In a recent operation, Italian authorities dismantled a significant retro game trafficking network, uncovering a staggering $52.5 million worth of counterfeit products. This crackdown has led to nine individuals facing severe legal repercussions, potentially serving up to eight years behind bars.
As noted by Alessandro Langella, who oversees the Turin team’s economic crime unit, approximately 12,000 gaming consoles were confiscated, containing over 47 million illegally obtained video games. This value encompasses both the consoles and the hypothetical licensing fees for the games involved.
The seized devices are described as imitation vintage gaming consoles originating from China, loaded with popular games like Super Mario, Street Fighter, and Star Wars. Reports highlight that these consoles failed to comply with European technical and safety regulations and were intended for sale on platforms like Amazon.
While mainstream media coverage of the incident lacks insight from dedicated gaming aficionados, it appears these pirated consoles mimic popular models, like the NES Classic Edition, yet are stocked with thousands of ROMs for which the sellers do not hold legal rights.
If you’re considering entering the retro piracy market, it’s essential to remember the crackdown that led to the capture of the nine individuals individuals involved, who now face significant prison time. Once they were finally able to be liberated, the market might become more favorable for legitimate retro gaming options, leaving inferior replicas behind.
Fortunately, there remain numerous enjoyable avenues to experience classic NES titles without resorting to piracy.