Key Takeaways
- The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has asked the US Trade Representative to include Anbernic in its list of 'Notorious Markets'.
- Anbernic is accused of offering handheld Android gaming devices preloaded with unauthorized copies of video games.
- The ESA claims these devices 'normalize' piracy by providing a polished consumer product.
The Entertainment Software Association (ESA), representing major publishers such as Nintendo, Microsoft, and Ubisoft, has petitioned the US Trade Representative (USTR) to include Anbernic, a Chinese manufacturer of handheld Android gaming devices, on its list of 'Notorious Markets'.
According to the ESA, Anbernic devices are routinely shipped with removable memory cards preloaded with hundreds or thousands of unauthorized copies of video games published by ESA members, enabling piracy on a commercial scale.
While many online sellers include SD cards with ROMs alongside emulation hardware, Anbernic does not do so when selling directly from its website, according to the ESA.
The ESA argues that these devices 'normalize' hardware-based piracy by delivering illicit catalogues through a polished consumer product, meeting the criteria for a 'superfake', an ill-defined term that applies to high-quality counterfeit goods.
The petition to the USTR highlights the growing concern over the role of certain manufacturers in facilitating piracy, particularly in the context of retro emulation and modern game-streaming capabilities.
Anbernic's devices are marketed as retro emulation and modern game-streaming tools, catering to a niche market of gamers seeking classic gaming experiences or access to a wide range of games.
The ESA's request is part of a broader effort to combat piracy and protect intellectual property rights, emphasizing the need for stricter enforcement against companies that enable piracy through their products.
The inclusion of Anbernic on the 'Notorious Markets' list could lead to increased scrutiny and potential trade actions against the company, impacting its business operations and market presence.
