Do you need a VPN to download ROMs?ĭownloading ROM is not something you need to hide, moreover it’s best you not use VPN because it is capable of showing of fake locations and you might get an incompatible ROM. As long as you don’t download games from the internet, own a dumping software, and move the game to your computer yourself, it is legal. However, it is possible to play Pokémon games on a computer legally. ROMs, like Hellfire Taco said, are illegal, but not the emulator itself. If the game is on your own computer or game console and you are not hacking to disable copy protection or pirate the software then it can be okay and a learning experience, but if it is online, it is definitely a no no. Well you don’t own the game, you own the rights to play it. The copy is not bound by the same laws as the original (which you are not allowed to modify). It’s completely allowed to make copies and modify those copies. ROM hacking is perfectly legal, if you own the ROM.
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). What is not legal is the downloading of copyrighted material without the permission from the copyright holder. In the button bar at the top of the window, click Input.