Microsoft Blocks Access To ‘Retail Mode’ Emulators On Xbox Series X|S

Update: Microsoft has commented on the choice to dam entry to Retail Mode emulators in a press release offered to IGN, whereas additionally suggesting that rumours of Nintendo being the rationale behind the choice aren’t correct:
“The information currently circulating on Twitter is not accurate. Our actions are based on a long standing policy on content distributed to the Store to ensure alignment with our Microsoft Store Polices. Per 10.13.10, Products that emulate a game system or game platform are not allowed on any device family.”
Original story: It’s very a lot an open secret that the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have the potential to be unbelievable emulation machines, however for apparent causes, Microsoft is not keen to inform the world about it. Nevertheless, loads of folks have been profiting from these capabilities over the previous few years.
There are two methods you possibly can entry emulators on these consoles, and one among them is solely by the usual Retail Mode. However, as of this week, it appears to be like like Microsoft has put a complete cease to this methodology:
The different methodology, which entails signing up as a developer and paying a license payment, does seem to nonetheless be working in the meanwhile, though clearly profiting from that is one thing you need to solely do at your individual danger.
We would not be shocked if some Xbox customers discover a method to quickly get round these blocks, however in the end it appears to be like like Microsoft may be very eager to clamp down on Retail Mode emulation shifting ahead. Will this prolong to Developer Mode ultimately as nicely? We’ll have to attend and see.