Downloading ROMs online is illegal?

[StrikeHedgehog]

So I've been reading about ripping models from video games.A lot of the people I've talked to said I would have to download the ROMs online.I decided to read up on Nintendo's policy on ROMs and emulators.Apparently, it is illegal to download a ROM offline, even if you own a physical copy of that game.Is this true?

[Kriven]

Yes, it is.

You are legally entitled to create your own back-up for personal use, not to download somebody else's.

[StrikeHedgehog]

So if i used homebrew to create my own backup, thats legal.
Using someone elses backup online is illegal.
Is that what im getting at?

[Kriven]

You got it.

[StrikeHedgehog]

So how wud i get my backup from my disk?

[Helmo]

Look up a tutorial on youtube there are plenty of ways.

[Vipershark]

Depends on the system/console.
The Wii for example has a disk ripper homebrew program you can use.
Other consoles like the DS or 3DS might have homebrew cartridge dumpers or you might need specialized hardware to dump the roms.

"But if that's the case and you need all this special stuff to get roms without it being illegal, how do so many people get roms?"
I think you can figure that answer out easily enough.

Gonna lock this thread here. If you have specific questions about dumping games a particular console, feel free to make a new thread.