In a move that has sparked debate among gaming enthusiasts and preservationists, the shutdown of the Nintendo Switch emulator Yuzu has led to the unexpected closure of its predecessor, the 3DS emulator Citra. This development has drawn criticism from advocates of game preservation, who argue that these emulators provided the only means of accessing delisted games. Additionally, the shutdown of Citra has raised concerns about its impact on accessibility for players with specific needs.

Citra, which was created in April 2014, had been receiving regular updates until earlier this year. Its core development team later went on to create the Yuzu emulator, which attracted the attention of Nintendo. As a result of a lawsuit settlement, the Yuzu team agreed to pay $2.4 million in damages and cease all activities related to Yuzu and its source code.

However, the settlement not only affected Yuzu but also had repercussions for Citra. This has dismayed many commentators, who argue that Citra's purpose was centered around preserving games that are no longer commercially available. Compared to Yuzu, which allows users to play backups of current software, Citra was seen as less ethically controversial.

One significant factor contributing to the support for emulation is the closure of the 3DS eShop by Nintendo in March 2023. As a result, players have been unable to legally acquire the handheld's library of digital games for almost a year. Emulation, according to proponents, has become the only means of accessing these games, thus playing a vital role in game preservation.

The closure of Citra has also raised concerns regarding game accessibility. Laura Kate Dale, an accessibility expert, highlighted how Citra provided an alternative for players with specific needs, allowing them to play 3DS games on larger screens and utilize accessibility-focused input devices or controllers. With the unavailability of Citra, disabled players may lose their option to experience 3DS titles.

Prominent historian specializing in play and games, Holly Nielsen, shared her concern about the limitations of researching modern digital games compared to historical board games. Nielsen emphasized that accessibility and playability are essential aspects of preservation, shedding light on the importance of emulation to bridge the gap in accessing and studying digital games.

It is important to note that despite arguments in favor of emulation, the sharing of copyrighted video game ROM images remains illegal. As the debate continues, the impact of the closure of Yuzu and Citra, as well as the broader implications for game preservation and accessibility, remains a point of contention among gamers, preservationists, and industry stakeholders.

In related news, Nintendo has announced that it will shut down online play for 3DS and Wii U in April 2024. This move will render online multiplayer and rankings inactive, further reiterating the company's efforts to transition to its latest console platforms.