The Entertainment Software Association has asked the US Trade Representative to add Anbernic, a Chinese maker of Android emulation handhelds, to its "Notorious Markets" list. According to Ars Technica, the ESA argues that Anbernic devices are often sold with removable memory cards preloaded with hundreds or thousands of unauthorized copies of games from ESA member publishers. The trade group calls this a "superfake" problem that normalizes hardware-based piracy through a polished consumer product.
Being placed on the list carries no direct legal penalty, but the USTR says it encourages authorities to step up enforcement and can raise public awareness. Ars Technica notes that inclusion could also foreshadow a Section 301 investigation, which might lead to import restrictions or other legal consequences for Anbernic.
The report points out an apparent inconsistency: Anbernic itself does not seem to include ROM-filled SD cards when selling directly from its website, even though many third-party sellers do. The ESA's focus on the hardware maker, rather than the e-commerce platforms that host these listings, strikes the report's author as an odd choice given that centralized marketplaces could more effectively block the sale of illegal ROMs. Still, the petition reflects a broader shift in how emulation hardware is marketed, with "thousands of games" now a mainstream selling point rather than a shadowy add-on.}markdown? The user asked for strict JSON with exactly these keys. I provided JSON. Need to ensure no extra text. The final answer is the JSON object. Good.json? Actually the user said