Xbox disables emulations on the Series X/S

Microsoft has defended its move to crack down on the use of emulation software. The tech giant states that banning the use of emulation software is in accordance with a "long-standing policy on content distributed to the Store."

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

In a separate statement to Kotaku, a Microsoft spokesperson 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. Per 10.13.10, Products that emulate a game system or game platform are not allowed on any device family."

Given the timing of the crackdown, retro gaming enthusiasts suspect that external forces have compelled Microsoft to ban emulation. Nintendo is one of the publishers that has been openly against emulation. Microsoft may be trying to get on the Switch maker's good side given that it needs support in the ongoing regulatory proceedings for its acquisition of Activision Blizzard.

Microsoft recently struck a deal with Nintendo to bring the Call of Duty franchise to the handheld console. The tech giant is confident that the Switch can run the first-person shooter series even as other parties believe it can't.