Microsoft’s Edge extensions store is believed to have been hosting “illegal copies” of classic games like Mario Kart 64, Super Mario Bros. and various other titles like Sonic the Hedgehog, Pac-Man and Tetris. Even the Microsoft-owned IP Minecraft was unofficially available.
According to The Verge, the developers behind these listings were not Microsoft, Nintendo, or “any other” related parties. Although the pages were taken down right away, some user reviews for these game uploads supposedly date back to last October – meaning these listings have essentially gone unnoticed until now.
Adding to this, the official “Microsoft Edge Dev” Twitter account allegedly went to the extent of promoting these “vintage” games. Here’s an image, that was apparently taken before the tweet was deleted, calling on all Mario Kart lovers:
One daring individual by the name of @olynative on Twitter took a chance with the Mario Kart 64 extension and said it downloaded a ROM of the game.
Some of the listings that are now no longer available apparently clarified that they had no affiliation with the game companies who made the titles. Obviously, this still doesn’t cut it.
“IMPORTANT: This emulator is not affiliated with nor endorsed by Nintendo. All graphics, games, and other multimedia are copyrighted to their respective owners and authors. This game is for ALL Mario fans!”
Once again, action has now been taken and the majority of these game listings have been removed. We doubt Nintendo’s ninjas would have been too impressed had they come across them. Crisis averted.
