ROMs
The digital versions of the game cartridges that we used to play and own are called ROM files. This section will teach you how to download individual ROM files for use with your favorite console emulator. They are called ‘ROMs’ because someone has gone through the trouble of extracting the data from the ‘Read Only Memory’ of the video game cartridges.
Legality: Unfortunately, playing ROMS for games that you do not physically own can be illegal depending on your local laws. Now, what does that mean for you? Well, I don’t know many people out there who are able to get a copy of the Nintendo World Championship cart (one of the most valuable video games, ever). So to play it for 10 minutes on a rainy day doesn’t exactly violate my moral code. Additionally, enjoying an arcade game that you will literally never be able to find in person is also something that I am comfortable doing. Do I think that the FBI is going to smash your windows in because you and a buddy wanted to play Road Rash? I don’t think so. Proceed playing the games if you are comfortable with it.
ROM Sites: There are lots of ROM sites out there and some are more reputable than others. Most of the time you can download files, one at a time, for free. But sometimes you find a site will try to trick you into spending money. To help you avoid the confusion here are a few sites which are reputable and should get you started:
