Microsoft Disables Game Emulators Downloaded on Xbox

Microsoft has clamped down on classic game emulation for the Xbox Series X/S.

Despite a longstanding ban on game emulation, it had been possible for users to install emulators that play classic PlayStation 2 and GameCube games on Xbox consoles. As ArsTechnica reports, prior to the crackdown, people were able to access and install emulator apps through direct links that were accessed on the console’s Edge browser. 

And as Gamecrater notes, it was once possible to install emulation apps like RetroArch, PPSPP, and DuckStation through the Microsoft Store on Xbox, before Microsoft began actively removing them. Now Microsoft has disabled the use of emulators entirely on Xbox standard retail mode.

According to ArsTechnica, users trying to download emulators on an Xbox console are seeing error messages that read, “Unable to launch this game or app. The game or app you’re trying to launch violates Microsoft Store policy and is not supported.”

In response to the crackdown, a legal emulator called gamr13 tweeted: “For the past 2 years we’ve promoted legal emulation on a popular platform that people have genuinely enjoyed. It’s a true shame to see Xbox crack down on emulation for those who can’t afford Developer Mode, or don’t have the means to purchase it. This is a shot in the face.”

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It’s still possible to run emulators via Xbox Developer Mode, but that costs $20 and it isn’t available in all markets. In news that may be welcome to some, Ars says consoles that have stayed completely offline and have not downloaded recent system updates might still be able to use previously downloaded emulators.

In a statement to Kotaku about the move, Microsoft said: “We continually evolve our mechanisms for reviewing and taking enforcement actions on content distributed to the Store to ensure alignment with our Microsoft Store Policies.”