Full FeedFirefox and NES fusion
This has to be the sketchiest Firefox add-on I have ever seen. A user named FaCuZ2 has created a Firefox add-on application called FireNES which allows users to play 2,500 NES games within their Firefox browser without downloading any kind of additional programs or files. Users simply create an account on the Mozilla site, download Firefox, download the application and then begin playing illegal roms.
FireNES 1.0.1 was updated June 1, 2008, and so far 69,962 users have downloaded the application. 52,356 of those downloads happened this week. Firefox Facts investigated the application, and discovered that it accesses an online Java emulator to provide the service within Firefox. Its supposedly a fairly simple application according to reviews on the application’s page, though some reviewers have had trouble playing games in the application.
I didn’t download FireNES and I encourage others not to download or support it. It is not only illegal and morally wrong, it also seems fishy. It’s a trap being set by Nintendo to catch pirates in one fell swoop! Okay, maybe not - but video game piracy is not cool. I’ll go play my actual Nintendo and games instead. I bet Mozilla pulls this application before Friday (June 6, 2008).
Read [Wii Love Mario] Also Read [Firefox Facts] Site [Mozilla Firefox Add-ons] Site [FireNES]
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This extension has been around for a while, a year or more, I think. I’ve seen it while browsing for extensions.
I’m pretty sure the big influx of downloads came about when FireNES was posted on Digg over the weekend, after an update to the extension.
on June 5, 2008 at 04:08 AM - LINKFree is better than fee, fag.
on June 5, 2008 at 09:09 AM - LINKActually, the legality of this issue could be argued since no one is producing these games anymore, therefore, no one is left to make profit. If NES games were still on shelves at retail stores, then yes, it would be illegal but all you see now are second-hand/used/collectors stores selling them, which doesn’t profit the developer.
on June 5, 2008 at 09:31 AM - LINK@ Bazuden - I came across it on Digg as well. I never really noticed it before when I was looking for extensions. I have a feeling you’re right though - that it’s fairly old and only just came around.
@ yourmom - Stealing is wrong and piracy is illegal. You wouldn’t walk into a GameStop, grab a game off the shelf and walk away saying “Free is better than fee.” By the way, I’m a woman.
@ Dustin - There are two local video game stores near my home which carry NES games (as well as even Intellivision and Atari). Also with the Wii’s Virtual Console, many of these titles have the potential to reappear. Either way, I prefer sitting down in front of a TV and playing SMB3 or Princess Tomato in the Salad Kingdom on my NES console. :D
on June 5, 2008 at 05:28 PM - LINK