New Nintendo Switch 2 Rumor Finally Explains The Studio’s Brutal Crackdown on Ryujinx and Other Emulators

For months, the gaming community has been buzzing with rumors surrounding the highly anticipated Nintendo Switch 2. The speculation ranges from its new design and better performance to possible new features. But these whispers became even more intense and plausible when Nintendo recently targeted popular Switch emulators like Ryujinx and Yuzu.

This sudden action against these emulators raised eyebrows. Many thought Nintendo might be preparing to launch a more secure system with its new console. However, now that new rumors have come out about the Switch 2’s architecture and encryption, it seems the opposite is true. The Switch 2 uses similar tools and the same ROM format that was used in the original Switch. To prevent emulation of the new titles, the company found it easier to take a legal approach.

It’s Clear Why Nintendo Targeted Popular Emulators

Nintendo’s stance on emulation has always been clear: it is strictly opposed to any form of piracy or unauthorized reproduction of its games. While the company has often gone after major sites that were distributing pirated ROMs, its recent focus on emulation has raised some questions, especially given that Ryujinx works by allowing players to load their legally obtained games in a PC environment.

However, a recent rumor suggests that the upcoming Switch 2 will continue to use the same tools and ROM format as the original Switch. This means that Switch 2 games will be distributed in the same NSP (Nintendo Submission Package) format that is currently used for Switch games. The only difference will be the new encryption keys that only Nintendo holds.

Switch 2 uses the same tools and ROM format Nintendo currently uses for Switch 1

Thats why they took down Ryujinx snd Yuzu https://t.co/X5s0f41ovU

— Pirat_Nation 🔴 (@Pirat_Nation) October 17, 2024

This reveals why the company decided to take legal action against emulators like Ryujinx and Yuzu. While the company historically avoided going after them, it might have assumed that, given the emulator’s increasing popularity, they posed a significant threat to the appeal of the Switch 2. If players continued to use the emulators to play games from the new system, Nintendo would lose a significant amount of control over its intellectual property.

The emulators already offer many titles from the original Switch. With the usage of similar tools and ROM format, it was only a matter of time before they would start emulating Switch 2 games. So the crackdown wasn’t just about protecting the original Switch games but instead, it was also about setting the stage for the Switch 2.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is expected to be a very popular console, and it appears that the company is trying to double down on its appeal. This crackdown on Ryujinx and Yuzu will not only prevent them from gaining momentum but also allow the company to position itself more strongly for the launch of its new console with less competition.

What This Means for Emulation Moving Forward

If the recent rumors hold true, this would mean that many Switch 2 games could have been emulated on day one, as they use the same tools and ROM format. This would have significantly hindered the appeal of the new handheld, and Nintendo knew taking legal action was the easiest way to maintain control.

Now that Nintendo is making some serious moves against the emulation community, this will be the start of major changes for them. While it is always plausible that some other emulator will try to emulate the newer titles, the company has certainly made their task very hard this time around.

For players who enjoy emulating Nintendo games on PC, this might be a bitter pill to swallow. But fans have to understand that Nintendo is trying to protect its ecosystem through legal action. Given the success of the original Switch, the company might be seeing the upcoming Switch 2 as a critical step in further stabilizing its position.

In the end, players are excited for the launch of Switch 2 and many are viewing this crackdown as part of a long-term strategy by Nintendo to solidify its dominance in the gaming world.

Do you think emulators will rise once again? Tell us in the comment section below.