Microsoft bans emulators from the Windows Store

By Shrey Pacheco | Updated on 06-Apr-2017

06 Apr 2017 19:44

HIGHLIGHTS

This means that apps which emulate other consoles like the NES, Super Nintendo and more will no longer be available for Windows 10 devices

Microsoft has updated its Windows Store Policies and now bans developers from making emulation apps available on the store. The new policy document has specified that “apps that emulate a game system are not allowed on any device family.” This means that apps which emulate other consoles like the NES, Super Nintendo and more will no longer be available for Windows 10 devices.

Developer Nesbox, which developed the Universal Emulator app for Windows, posted a tweet regarding the change. However, it also mentioned that the change has only been implemented on Stores, not the OS itself. “This means nothing for the browser version, it doesn't depend of stores,” tweeted Nesbox.

This means that Microsoft has joined Apple in banning emulators from their mobile operating systems. Leaving Android as the only platform for users to play emulated games on their smartphones.

Universal Emulator has been unpublished 🙁 Apps that emulate a game system are not allowed on any device family. https://t.co/tmgw7K6l2q pic.twitter.com/B3pyDZ0IDW

— NESBOX (@nesboxcom) April 4, 2017

Shrey Pacheco

Writer, gamer, and hater of public transport. View Full Profile