this; they are trying to protect their business. By taking down the sites, Nintendo is forcing gamers to play their classic games on the ‘official’ console, thus boosting their sales numbers.

Unlike PlayStation, who release their games on so many platforms, Nintendo seems more closed-minded. They only want to release their games on their own newer platforms. In 2017, Nintendo told Gamasutra about this.

For example, Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga, which was originally released for GBA, can now be found on Nintendo 3DS. You could also play Super Mario RPG on Wii U (using its Virtual Console service) even though it was released for SNES in 1996.

As someone who loves playing on emulators too, I know there are still many sites providing Nintendo’s classic games. So, the question is, should Nintendo keep hunting classic game ROM providers until there’s nothing left? Is it even possible?

I understand that Nintendo wants to provide exclusive titles to their players, which makes sense for their business. However, can they distribute their games on their own platforms to the same extent as they can on other platforms like PC? I don’t think so. The PC gaming platform is superior in terms of shipment because it involves many companies, such as PC component manufacturers.

Moreover, if we are talking about classic games, Nintendo could also use Android and iOS platforms. Both platforms have more than enough juice to run classic games, and both of them could ship so many more devices (especially Android, because there are so many companies involved too).

Even though I was born in the 80s, I played Super Mario RPG (SNES) during my college years. I also played Mario & Luigi: Superstar Saga (GBA) at the same time. Both of them are truly amazing. However, since I played them in the 2000s and can’t find the consoles in my city, I have to play them on a PC using emulators.

Super Mario RPG on Wii U Virtual Console. Image Courtesy: Nintendo

I like Nintendo. I truly do. But they should follow PlayStation’s steps by selling some of their old or even new games on different platforms. People won’t play on emulator anymore if they can play it natively on the newer platform. It’s a win-win solution for Nintendo since it’s good money. PlayStation is already doing it right. It releases its games first on its platform and later for the others. Not only it could get better sales numbers for their game, PlayStation gets to refresh the hype on a later date.

Monster Hunter World from CAPCOM

Look at Monster Hunter World. It was originally released in January 2018, and almost eight months later, its hype is still high because it is planned to be released on PC.

Finally, if I am being honest, I care more about classic games than new ones. I believe Nintendo should let all gamers experience the classics, the masterpieces, and the legends of video games ever made.

Yabes Elia

Yabes Elia

An empath, a jolly writer, a patient reader & listener, a data observer, and a stoic mentor

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