Microsoft is banning console emulators from the Windows Store

Microsoft has changed the Windows Store policy to no longer allow “game system” emulators in the store. The change came to light when an emulator was removed from the Store.

Section 10.13.10 of the Windows Store Terms now states that “apps that emulate a game system are not allowed on any device family.” The version history of the page indicates that the relevant part of the policy was updated on March 29. With that, any form of emulation of consoles seems to be excluded from the Windows Store. It is not clear from the wording how broad the ban is.

Tuesday made Universal Emulator developer Nesbox reported the removal of his app from the Windows Store. Nesbox referred to the addition in the conditions. For example, the developer’s software makes it possible to play NES, Super Nintendo and GameBoy Color games on systems with Windows 10. In addition to the app, there is a web version of the software.

Microsoft has not disclosed a reason for the policy change. The change coincides with the Creators Update and the announcement of the Xbox Live Creators Program, which will allow anyone to release uwp games for Xbox One and Windows 10. MS Poweruser reports that there are currently emulators in the Windows Store, but they are all made for Windows 8.