For a long time, Xbox users were able to access a diverse catalog of classic Nintendo and PlayStation video games through their Xbox Series X|S consoles thanks to the numerous emulators that could be downloaded on the system. It was only a matter of time before Microsoft took action.

Until recently, owners of Microsoft's next-gen hardware could obtain emulators such as Dolphin, Duckstation, and Xenia through external methods to the Xbox store. This way, they had the opportunity to play gems like God of War and Metroid Prime. However, this era could come to an end, or at least as it is known.

As we previously reported, Microsoft dealt a heavy blow to those who emulate games from other companies on Xbox Series X|S by putting a stop to the methods that allowed downloading, installing, and using emulators on the new generation console. Of course, this action caused concern on social media.

EMULATION ON XBOX SERIES X|S DISAPPEARED BECAUSE OF NINTENDO, SUGGESTS MICROSOFT

In response to a user who contacted Xbox's QA team, Microsoft revealed that it made the decision to prohibit and remove emulators from the public catalog at the request of Nintendo. While reiterating that emulation is legal, it emphasizes that it can be used to play titles protected by copyright.

"The main reason for the ban is related to legal issues with Nintendo. While emulation itself is not illegal, it can be used to play console games that are still protected by copyright without permission, which can create problems with Nintendo and its affiliates. In addition, we take security very seriously and some emulators require permissions beyond what is typical for an application. This could create a potential security risk, as these permissions can be exploited to gain access to confidential information," the company said.

For this reason, Microsoft decided to ban emulators in the Xbox store. However, it reminds users that, technically, it is still possible to access the deleted emulators through the console's developer mode, which has a cost of $20 USD.

"We do not seek to eliminate this capability, as it does not grant access to the retail components of the system and is considered safe. Unlike retail emulators, developer mode is limited to certain functionalities and has no option for reading and writing the system," said the Xbox team.

Finally, the company indicates that they are currently exploring solutions to allow safe and legal emulation in the Xbox ecosystems. While there does not seem to be anything concrete yet, they are in talks with legitimate emulator developers to ensure that those initiatives follow security protocols and copyright laws.

"We appreciate your understanding and patience as we resolve this issue. Our goal is to provide a safe and enjoyable gaming experience for everyone, and we are committed to finding a solution that meets these objectives," Microsoft concluded.

But tell us, did you use emulators on your Xbox Series X|S? Let us know in the comments box.