Microsoft blocks emulators on Xbox Series consoles in retail mode

Microsoft blocks game emulators in the retail mode of the Xbox Series X and S. It is therefore no longer possible to open apps such as RetroArch. Users who try to open the app are notified that the app is not compliant with Microsoft Store policies.

One of the creators of RetroArch is late Twitter know that it is no longer possible to open the app on the Xbox Series X and S. He shows that when users try to open the app in the console’s retail mode, they are notified that the app is not in line with the Microsoft Store Policy.

On Xbox Series consoles, it was possible to download emulators from the Microsoft Store, which were uploaded by others. That worked with Universal Windows Platform apps. These emulators were often taken offline by Microsoft, but those who had already installed the emulator could continue to play it via retail mode. With the recent blockade, that is no longer possible. Retail mode is the regular mode that runs the consoles out of the box.

The emulators can still be used via dev mode, which is intended for developers. However, this version costs $20. Emulators such as RetroArch, PPSPP and DuckStation can be used on Xbox Series consoles, which can be used to play PlayStation 2 and GameCube games, for example.