PabloMK7, developer of the Azahar emulator, shared some details about the program’s design changes to answer legal issues and improve transparency.
The main objective is to ensure that Azahar aligns with current regulations, maintaining the focus on interoperability, accessibility and storage of video games.
One of the key decisions is about removing support for encrypted games. To minimize the escaling of TPMs, Azahar will no longer support the start or install games encrypted, unless they have been through downloaded official applications such as
Nintendo’s eShop.
This change makes it clear that the emulator focuses on legitimate purposes, such as interoperability between Nintendo software.
Another novelty is the inclusion of cryptographic keys. Historically, users had to extract cryptographic keys from their consoles to use encrypted games with Citra, a complex process that often led to unauthorized downloading of online keys.
Azahar now includes these keys directly, simplifying the user experience. PabloMK7 explains that these keys are not creative and cannot be protected by copyright, as these are randomly generated numbers.
To eliminate any association with piracy, Azahar will abandon support for files with extension .3ds, historically linked to pirate instruments, adopting instead .cci, the official name of the image files of the game cartridges.
In addition, Azahar will no longer provide instructions on how to make private copies of the games. The responsibility is left to users, who will have to comply with local laws.
The emulator will instead offer guides for firmware configuration, access to the eShop and the re-download of purchased titles.
Alternative Uses and Benefits of Azahar
In addition to the classic usage, Azahar supports a variety of useful purposes, including:
- Original gaming recovery: Allows users to redownload games owned by the eShop.
- Video game retention: Allows you to preserve historical titles otherwise lost over time.
- Accessibility: Promotes players with disabilities or difficulty using real hardware.
- E-waste reduction: Prolongs the life of partially damaged consoles.
- Access to discontinuous online functionality: Through third-party services such as Pretendo Network.
- Homebrew: Supports the development and execution of unofficial home applications.
- Research and teaching: Ideal for game development courses on embedded systems.
Source: x.com