This timing is quite peculiar, as I just finished reviewing the SN Operator recently, a premium cartridge reader that allows you to rip, store, back up and authenticate SNES cartridges legally. They also have one for GAME BOY, too, that allows you to do what you want with your legally sourced ROM files.
Though more modern retro games that use discs are still a complicated area in terms of ripping, mainly due to the complexities of the encryption on these discs, which make the ripping of the files difficult and inaccurate. But as we move deeper into the modern, high-tech world, things like this will likely become easier to do and hopefully, easier to buy.
Found by YouTuber Archades Games, LG (more specificall the WP50NB40 model which is on Amazon for around £199), Pioneer and ASUS Blu-ray Optical Drives can now be patched with some new firmware that makes it possible to pull the authentic ROM files from Xbox 360, Gamecube and even Nintendo Wii games, allowing you to use your ROMs as you please on handheld emulators, AfterPlay and other emulation software/applications that you use.
This specific Omnidrive firmware update was actually released back in February, but it's only now that this feature is getting the attention it deserves, thanks to the retro gaming community. It's available to download for free via GitHub, for those wanting to give it a go. If you are unsure which Blu-ray drives are compatible with this firmware update, you can visit Redump.org to take a look.
This type of product, mixed with this valuable update, makes game preservation far easier for us consumers, and somewhat affordable too. I'll admit the process can be a little cumbersome via the software, and it will require you to follow the incredible guide by Archades Games, but once done, it will allow you to own your previous retro video games in a new and authentic way on Windows, Mac and Linux! This is awesome to see.
