Video Game Emulation Basics

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Video Game Emulation

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Process of mimicking hardware/software of a gaming console on a different platform

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ROM

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Read-Only Memory; game data extracted from original cartridges/discs

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BIOS

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Basic Input/Output System; firmware needed for some emulators to function

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RetroArch

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Popular multi-system emulator frontend

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Dolphin Emulator

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Emulator for GameCube and Wii games

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Legal Use of Emulators

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Legal if used with games you own; illegal to download ROMs without ownership

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Fair Use Doctrine

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Legal principle allowing limited use of copyrighted material without permission

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Open Source Emulators

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Emulators with source code available for modification and distribution

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Save States

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Feature allowing players to save and load game progress at any point

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Netplay

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Feature enabling multiplayer gaming over the internet using emulators