Microsoft to disable game emulation on Xbox Series X, S
Microsoft has restricted users from playing game emulations on Xbox Series X and Series S devices.
According to PCMag, users have been able to play classic PlayStation 2 and GameCube games on the Xbox console despite the long-standing emulation ban.
Before the crackdown, anyone could access and install emulator software via direct links in the console’s Edge browser.
Now, users trying to download emulators on Xbox consoles are seeing error messages that say “This game or app can’t be launched. The game or app you’re trying to launch violates Microsoft Store policy and isn’t supported.”
In response to the crackdown, legit emulator gamr13 tweeted: “For the past two years we’ve been promoting legit emulation on a popular platform that people have genuinely enjoyed. It’s a real shame to see Xbox stifle emulation for those who can’t afford dev space or don’t have the means to buy it. This is a shot in the face.”
According to Kotaku, Microsoft’s policies legally prohibit emulation, but the company has historically looked the other way, the report states.
“We are constantly evolving our mechanisms for reviewing and enforcing controls on content shared in the Store to ensure consistency with our Microsoft Store policies,” Microsoft said.
Meanwhile, Microsoft has discontinued its Xbox Game Pass Ultimate and PC Game Pass subscription platforms, which allowed users to try the service for $1 for the first month before upgrading to more expensive plans.
The trial version was available for years, but it wasn’t always available in some markets, and it looks like Microsoft is now considering new offers for new Game Pass members, reports The Verge.
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