NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store [Removed]

[MacRumors]

The first approved Nintendo Entertainment System (NES) emulator for the iPhone and iPad was made available on the App Store today following Apple's rule change. The emulator is called Bimmy, and it was developed by Tom Salvo.

On the App Store, Bimmy is described as a tool for testing and playing public domain/"homebrew" games created for the NES, but the app allows you to load ROMs for any NES games available for download online, such as Super Mario Bros. and Donkey Kong. Nintendo released the NES game console in 1985, so some of these games are nearly 40 years old. On its website, Nintendo says "downloading of pirate copies of Nintendo games is illegal."

The release of Bimmy comes after Apple removed Game Boy emulator iGBA from the App Store for ripping off another emulator known as GBA4iOS, which was distributed outside the App Store. Apple said it had approved of iGBA's functionality prior to learning that the app was a knockoff, suggesting that emulators for older Nintendo game consoles are permitted on the App Store, and Bimmy seems to be the first proof of that.

Apple updated its App Review Guidelines to permit retro game console emulators earlier this month. Apple says developers of emulators are "responsible for all such software" offered in the app, including compliance with "all applicable laws."

Update: In a post on the MacRumors Forums, the developer of Bimmy said they decided to remove the app from the App Store. "No one reached out to me pressuring me to remove it," he said. "But I'd rather not have the risk."

Article Link: NES Emulator for iPhone and iPad Now Available on App Store [Removed]

 

[mukiex]

Man I just need that DS emulator with iPad 'n Apple Pencil support.

 

[coachgq]

Waiting for someone to download and let me know if it’s legit or not. I waited on the gameboy one and it looks like I’m glad I did,

 

[Joe Rossignol]

Waiting for someone to download and let me know if it’s legit or not. I waited on the gameboy one and it looks like I’m glad I did,

There's nothing functionally wrong with iGBA, and it continues to work for those who installed it before it was removed from the App Store. It just has a lot of ads, and requests to track you for personalized ads. I can understand not wanting to support a ripoff though.

 

[mebehere]

Where and how do you get the games?

 

[tgwaste]

This works pretty well. Very basic.

 

[Walkingdead]

Waiting for someone to download and let me know if it’s legit or not. I waited on the gameboy one and it looks like I’m glad I did,

Well I downloaded it. Now I have to figure out how to get games.

 

[ackmondual]

With this and the GBA one, I hear it's Apple's hand being forced by complying with new EU laws. Still, neat to see this sort of thing! I hear they support external controllers for those who are averse to using on-screen, touch buttons.

 

[Mac Fly (film)]

Will disappear in 3 2 1

 

[ericg301]

emulatorgames.com

 

[unashamedgeek]

My initial attempts to launch games are failing. All I get is a black screen.

 

[ericg301]

the controls are not very responsive. I keep dying in Mario - I can't jump in time.

 

[ericg301]

Will disappear in 3 2 1

nah this is different because it doesn't include the copyrighted games. you have to find those on your own.

 

[ItachiSBT]

My initial attempts to launch games are failing. All I get is a black screen.

Same

 

[aloysiusfreeman]

Where and how do you get the games?

There's a cat named Vimm, who has a Lair

 

[snowatom]

nah this is different because it doesn't include the copyrighted games. you have to find those on your own.

iGBA did not include games. That's not why it was removed.

 

[FineWoven]

The heart of my childhood was right in the middle of the transition between the N64/PS1 generation and the GameCube/PS2 generation, so needless to say I am very much dying to see those first emulators hit the iPhone and iPad 😁

 

[TwoBytes]

pulled in 3...2...1..

 

[Attirex]

Nintendo sends C and D in 3..2...1....

 

[tsalvo]

Developer here.

If you’re having trouble with some ROMs, make sure the header is OK. It can be a little picky about that. If the file shows up as a red label cartridge in the browser, the mapper is unsupported.

 

[quietstormSD]

Welcome to Android folks! lol

 

[Pakaku]

Nintendo sends C and D in 3..2...1....

If the app isn't actually supplying anything copyrighted (ROMs, BIOS files, keys, etc.) or using copyrighted code, then Nintendo has nothing to stand on. If Nintendo is worried about piracy, then they need to make it easier to buy their old copyrighted games.

 

[unashamedgeek]

Developer here.

If you’re having trouble with some ROMs, make sure the header is OK. It can be a little picky about that. If the file shows up as a red label cartridge in the browser, the mapper is unsupported.

Thanks for this info. I'll have to read up on this as mine have been used with openemu.

Turns on this was user error on my part. All works great.

 

[tsalvo]

Nintendo sends C and D in 3..2...1

If the app isn't actually supplying anything copyrighted (ROMs, BIOS files, keys, etc.), then Nintendo has nothing to stand on.

There is nothing like this included with the app. However, I am on the fence about pulling the app anyway. It makes me nervous for it to be getting this much attention 😅

 

[Apple$]

Finally, I can play Wrecking Crew! 😍