What happens when nostalgia, tech, and copyright collide? Ask Francesco Salicini, the Italian YouTuber behind Once Were Nerd, who recently found himself at the center of a legal storm. His alleged crime? Reviewing retro handheld gaming consoles.
On April 15, Italian authorities raided Salicini’s home and confiscated more than 30 Android-based gaming devices, including popular models from Anbernic, Powkiddy, and TrimUI reported Android Authority. His phone was seized too, though returned two months later. This wasn’t a casual knock at the door. It was a full-blown raid by the Guardia di Finanza, Italy’s financial and customs police.
The Charge: Promoting Piracy?
The case is tied to Article 171-ter of Italy’s copyright law, a rule that dates back to 1941 but is still active. Authorities claim Salicini “promoted pirated content” by reviewing handhelds that allegedly came preloaded with ROMs from legacy consoles like the NES, SNES, PlayStation, and more.
Now he’s facing the possibility of criminal prosecution. If convicted, he could face fines up to €15,000 and up to three years in prison.
Let that sink in.
Is Reviewing Hardware Now Illegal?
Not exactly. Reviewing hardware is still legal. Emulation itself? Also legal in most places, as long as you own the original game and dump the ROM yourself. The problem lies in how these devices are sometimes shipped: plug-and-play consoles filled with pirated games straight out of the box. Even if the reviewer didn’t load the content, showcasing a device running illegal ROMs can be interpreted as promoting piracy.
Salicini insists he never promoted or sold pirated software. He claims his content was focused on hardware, and he stayed clear of sponsorships, affiliate links, or downloads. Still, it wasn’t enough to protect him.
The Bigger Picture: Why This Matters
For years, retro handhelds like the Anbernic RG35XX or Powkiddy RGB20S have been a lifeline for nostalgic gamers. These devices are wildly popular with collectors, modders, and creators who care about game preservation. But this case exposes a dangerous gray zone between enthusiast culture and international copyright law.
This isn’t just about Salicini. It’s about what kind of content creators are allowed to publish, and how governments choose to interpret their intentions. Could a review of a shady AliExpress handheld land someone else in trouble? Are we seeing the start of a wider crackdown?
These questions are no longer theoretical.
Creators, Take Note
If you review, demo, or even casually feature emulation devices on your channel or blog, here are three things to keep in mind:
- Don’t show pirated content running, even if the device came with it.
- Disclose your sources. Make it clear if you use legal ROMs dumped from games you own.
- Avoid affiliate links to sites known for selling piracy-laced hardware.
The Salicini case might be an outlier, or it might be the start of something bigger. Either way, it’s a wake-up call for the creator community.
Read: Tony Hawk’s Pro Skater 3 + 4 Removes Guitar Hero Easter Egg After Fan Backlash
What’s Next for Salicini?
At the time of writing, no formal charges have been filed, but the threat remains. Authorities could also ask YouTube to suspend or remove his channel, which would be a massive blow for someone who built his following around preserving gaming history.
He’s not alone. The retro gaming community has rallied around him, raising awareness and calling out what many see as an overreach. Still, the message is clear: even good intentions won’t protect you from legal trouble if the law sees it differently.
Final Thought
This case isn’t about whether emulation is good or bad. It’s about where we draw the line between preservation, journalism, and piracy. For now, that line remains blurry.
TL;DR: Italian YouTuber Once Were Nerd had his home raided and devices seized after reviewing retro consoles that may have contained pirated games. The case exposes a legal minefield for creators covering emulation tech. Transparency and caution are now non-negotiable.
