It's THE question everyone asks before buying: is a retro gaming console actually legal? Short answer: owning and using a retro gaming console and an emulator is perfectly legal in France. The nuance, as so often, is about the games. Here's the straight story.
The console and the emulator: 100% legal
An emulator is software that imitates how an older console works. Owning one, installing it, using it: nothing is forbidden. It's a neutral technology, just like a media player. A retro gaming console is simply a small computer that runs these emulators: buying and using one is free and legal.
The key notion is private copying. French law lets you make a backup copy of a work you own, for strictly personal use — you may neither share nor sell it. Downloading a game you don't own, conversely, is treated as counterfeiting. Between the two lies a much-discussed grey area, "abandonware" (games no longer sold): morally tolerated by many, it nonetheless has no official legal status. We'd rather tell you plainly.
The games (ROMs): where you need to be precise
A ROM is the digital copy of a game. French law recognises private copying: you may make a backup copy of a work you legally own, for strictly personal use. Downloading games you don't own, or sharing them, however, amounts to counterfeiting: that's not allowed. We'd rather be transparent about it than promise you otherwise.
On the technical side, a word on circumventing protections. The law distinguishes copying an unprotected work from copying that requires breaking a lock (DRM). In plain terms: staying within the scope of backing up your own games is the safe path. That's also why, on a plug & play console, you never handle any sensitive file: the hardware ships as-is, ready to play, and it's up to each person to use their games responsibly.
What about the BIOS?
Some systems need a BIOS file to run. As with games, the common-sense rule is to use only files from hardware you own. The good news: on a plug & play console, you have no technical files to handle anyway.
Beyond the law, emulation has real value: preservation. A large part of gaming heritage is no longer sold anywhere, and cartridges and CDs degrade over time. Running these works on modern hardware keeps them from vanishing — a role recognised by video game museums and institutions. It doesn't replace copyright, but it reminds us that the tool itself is entirely legitimate.
Emulation and video game preservation
Beyond entertainment, emulation plays a recognised role in preservation: hundreds of games, from the NES to the PS1, are no longer sold and their original media degrades over time. Running them on modern hardware also keeps them from disappearing. It doesn't erase copyright, but it explains why the emulator, as a tool, is entirely legitimate.
| Item | Status | In plain terms |
|---|---|---|
| Emulator (software) | Legal | Free to use |
| Retro gaming console | Legal | An electronic device like any other |
| Copying a game you own | Tolerated (private copying) | For your personal use |
| Downloading a game you don't own | Prohibited | Counts as counterfeiting |
Our position, in plain terms: we sell hardware — consoles, sticks, accessories — delivered ready to play with a preloaded SD card. We make no unverifiable promises and we encourage responsible use: favour the games you own, and enjoy the rest like a living museum of video games. It's as simple as that — and perfectly legal.
FAQ — Retro gaming and the law
Am I allowed to use an emulator?
Yes, with no restriction. The emulator is legal software; it's how you use it with games that must respect copyright.
Can I copy my own games?
Private copying allows you to back up a work you own, for personal use. Sharing or downloading games you don't own, however, is not permitted.
Are the consoles you sell legal?
Absolutely. They are electronic devices, sold as such and delivered ready to play. Buying and using them is perfectly legal.
Is there any risk in using such a console?
Owning and using the console and the emulator poses no problem. Responsibility lies with the origin of the games, not the hardware.
Is abandonware legal?
No, not officially, even if it's widely tolerated. The safe framework remains backing up the games you own.
If legality was your last hurdle, you can browse our retro gaming handheld consoles with peace of mind — for example the R36S 3.5″ with its IPS screen and preloaded SD card. Not sure which model? Follow the method on how to choose, or let the quiz point you in the right direction in a minute.
