The Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S have been praised for their powerful hardware and the potential they have for gaming and emulation. Unfortunately, it looks like Microsoft has taken steps to block access to Retail Mode emulators on these consoles. Despite rumours that Nintendo was the reason behind this decision, Microsoft has clarified that their action was based on a long standing policy on content distributed to the Store to ensure alignment with their Microsoft Store Policies.
Although the other method of accessing emulators, which involves signing up as a developer and paying a license fee, still appears to be working, it is important to remember that taking advantage of this should only be done at your own risk.
It remains to be seen whether Microsoft will extend their blocks to Developer Mode as well, but for now it is clear that they are very keen to clamp down on Retail Mode emulation. For those looking to take advantage of the powerful hardware on the Xbox Series X and Xbox Series S, it looks like they will have to look for alternative methods.