For a small subset of users, this serves legitimate, legally gray purposes: backing up their own purchased game to avoid carrying cartridges or to play on emulators like Ryujinx or Yuzu (before their legal shutdowns). For the vast majority, however, downloading an MHGU NSP from an unauthorized source is an act of digital piracy. The appeal is obvious: a full, AAA title with hundreds of hours of content for free, bypassing the $39.99–$59.99 price tag. The process is straightforward for those willing to mod their console, making MHGU one of the most frequently pirated titles due to its massive playtime and high replay value.