08-31-2013, 06:58 PM
As Shade said there's no real defined line as to whether ROMs themselves are illegal. I think that, for the most part, if you own the actual game then it should be fine. Downloading just to rip from seems OK too, if you don't intend to really play it.
Downloading them just to play while not owning the game can get you into trouble, although to be honest I'm not too clear on the subject myself.
You shouldn't use NO$GBA. It's the fastest and most accurate emulator, true, but as it has no layer disabling or other technical options, it isn't the best for ripping sprites. I'd suggest DeSmuME, it does take more processing power (and can run kind of slow), but you should be able to get to the points you want and rip the sprites.
Downloading them just to play while not owning the game can get you into trouble, although to be honest I'm not too clear on the subject myself.
You shouldn't use NO$GBA. It's the fastest and most accurate emulator, true, but as it has no layer disabling or other technical options, it isn't the best for ripping sprites. I'd suggest DeSmuME, it does take more processing power (and can run kind of slow), but you should be able to get to the points you want and rip the sprites.