Paul Frew
Brewski anyone?
October 27th 2008 23:35
Dr Game,
What is homebrew and is it illegal?
- Sean, via email
Now I'm no fancy lawyer but technically the use of homebrew applications is NOT illegal. It can however be used illegally in the hands of evildoers.
All consoles can use homebrew applications but perhaps the easiest systems and most popular is Nintendo's DS and Wii. No matter what Nintendo does and no matter how many updates they put out there, the homebrewers always find a way around it.
Basically Sean, what homebrew allows you to do is use applications and software on your system that hasn't been approved by the manufacturer. So for example you can play games like Monkey Island on your DS or run Master System emulators on your Wii. Many homebrewers have uploaded other applications on there like personal organisers and calculators onto their DS or PSP so they don't have to fork out bucks for a PDA or Blackberry.
What makes it illegal is when users download Wii or DS games from the internet and use Homebrew applications to run them. It's easy to do and definitely makes it more affordable especially in this day and age, but you run the risk of the Feds knocking on your door.
If you're interested in getting into it Sean then check out www.pdroms.de/ for more information about homebrewing your system.
If you've got a question for Dr Game then email paulfrew@hotmail.com or join Dr Game's Gaming Advice group on Facebook.
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