For a good while, there was a bit of hype built around the Xbox Series S, in particular for the retro gaming scene. It was a cheaper device that offered a small form factor. Likewise, it allowed consumers to download emulators and enjoy various retro video games. But while this process was available, some consumers were skeptical. Of course, it didn’t take Microsoft too long before they outright banned emulators from being available in the marketplace, making it impossible to download and enjoy. That’s just the emulators being used in the Xbox Series X/S retail mode.

[…]

RETAIL MODE ON XBOX IS DEAD!

  • 15-day suspensions handed out to users of retail emulators as a warning shot from Microsoft.
  • Devs warning users to delete emulators
  • Retail Mode team disbanding and shutting down the Patreon. Sorry to bear the bad news. RT to warn others

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  • NOT_RICK@lemmy.world
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    1 year ago

    This is a real bummer. If I own the console Microsoft shouldn’t be able to dictate what software I run on it.

    • LillyPip@lemmy.caOP
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      1 year ago

      If i own the console

      Oh no, don’t give them ideas. Soon they’ll make you rent the console like some tech companies are doing. :(

      • Neato@kbin.social
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        1 year ago

        Pretty sure you own the console, but none of the software which is a license. So if you flash the console with new core software, you’re good. But then you probably can’t use an MS account, buy their games, run their games, use friends etc.

    • ricecooker@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      Sure, there is a path to do that if you keep your Xbox off the internet. But then you lose multiplayer with friends, being able to download new games, etc.

      • LillyPip@lemmy.caOP
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        1 year ago

        Wait, you guys have friends?! 🥺

        (e: You all seem to think I’m kidding. I’m really not. B1ueSkyRanger on Xbox.)

    • pory@lemmy.world
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      1 year ago

      You can still run all the emulators in developer mode. you just have to switch back to the walled-garden mode if you want to play actual xbox games.