ESA targets Anbernic emulation handhelds as 'superfake' piracy enablers

The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) has formally requested that the US Trade Representative (USTR) add Chinese hardware manufacturer Anbernic to its 'Notorious Markets' list. The ESA, representing major industry players like Nintendo and Microsoft, argues that Anbernic’s emulation handhelds facilitate large-scale copyright piracy. While Anbernic does not typically include pirated games when selling directly from its website, the trade group contends that third-party sellers frequently bundle these devices with SD cards containing thousands of unauthorized ROMs. The ESA claims this practice normalizes hardware-based piracy by delivering illicit game catalogs through polished, consumer-ready products. By labeling these devices as 'superfakes'—high-quality goods that facilitate commercial-scale infringement—the ESA aims to pressure regulators to take stricter action against the distribution of retro-gaming hardware that enables easy access to copyrighted software.