Xbox starts banning players for using emulators on console

Retro gaming fans on Xbox might want to tread carefully - users are reportedly being faced with lengthy suspensions as a result of using retail mode emulators.

In case you were unaware, since the Xbox Series X/S launched, it’s been surprisingly easy for users to emulate retro games, including those which originated on Nintendo and PlayStation consoles. While, as you’d expect, Microsoft quickly banished any emulators which were available to download via the marketplace for anyone using their consoles in run-of-the-mill retail mode, earlier this year, a new work-around was discovered that reportedly allowed users to bypass these restrictions. This information was kept hidden behind a Patreon paywall, but needless to say, many were willing to pay the price.

In September, Xbox Series X/S owners can get ready to dive into Bethesda’s highly anticipated space-exploration RPG, Starfield. Take a look below.

However, as Gameranx reports, users are now reporting that retail mode emulation “is dead”, as Microsoft has apparently begun handing out 15-day suspensions for anyone who’s caught using emulators in this mode. This was highlighted by Twitter user @HikikomoriMedia, who shared that developers are warning gamers to delete any emulators from their retail mode consoles immediately in order to avoid a temporary ban.

The group that discovered the loophole in the first place, UWeaPonsStore, made an update post on their Patreon page, in which they apologised to everyone who’d been hit with a suspension, but reassured users that the ban “will be temporary”. Even so, they clarified that they “are not willing to risk the accounts and consoles of our community” going forward (via @HikikomoriMedia).

Needless to say, if you previously used UWeaPonsStore’s emulation work-around, you too are advised to remove any emulators from your console in order to avoid the consequences. This is sure to cause quite a stir amongst retro gaming fans.