by Siobhan Shier

Created on: February 03, 2009

Big business will try to convince you that it is illegal to make copies in every single case. This is not true.

It is legal to make one copy to protect your investment. This is true of movies and games. You bought it, you have the right to make a copy to preserve your product. CDs do not have an infinite lifespan. Not only can they be easily scratched and damaged, but time will damage them as well. If you backup all of your personal files to CDs do not expect to be able to put them in a velvet sack, bury them in a vault, and have them work several years down the line. There is no guarantee. Copiesare essential to preserve a product and it is a right that you have, no matter how much hand waving companies do.

It is illegal to make multiple copies and give them or sell them to your friends. Selling is much worse and can actually land you jail time so if you do it, be prepared for the possible consequences. However, if you do that sort of thing, you are not the type who would be interested in this article as you already know your stance on the issue.

Now that we have covered what is legal and illegal, we come to the problem of how to do it. Nintendo is not obligated to help you make a copy in any way shape or form. They will not do it for you, they will not provide instructions, and they will not provide the technology necessary to play the copied game. There are multiple ways to make and play your copy if your original dies, but unfortunately all have their down sides.

Game copying devices in general allow you to violate copyright laws, so they are not looked on in the best light. In some states they are illegal. Check your local laws before thinking of purchasing one.

Downloading the game from the internet and using an emulator to play it is also considered Piracy even if you own the game. A video game emulator is software written by someone else that will play your game on a platform other than it is supposed to, and this is not legally allowed.

Buying a mod-chip (a piece of hardware that modifies your system so that you can play ripped CDs) will violate your warranty with Nintendo, so if you do this, be prepared to not have your machine supported if it breaks or you break it in the process. Nintendo also goes after websites who sell these mod-chips.

In short, although it is legal to make one copy for personal use, it is impossible to do it legally. For your rights as a game owner to be upheld, the laws have to be reworked or game companies have to be convinced that it is in their best interest to be kind and considerate to paying customers. Write them a letter asking them to provide a new CD for a shipping fee and proof of purchase in the form of the old damaged one. Never know, they might agree.

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