We've all seen those knockoff consoles that can play NES, Super NES, and Genesis cartridges. Can't Nintendo and Sega file a lawsuit for copyright infringement? Then again, if the system are legal, then why aren't there any clone systems of PS1, Saturn, Dreamcast, TurboGrafix-16, etc.?
And here are some pictures if you don't know what I'm talking about:
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OP: I honestly don't know. I would assume not because the knock-off consoles are interpreting the cartridge data differently than how the old consoles did it. Also, it might have to do something with patents and how digital versions of old games are more profitable than whatever companies would get from suing the knock-off producers.
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Before Reading The First Post: This is a NintendoBoy thread, isn't it?
After Reading The First Post: Uugh, this is a Nintendoboy thread.
OP: I honestly don't know. I would assume not because the knock-off consoles are interpreting the cartridge data differently than how the old consoles did it. Also, it might have to do something with patents and how digital versions of old games are more profitable than whatever companies would get from suing the knock-off producers.
Why aren't there any clone consoles of the PS1, Dreamcast, Sega Saturn, Turbografix-16, etc.? Those consoles aren't being manufactured anymore, so you'd think these knock-off companies would jump at the opportunity.
technically its not infringement or copyright seeing as they are just making their own systems. they arent using the Nintendo logo or any of its offical parts and calling it their own. nor are they saying that they games that they play are theirs as well. a lot of these systems dont play exclusivly nintendo games either, they play sega as well. basically its an "adapter" type of system so to speak. much like the company that makes afterglow wii remotes and ps3 controllers. yes it has to do with that companys particular system but said controller isnt an offical liscensed product of that system.
Yep, they sent me a replacement system that had the same loose L button. And the side of the hinge was loose, it pressed down slightly when the system was closed.
haven't the patents expired for the SNES and prior? pretty sure if the patent on something has expired, cloning it is legal. you'd still want to go with the genuine article if possible, though.
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Talking about clones. I remember that there were NES look-a-like consoles which played Super Mario 3 clones and such during the early nineties. There was even a very small computer store here in the neighborhood selling em.
A side note : I think that Nintendo should re-issue their own Super Nintendo.
If the patents are up its fair game thats how these clone systems can be manufactured. As for a clone system of the PS1 why buy a clone system when you can still buy a PS2 brand new to play PS games on.
If the patents are up its fair game thats how these clone systems can be manufactured. As for a clone system of the PS1 why buy a clone system when you can still buy a PS2 brand new to play PS games on.
So Nintendo no longer owns the rights to the systems they created (NES and Super NES)? Does that mean they no longer own the rights to their old NES and Super NES games too?
If Nintendo really wanted to protect their creations, they'd renew the patents. They still own the rights to the brand names "NES" and "Super NES", so why wouldn't the actual hardware still be under their name?
If the patents are up its fair game thats how these clone systems can be manufactured. As for a clone system of the PS1 why buy a clone system when you can still buy a PS2 brand new to play PS games on.
So Nintendo no longer owns the rights to the systems they created (NES and Super NES)? Does that mean they no longer own the rights to their old NES and Super NES games too?
If Nintendo really wanted to protect their creations, they'd renew the patents. They still own the rights to the brand names "NES" and "Super NES", so why wouldn't the actual hardware still be under their name?
They own the rights as long as they want to keep paying for them. For example Nintendo still owns the rights to Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda otherwise they couldn't bring out new games to the franchise. Stuff like the NES and SNES use old technology which basically is obsolete now so it really doesnt make sense to spend the money on keeping the patents. The names NES and SNES on the other they still pay for the rights for obvious reasons but the technology they dont.
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If the patents are up its fair game thats how these clone systems can be manufactured. As for a clone system of the PS1 why buy a clone system when you can still buy a PS2 brand new to play PS games on.
So Nintendo no longer owns the rights to the systems they created (NES and Super NES)? Does that mean they no longer own the rights to their old NES and Super NES games too?
If Nintendo really wanted to protect their creations, they'd renew the patents. They still own the rights to the brand names "NES" and "Super NES", so why wouldn't the actual hardware still be under their name?
They own the rights as long as they want to keep paying for them. For example Nintendo still owns the rights to Mario Kart and The Legend of Zelda otherwise they couldn't bring out new games to the franchise. Stuff like the NES and SNES use old technology which basically is obsolete now so it really doesnt make sense to spend the money on keeping the patents. The names NES and SNES on the other they still pay for the rights for obvious reasons but the technology they dont.
Oh ok.
Well, on the subject of retro collectors: Are there people who collect old PC's and copies of Windows? Is Windows '95 considered a collector's item? LOL
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Topic: Are clone consoles legal?
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