Nintendo striking down YouTubers just for showing emulated games

As a long-time gamer and content creator with over half a million subscribers, I find myself disheartened and frustrated by Nintendo’s recent crackdown on emulated content. It feels like walking on eggshells, constantly looking over my shoulder to ensure I don’t step on the wrong toes lest I face another copyright strike.


YouTube user Retro Games Corp disclosed that he received two copyright infringement notices from Nintendo, merely for broadcasting emulated games on his channel.

Nintendo consistently maintains strict control over the distribution of game footage and audio, leading to the shutdown of a well-known Nintendo Switch emulator and a prominent YouTube user removing all content related to Nintendo from their channel.

In March 2024, according to TopMob, a popular Call of Duty YouTuber faced punishment when Nintendo objected to an old video on their channel, which showcased a modification combining Call of Duty and Pokemon that was uploaded seven years ago.

Additionally, the company identified several YouTube channels featuring videos demonstrating Breath of The Wild’s multiplayer mod.

Nonetheless, Nintendo appears to have taken action once more, as YouTube user known as Retro Games Corp, or Russ, has revealed that he received two copyright notices from Nintendo, alleging targeted enforcement against him by the video game giant.

I dislike creating such announcements, however, I encountered another copyright infringement notice this morning. Consequently, I will need to modify my approach when producing videos.

— Retro Game Corps (@RetroGameCorps) September 28, 2024

The popular YouTube personality, boasting more than half a million subscribers, has earned recognition by critiquing vintage Retro consoles that mimic games from past eras. Recently, on X (previously Twitter), Russ expressed his dismay as he must alter his methodology for making future videos due to an unsettling development.

He acknowledged thinking about making a rebuttal, but also mentioned his hesitation because he doesn’t want to stir up trouble with such a large company.

Popular Nintendo Switch emulator Ryujinx also targeted

The Nintendo Switch emulator known as Ryujinx is no longer being worked on. Its main developer was compelled by Nintendo of America to halt the project, leading to its termination. Consequently, all available downloads and the associated GitHub repositories have been taken down.

— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) October 1, 2024

It’s not just Russ who’s being targeted by Nintendo in these recent clampdowns. A group called Ryujinx, responsible for developing a Nintendo Switch emulator, have announced they will cease operations following contact from Nintendo, who presented them with an offer to halt their work on the project.

I’ve just found out some exciting news as a gamer. It was confirmed through the community chat of an emulator on Discord, and a user named OatmealDome shared it on X (previously known as Twitter). Consequently, all download links and the related GitHub repositories have been taken down already.

It seems that Nintendo is taking further steps to reduce unauthorized sharing of emulated versions of their games on platforms like YouTube and others. So far, they have not publicly commented on these actions.

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2024-10-02 07:48