Switch emulator Ryujinx is kaput after Nintendo pressure

Nintendo ends the Ryujinx emulator project after contacting the developer with an undisclosed agreement.

: Nintendo has shut down the Ryujinx open-source emulator, which allowed users to play Switch games on various operating systems. The announcement was made on Ryujinx's Discord server, indicating Nintendo's intervention. Although the emulator will still work for existing users, the Github repository is now removed. Ryujinx recently gained attention for running 'Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom' at over 120 FPS, surpassing the Switch's performance.

Nintendo has put an end to the Ryujinx open-source emulator, which facilitated playing Nintendo Switch games on Windows, Linux, and Mac operating systems. The decision was conveyed through a message on Ryujinx's Discord server, where it was revealed that the developer had agreed to cease work on the project following direct contact from Nintendo.

No details were provided about the terms of the agreement. Nevertheless, those who already have the emulator can continue to use it, although the Github repository has been taken down. Ryujinx recently made headlines for achieving over 120 frames per second in the new 'Legend of Zelda: Echoes of Wisdom', significantly outperforming the original Switch's capabilities.

This action is part of Nintendo's broader strategy against emulators, highlighted by their $2.4 million settlement with the Yuzu emulator in March and the issuance of 8,535 DMCA takedowns in May. Their efforts included collaboration with a cybersecurity firm in 2023 to combat game piracy. Ryujinx is one of the most popular emulators Nintendo has targeted.