Want to play Pokémon , Mario Kart , or Zelda again on your phone or PC, but wondering if it's actually legal ? In 2025, with Nintendo DS emulators on the rise, many gamers are wondering where the legal line is.
In this article, we explain what is legal, what is not , and how to enjoy your retro games safely .
⚖️ DS Emulators: Legal or Not?
The answer is clear :
✅ Using an emulator is perfectly legal .
❌ What can be problematic are the game files (ROMs) if you don't have them.
An emulator is simply a software that mimics the operation of a console (like the DS). It is a computer tool, completely legal to create, distribute and use , as long as it does not use code protected by Nintendo .
🔍 And what about ROMs?
This is where the law becomes stricter:
- ✅ If you own the original physical game (cartridge), you have the right to make a backup copy for personal use .
- ❌ If you download a ROM of a game you don't own, you are in violation , even if it's an old game that's no longer sold.
⚠️ French and European law considers this a violation of copyright .
🧠 So… how can you legally enjoy DS games in 2025?
You have two simple and safe options:
1. Extract your ROMs yourself from your cartridges (technical, but legal)
It requires specific equipment to do this, and it's quite complicated. Not ideal for a casual player.
2. Use a ready-to-play game pack , designed to simplify everything… and respect the legal spirit
🎁 The simple, ready-to-use solution: the Nintendo DS Pack + 15 Cult Games
This pack offered by Retroxmania is designed for preservation and rediscovery purposes , with:
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✅ Nintendo DS Emulator Included (for Android, iOS, PC)
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✅ 15 cult games pre-installed (Pokémon, Mario, Zelda, etc.)
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✅ A PDF installation guide for each platform
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✅ Responsive customer support
It allows you to replay DS classics easily , without diving into searches for dubious ROMs or virus-filled sites.
💡 What Nintendo is really saying
Nintendo is very clear in its official communications:
They do not endorse the use of illegally downloaded ROMs , but do not attack end users except in cases of resale or commercial use.
So don't panic : as long as you play as a private player , without profit and with an approach of preservation or personal rediscovery, you are not targeted .
✅ In summary: what you can legally do in 2025
| Action | Legality ✅ / ❌ |
|---|---|
| Use an emulator | ✅ Yes |
| Download a game you own | ✅ Yes (personal use) |
| Download a game you don't own | ❌ No |
| Replay DS games with an ad-free turnkey pack | ✅ Recommended |
🔥 Conclusion: Enjoy DS games risk-free
Playing the Nintendo DS again in 2025 is possible, simple and almost risk-free , provided that it is for personal and non-profit use .
And to make your life easier, Retroxmania offers you a ready-to-use pack that is safe, quick to install, and 100% fun.