WebVetted โ„ข Beta
Recommendation
Proceed
Overall Summary
Safe
Why we think so

Retrostic.com is a popular site offering free downloads of ROM files for classic video games across multiple platforms like GB, GBA, NDS, NES, and others. It attracts about 1.5 million visits monthly, with most users from Japan and the US. The site uses standard web technologies and CloudFlare for security. No major complaints, scam reports, or legal disputes are documented against it, although the service operates in a legal gray area around copyrighted content.

Confidence Score
73%

Risk Insights

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High Popularity and Engagement

~1.5 million monthly visits
Global rank around #27,000
Main users from Japan and US
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Secure Website Setup

HTTPS enforced
CloudFlare CDN used
Modern web standards implemented
โœ…

No Scam or Malware Flags

Clear on Google Safe Browsing
Not blacklisted for phishing
Positive scores on scam detectors
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Legal Risk Due to Content

Hosts ROMs with potential copyright issues
User advisories presented
Legal status uncertain

Contradictory Signals

While the site appears safe and legitimate, it operates in a legally sensitive domain which may affect users.

Signal A: Site has strong reputation and no scam flags

Signal B: Legal grey area due to ROM hosting

Category Scores

Identity 75/100
Reputation 80/100
Technical 85/100
Content 70/100
Legal 50/100
Business Validity 70/100

Red Flags & Warnings

  • Site operates in a legal gray area concerning copyright due to the distribution of ROM files, with user warnings about legal risks of unauthorized downloads.

๐Ÿ”Ž Detailed Checks & Analysis

Traffic and Popularity

Score: 80/100
Passed

"Active, popular site reduces likelihood of fraud."

Reason: The website has high monthly visits (~1.5 million), a healthy global rank (#27,012), and an engaged user base mainly from Japan and the US.

Technical Security

Score: 80/100
Passed

"Technical signals support safe browsing environment."

Reason: Use of HTTPS, CloudFlare CDN, and modern web technologies offers secure access and DDoS protection.

Domain and WHOIS Information

Score: 70/100
Passed

"Domain age and registration details support legitimacy."

Reason: Registered since 2019 with a reputable registrar; WHOIS details show privacy protection but no red flags.

Reputation and Scam Checks

Score: 90/100
Passed

"Strong reputation signals, no scam evidence."

Reason: No presence on scam or phishing blacklists, no Google Safe Browsing warnings, and positive assessments from multiple scam detection platforms.

Content and Legal Considerations

Score: 50/100
Failed

"Legal gray area around content; users advised caution."

Reason: Site hosts ROMs which may infringe copyright; warnings about legal risks for users exist, posing potential concerns.

Your Next Steps

  • 1
    Use the site cautiously and avoid providing unnecessary personal information.
  • 2
    Ensure your security software is active when downloading and scanning files before use.
  • 3
    Be aware of legal considerations when downloading ROMs, especially regarding copyrighted games.
  • 4
    Monitor official channels for any updates on site safety or legal status.
  • 5
    Report any suspicious activity or issues encountered to relevant authorities or forums.

Evidence & Citations