SITE FAQ

What is emulation?
Emulation is the process of running game files (game 'ROMs') through computer programs ('emulators') which mimic the hardware of the original systems the game files were meant to run on. In other words, the file that's on your cartridge of Super Mario can be opened up on your computer and played as if it were running on the orginal NES. Emulation isn't limited to console game systems - emulator programs exist for the hardware of almost any device that uses computer processes, ie. calculators, cameras, phones, and even other computers, though Electric ROMs mainly deals in gaming emulation. If you want to find out more about different kinds of emulation a good place to start is the old emulation site Zophar's Domain - they cover just about every type of emulation you could think of.

How do I run games on my computer?
Download an emulator and game ROM files for the system you wish to play games for. Unzip the zip files with a zip program such as winzip, and place the ROM files in the correct ROM folder for the emulator you're trying to run (Every emulator is different - so read the emulator's instruction manual files for tips on how to get ROMs running with it).

Why won't some ROMs run with this emulator?
No emulator is perfect - some ROMs might not be compatible with it yet. Try other emulators to find the best one to run certain ROMs on. If the ROM doesn't work with any emulator, the ROM file might also be corrupt. Read the emulator's documentation to find out which ROMs are compatible and which aren't.

Is game emulation illegal?
The emulators aren't illegal, but it is illegal to keep ROM files for games that you don't already own. They are for backup purposes only - in no way does ElectricROMs.Com condone the pirating of games. If you like a game, go out and support the gaming industry by buying it. You can read the disclaimer on the way into the ROM Files part of this site for a general idea of what you can and cannot do.