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Last week, we shared a story about Microsoft removing emulators from the Microsoft Store on Xbox Series X/S. That part of the story is 100% true, but people were speculating as to why the emulators got removed in the first place. As you might have guessed, many pointed to Nintendo as the reason, but Microsoft is now saying that’s not true.

Nintendo certainly isn’t a fan of emulators in general, and they’ve gone after emulation in a number of ways over the years. Thinking that Nintendo would have an issue with Microsoft allowing Nintendo-related emulators on Xbox platforms does make sense, but Microsoft shared a statement with IGN letting fans know that wasn’t the case, as their motivation in removing emulators was different.

“The information currently circulating on Twitter is not accurate. Our actions are based on a long standing policy on content distributed to the Store to ensure alignment with our Microsoft Store Polices. Per 10.13.10, Products that emulate a game system or game platform are not allowed on any device family.”

[Microsoft]

Now, whether you believe that statement or not is up to you. There’s little doubt the rumor of Nintendo being the cause will persist, but at least we now have comment from Microsoft on the matter.

[IGN]

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Comments (3)

smasher89

12M ago

read a more plausible rumor, that it emulated i think it was 360 games on xbox one, that they could get through the store or something, so definitly something for them to take down asap in that situation.


haleman1704

12M ago

Say what you want, I actually believe them with this statement. They did numerous actions that benefits the industry as a whole, not just MS.


enthropy

12M ago

I never did believe in PR and I am not starting now. One thing we can all agree on: Nintendo are very protective for their IPs.

Doesn't mean they had anything to do with this but I sure wouldn't be surprised if they did.

Not that it's a bad thing. TAke care of your creative property and all. It's understandable. Just don't believe in PR talk is what I am saying. A bit like when Reggie said something like "the reason RDR2 is not on Switch is because the devs didn't know about the tech in Switch". We all know that's bull!

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