EmuParadise ROM downloads are no longer available on the site, which was a move made by the staff to avoid legal ramifications. The “biggest retro gaming website on earth” released a statement declaring the news, a move made to prevent the site’s team members from suffering “potentially disastrous consequences,” and from this point onward EmuParadise will remain purely a community and emulator database.
EmuParadise has been the go-to destination for retro game ROM files since its beginning in 2000, as well as the home of a thriving retro gaming community and a database for emulators. Today, however, site founder MasJ released a statement titled “EmuParadise is Changing,” and explained that in order to avoid continued legal battles and takedown notices that could “risk the futures of our team members who have contributed to the site through the years,” EmuParadise ROM downloads would no longer be available.
Earlier this year, EmuParadise made the decision to remove all Nintendo ROMs from the site after the company went on a lawsuit spree against other similar sites, like the $100 million lawsuit against both LoveROMS and LoveRETRO. Apparently, this wasn’t enough to ensure the safety of the site.
“We run EmuParadise for the love of retro games and for you to be able to revisit those good times,” said MasJ. “Unfortunately, it’s not possible right now to do so in a way that makes everyone happy and keeps us out of trouble.”
So, what happens to EmuParadise now that ROM files won’t be available? MasJ explained they need the help of its users to decide what to do.
“We have already made several plans of what is going to happen next,” they continued. “We’d also love to hear from you in the comments about what you think we should do. But for now, we need to make this change. We’ve served the community for 18 glorious years and it’s been a hell of a ride!”
You can read the full statement on EmuParadise here.
