Nintendo Targets YouTubers for Streaming Emulated Games

YouTuber Retro Games Corp recently disclosed that he received two copyright strikes from Nintendo simply for featuring emulated games on his channel.

Nintendo has long been known for its stringent policies regarding content creators using any footage or audio from its games. This has resulted in a major Nintendo Switch emulator halting operations and popular YouTuber removing all Nintendo-related material from his channel.

Additionally, the company has specifically targeted several YouTube channels that displayed footage of the multiplayer mod for Breath of The Wild.

In a recent update, Nintendo has aimed its legal actions at YouTuber Russ, also known as Retro Games Corp. He posted that he is being “specifically targeted”by Nintendo after receiving two copyright strikes.

I hate making posts like this, but I received another copyright strike this morning. I’m going to have to change the way I make videos. More info: https://t.co/ihGy4OLNzx pic.twitter.com/xRHx0PN2pn

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

The YouTuber, who boasts over 550,000 subscribers, has gained recognition for reviewing retro consoles that emulate titles from past generations. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Russ shared that his “worst fears”have materialized and he will significantly alter his approach to future videos.

While he is contemplating a counterclaim, he expressed his hesitation to engage in a legal battle with a multi-billion dollar entity.

Popular Nintendo Switch Emulator Ryujinx Also Targeted

[Ryujinx]Ryujinx, a Nintendo Switch emulator, has ceased development. The lead developer was pressured by Nintendo of America into shutting down the project. All downloads and the GitHub repositories have been removed. pic.twitter.com/2cQe96dBm1

— OatmealDome (@OatmealDome) October 1, 2024

Russ is not alone in facing Nintendo’s crackdown; Ryujinx, a development team focused on Nintendo Switch emulation, announced it would stop all operations after Nintendo intervened and discussed an agreement to cease project development.

This shutdown was confirmed in the emulator’s Discord server and shared on X (formerly Twitter) by the user OatmealDome. Consequently, they have removed all downloads and GitHub repositories.

Nintendo’s ongoing efforts indicate a strong move to eliminate emulated content from its games across YouTube and other platforms. However, the company has yet to release any official statement regarding these aggressive crackdowns.

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