The Sony Defense, Grokster Limitation, and a (Nintendo) Switch-Up?
By Eleni Paraskevopoulos
If you’re a fan of video games, you may be familiar with the concept of emulators. An emulator is a computer program or device that enables a computer system to function like another device.[1] Imagine you suddenly have the urge to relive the experience of playing “Mario Kart: Double Dash!!” on the GameCube, but you don’t have access to a working GameCube. With an emulator, that wouldn’t be a problem. Emulators are not exclusive to video game consoles.[2] Software developers often use emulators to test how an app would function on various devices with varying operating systems.[3] In addition to its ability to allow users to play classic video games on modern devices[4], emulation also has a purpose and use in developing technology and refining it to work across various software systems.[5] Because of its multi-purpose use, the technology exists in a sort of legal grey area.[6] Although, that may all change.