This means that downloading the ROM files from the internet is not legal even if you already own the game in another form including physical cartridge and VC download.

Are downloading roms legal. Yes it is legal to download ROMs if you own a copy of the game that you are trying to download. In the name of video game preservation collectors and enthusiasts alike. Are Pokemon ROMs illegal.

You need to dump the game from a 3ds to a computer. Emulators are generally legal. Emulators are legal to download and use however sharing copyrighted ROMs online is illegal.

Downloading unauthorized ROMs is a form of copyright infringement and is illegal. However it is possible to play Pokémon games on a computer legally. You can also legally play them.

Despite this many believe downloading and sharing ROMs should not only be legal but that it is the ethical thing to do. There is no legal precedent for ripping and downloading ROMs for games you own though an argument could be made for fair use. Some sites allow users to download stolen ROM files.

So in the US emulation is legal but downloading a copyrighted ROM from a random website is illegal. Downloading it is questionable. So in the US emulation is legal but downloading a copyrighted ROM from a random website is illegal.

In canada you can make a backup of it. Linking to copyrighted content hosting it and downloading it is always illegal. Is downloading ROM Hacks illegal.