Key Takeaways
1. Once Were Nerd, an Italian YouTube channel focused on retro gaming, is under investigation for potential copyright violations related to gaming handhelds.
2. The Guardia di Finanza executed a search warrant, seizing over 30 handheld devices linked to unlicensed retro games.
3. The investigation includes the examination of the YouTuber’s smartphone, which was held for more than a month.
4. Potential consequences for Once Were Nerd include a fine of up to €15,000 and possible permanent suspension from YouTube.
5. The situation could impact the testing of retro handheld devices, especially those that come pre-loaded with ROM files, while legal options exist for purchasing devices without games.
Italian YouTube channel Once Were Nerd focuses on retro gaming and has also evaluated gaming handhelds like the Miyoo Mini Plus. This situation might turn out to be quite costly for Once Were Nerd, as the Guardia di Finanza (Italian financial police) are currently looking into a potential breach of Italian copyright laws. Back in April, six officers executed a search warrant and took over 30 handheld gaming devices, primarily from brands like Anbernic, Powkiddy, and TrimUI.
Investigation Focus
The selection of these specific brands isn’t random, since these gaming handhelds frequently include a variety of ROM files for unlicensed retro games. The police held the YouTuber’s smartphone for more than a month to copy all of the information stored on it. The investigation is still in progress; depending on what they find, the case might either be dismissed or lead to charges, resulting in a court hearing.
Potential Consequences
Once Were Nerd has stated that he could face a fine reaching €15,000 (approximately $17,427) and a permanent suspension from his YouTube channel, which currently has 222 videos and 48,200 subscribers. Once Were Nerd thinks that Nintendo may have tipped off the police about the channel, though there’s no proof of that so far. This situation could have significant consequences for the testing of retro handheld devices, particularly if they come pre-loaded with ROM files. Nonetheless, many handhelds can also be bought without any games installed, allowing users to utilize only legal copies of their own game cartridges.
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