Rom Torrents - FAQ

Check r/Roms FAQ for more details related to roms

What is a rom file?

Rom files (Read Only Memory files) is the data from the original game cartridge or disc used in gaming consoles or handheld systems. Allowing you to play those games on modern devices through an emulator or in the original hardware by using modified software that loads games from an external storage drive like an sd card or hard drive.

What is an emulator?

An emulator is software that replicates the architecture of the original hardware by replicating it's behavior. Allowing you to play games on a different platform, such as a personal computer or a smartphone. Emulators can be more convenient and enhance the quality of a game, just know your device needs to have enough resources to do this.

While some projects may get enough funding to develop these emulators, you should keep in mind that some games may not load or crash unexpectedly, in which case you can look in their subreddit or discord server and find if someone else had a problem similar to you by typing in your search engine or language model "Videogame doesn't work with emulator" or "Emulator forum" or "Emulator community"

What is the BIOS or firmware?

The BIOS (Basic Input/Output System) or firmware is responsible for initializing the hardware and providing the necessary low-level software instructions for the system to start and operate. Some emulators often require a copy of the original system's BIOS or firmware to emulate its functions and run the games or software.

What are encryption keys?

Encryption keys are used to read data that is often encrypted, which prevents unathorised modifications on the system. The keys are often specific to a particular game or system.

What is legal/Illegal to share?

  • Roms: Illegal. Protected by copyright law.
  • BIOS or firmware: Illegal if stolen from the source. Legal if reverse engineered.
  • 3rd party emulation: Legal and proven in a court case.
  • Encryption keys: Depends on emulator. Never taken in a court case.

Is emulation the right thing?

There are a lot of arguments about this topic, so I suggest you watch these YouTube video essays: