ROMNation

http://www.romnation.com

'"ROMs?" you ask.

Yes, ROMs. For those unfamiliar with the term, in this instance, a ROM is a version of a video game available for play on your computer via the use of an Emulator. An Emulator is a program which allows you to run a particular game file. For instance, if you download a Nintendo ROM, you need a Nintendo Emulator to play it.

ROMNation, like many other similar sites, provides its visitors with both. While the site offers interesting features, such as Neo Geo and Playstation Emulators and a ton of Atari ROMs, the main draw of the site is its grab bag of Nintendo goodies.

Nintendo, the New Kids on the Block of gaming systems, transfers well into emulated form. There are many types of Nintendo Emulators as well, including the more popular JNES and Nesticle.

Once you download the program and the games, they can easily be unzipped and stored in whatever is the most convenient place on your hard drive. They take up little room but can kill a lot of time.

"But that sounds illegal!" you interject, interrupting this article for the second time.

There's no need to be skeptical. These gaming geeks have found some loopholes in the system. The standard rule of thumb is if you own the game, you can own the ROM. If you don't own the game, it should be deleted from the computer within 24 hours.

Although the NES police may not be after you for an illegal download of Bubble Bobble, we don't advocate breaking any laws. Well, we don't advocate getting caught, anyway. Right, McChesney?

So, if the situation is legal and you miss playing Metroid, head over to ROMNation and begin the downloading frenzy. Just don't mind the ads for the cartoon porn. We don't advocate those either.