Microsoft has allowed players to freely install emulation software on Xbox consoles in retail mode since launch. However, the console maker is now cracking down on the use of the software as it tries to avoid potential issues with Nintendo.

Xbox Series X/S users are now disallowed from running emulation software on their consoles. Twitter user @gamr13 shared an error message they received when trying to launch emulated games on the console. The user is involved in the distribution of the RetroArch emulation software.

"Unable to launch this game or app," the error message reads. "The game or app you’re trying to launch violates Microsoft Store policy and is not supported."

Ladies and gentlemen, it's been a good run.

But now we've no choice but to @Xbox @XboxP3 #LetUsEmulate pic.twitter.com/K9KO1p655K

— 🇮🇪 gamr13 🇮🇪 (@gamr12) April 6, 2023

Users discovered that they could download, install, and run emulation software on the Xbox Series X/S consoles when they launched in 2020. Running emulation software made it possible to play a range of classic games on the console including titles from the PS2, Nintendo GameCube, and Wii among others.

Users can still run the emulation software but not in retail mode. Players who want to play legacy titles need to enable the developer mode on the Xbox Series X/S consoles. There is a one-time fee of $19 for users who want to use the developer mode on the console.

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.