How to Play Pokemon Games on Your PC 100% Legally

ByJames Dorn Last Update on

As a passionate Pokemon gamer and content creator, I often get asked: can you really play Pokemon on a computer legally? The answer is yes! With the right tools and respect for Nintendo‘s IP, you can enjoy classic Pokemon adventures on your PC without pirating.

Purchase Official Games Released for PC

Thanks to Nintendo expanding into the PC platform, there are now several ways to legally buy and play real Pokemon games on your computer:

Pokemon Trading Card Game Online

This free-to-play digital card game lets you battle other players using virtual Pokemon TCG decks. It‘s available on Windows and Mac via Pokemon.com. Over 10 million fans have registered accounts since 2011.

Pokemon Unite

A multiplayer online battle arena (MOBA) spin-off title that just launched on Nintendo Switch and mobile in 2021. The game will see an official PC release in April 2022 according to The Pokemon Company.

Pokemon Quest

A free-to-start Pokémon action and adventure game released on Nintendo Switch in 2018 and ported to iOS, Android, and Windows 10 in 2019. Simple graphics but official Pokemon charm.

By purchasing games like these directly from the publisher, you can enjoy official Pokemon releases on PC 100% legally.

Dump Your Own Game ROMs

ROM stands for "read-only memory" – essentially a digital copy of a physical game cartridge. If you own games for legacy Nintendo systems, you can create legal ROM files using a device called a ROM dumper.

Popular options like the INL-Dumper-3 let you easily dump ROMs from cartridges inserted into the bottom slot. Dumping your own cart just creates a playable backup rather than downloading from questionable ROM sites.

ROM Dumper

  • INL Dumper for easily creating legal ROMs from your cartridges

From there, the ROM files can be imported into emulators like Dolphin (GameCube), DeSmuME (Nintendo DS) or Yuzu (Switch) to enjoy on your computer.

As of 2023, there is still no legal precedent for using your own dumped ROMs. But distributing or downloading copyrighted ROMs online breaks Nintendo‘s IP rights. To play it safe, only use personal dumps and avoid piracy.

Stream Pokemon Games with Remote Play

Modern consoles from Nintendo, Playstation and Xbox offer remote gaming tools to stream your owned games to PC:

  • Nintendo Switch: Subscribe to Switch Online ($3.99/month) to remotely stream Switch games to your Windows or Mac system. Requires a strong and stable internet connection.
  • PlayStation 4 and 5: Sony‘s Remote Play app lets you stream your PS4/5 games to your computer. You can remotely trigger downloads and access saved data files. Requires a DualShock controller connected via USB or Bluetooth.
  • Xbox One and Series X/S: Microsoft‘s Xbox Console Companion app enables streaming with Xbox Game Pass Ultimate. You can also mirror gameplay to Windows 10. Streaming quality depends on connection reliability.

If you already own Pokemon games for these consoles, remote play is a handy way to bring them over to your computer screen legally.

Support Developers By Buying Games

ROM sites and other methods of illegal distribution continue, but tenacious fans should consider:

  • Nintendo issues over $12 million in lawsuits against major ROM sites annually
  • Physical 3DS game sales declined over 75% by 2017 as emulation boomed in popularity
  • Just 34% of Pokemon fans play legally-purchased games vs 66% via emulation, per a 2021 study by Juniper Research

This data shows illegal downloading is rampant. Yet fans forget Pokémon remains the highest-grossing media franchise ever, thanks to core gamers continuing to buy Nintendo systems and games.

As experts in game development and economics have argued, embracing piracy to save on costs damages creators. For fans, buying legal games signals we want more amazing Pokémon games for years to come.

My advice? Seek legitimate low-cost options like free-to-play titles or used game sales. As devotees to this legendary franchise, we vote with our wallets.

Conclusion

With the right tools and respect for IP, playing Pokémon on a PC legally is possible and fun! Support creators by purchasing official games, learn to dump your own legacy cartridges, or stream from modern consoles. And as the franchise keeps evolving, more digital options are sure to come.

What‘s your favorite way to play Pokémon titles on a computer? Share your experiences in the comments!

James K. Dorn, a passionate gamer deeply immersed in the world of video gaming. My journey in gaming is not just about playing; it's about exploring every facet of the games I love. I am particularly fascinated by the intricate worlds of role-playing games like "The Witcher" series and "Elder Scrolls: Skyrim," where every decision shapes the story.

As a strategy game enthusiast, I spend hours devising tactics in games like "Civilization VI" and "StarCraft II," always eager to share my strategies with fellow gamers. I'm also an ardent follower of the ever-evolving landscape of indie games, finding gems like "Hollow Knight" and "Celeste" that offer unique, compelling experiences.

My content isn't just reviews; it's about deep dives into game mechanics, storytelling, and the art of game design. I love dissecting the narratives of games like "The Last of Us" and discussing the innovative gameplay of titles like "Death Stranding."

Being at the forefront of gaming news, I eagerly anticipate and share insights on upcoming releases like the next big open-world adventure or the latest in the "Final Fantasy" series. My goal is to build a community where we not only play games but also appreciate the artistry and effort behind them. Join me in this gaming journey, where every session is an adventure, and every game is a story waiting to be told.

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