Popular emulation platform RetroDECK is dropping support for Nintendo Switch emulation, as the developers behind the software are fearful of Nintendo’s lawyers. This is not unusual to see, especially with a community project that relies on volunteers to get the job done. Dealing with legal matters is not what they’re interested in, and the team says Switch emulation is “generating the highest volume of warnings” of all.

RetroDECK is not a single emulator, but rather an all-in-one platform that bundles various emulators and tools in one place for Linux systems, with a focus on the popular Steam Deck handheld (hence the name). If you weren’t already aware, the Steam Deck runs on SteamOS, Valve’s custom Linux-based operating system. This is the same OS that will be available on the upcoming Steam Machine and Steam Frame.

Nintendo Switch emulation support is not coming back

Switch emulation has consistently been the source of the most issues within the project, generating the highest volume of warnings, bans, toxicity, and support tickets.

We would also like to note that the DMCA status of these emulators creates a level of legal exposure and implied responsibility that we are neither willing nor able to assume. RetroDECK is a volunteer-driven project, and we will not place the team or the broader community at risk by maintaining features that could subject us to takedowns, legal threats, or compliance burdens beyond our scope.

Accordingly, in an upcoming minor update, all Switch emulation support will be permanently removed from RetroDECK forever.

Source: RetroDECK blog

Of course, people who wish to set up a Nintendo Switch emulator on their device can still do so, but don’t expect any to ever be available natively through RetroDECK again. The emulation platform will continue to support popular emulators such as Dolphin, PCSX2, PPSSPP, and many more. It previously supported Switch emulation primarily through Ryujinx, later adding the Ryubing fork in version 0.10.0b released on January 18 this year.

The most recent version of RetroDECK is v0.10.3b, released in early February. As such, Switch emulator support hasn’t been removed at the time of writing this, but it will get the axe “in an upcoming minor update”.

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Jack Goodall

At PC Guide, Jack is mostly responsible for reporting on hardware deals. He also specializes in monitors, TVs, and headsets and can be found putting his findings together in a review or best-of guide.