Nintendo sends mass DMCA notices to Switch emulators on GitHub, including Yuzu fork Citron

Nintendo successfully targeted popular Switch emulators in 2024, leading to the demise of Yuzu and Ryujinx. Regardless, the projects lived on through open-source forks. However, the gaming giant is now focusing its efforts on a convenient host of these programs. The GitHub repository has received multiple DMCA takedown notices.

What Switch emulators are in danger?

The widespread action also includes Sudachi, Suyu, Citron, and MeloNX. Users responsible for the individual repositories can respond to any copyright infringement claims. If Nintendo doesn’t file a lawsuit within 10-14 days, the apps may remain accessible.

The gaming giant is likely using familiar reasoning to justify the latest attempted DMCA takedown. While the company admitted Switch emulators aren’t illegal, it claimed that Yuzu encouraged piracy. Its developers instructed users how to find and install the encryption keys and firmware necessary to boot Switch ROMs. Tropic Haze agreed to pay a $2.4 million settlement, but a court never ruled on the case’s merits.

Despite the victory, other individuals took over the development of Yuzu open-source forks. Many of the apps are regularly updated to ensure compatibility with newer Switch games. Nintendo now faces a greater challenge, with so many alternatives in the wild.

Nintendo's ongoing struggle with Switch emulation

Even if GitHub is no longer an option, Citron is one of many programs that offer downloads from their official websites. In a Discord message responding to the news, it takes issue with the DMCA document. The announcement explains that Nintendo did not mark the work in question as open-source.

Whether or not the takedown is successful, Citron has no plans to cease development. Nevertheless, gamers may need to resort to less reputable websites to find the Switch emulators. Besides adding a layer of security, GitHub also fosters a community that identifies bugs and provides support.

Nintendo is gradually turning its attention to its latest handheld. The Switch 2 console and games may be more difficult for hackers to exploit. Nevertheless, the company is intent on slowing the spread of Switch ROMs and emulators.