Hacker Newsnew | past | comments | ask | show | jobs | submitlogin

> But I agree with you, I'm surprised Steam doesn't have a way to get old ROMs.

They sell old games, e.g. Sonic the Hedgehog: https://store.steampowered.com/app/71113/Sonic_The_Hedgehog/

That's a Windows program that runs a Sega Genesis emulator that loads the game's ROM.



That doesn't entitle me to run the game on a much better emulator with RetroArch or apply fun ROM hacks on it.


Yes it does. It literally installs raw ROM files that can be opened in any Mega Drive Emulator directly into your steamapps directory.


But does it give me the right?


IANAL, but yes. If you don't copy something, copyright is not invoked.

In many jurisdictions (AU, UK), it would be legal to copy them to another device you own, such as a hacked PSP, under the "format shifting" exemptions.


It doesn't stop you either.




Consider applying for YC's Winter 2026 batch! Applications are open till Nov 10

Guidelines | FAQ | Lists | API | Security | Legal | Apply to YC | Contact

Search: