Since its beginnings, Android has established itself as the ideal platform for emulation enthusiasts. Thanks to sideloading (installing applications outside the Play Store), users can access a wide range of emulators missing from official stores: Nintendo, Sega, PlayStation consoles… you name it. But a recent decision by Google could change the game entirely.

A new restrictive policy

Starting in 2026, developers based in Brazil, Indonesia, Singapore, and Thailand will be required to verify their identity if they want to distribute Android apps — even outside the Play Store. This means providing a full name, address, phone number, and even an official ID. In 2027, this requirement will be extended to all countries where Android is certified.

On paper, Google presents this measure as a way to strengthen security. In practice, however, many see it as a blow to the indie and emulation scene. Behind the big retro names, there are often small, passionate developers who value their anonymity, especially given the legal risks posed by publishers.

A direct threat to emulators

Today, most recent emulation projects (3DS, Switch, even PS3) are offered via directly downloadable APKs. If developers refuse to comply with this verification, many may choose to abandon their work rather than hand over personal information. The result: the progress of emulation on Android could come to a sudden halt.

Voices within the community already fear that Google is killing what made Android strong: its openness. Some developers even call it a fatal blow to the indie scene, which thrives precisely because of this freedom of distribution.

What alternatives for tomorrow?

In response to these restrictions, a few options remain:

• using uncertified Android forks (LineageOS, /e/OS) ;
• turning to more open systems like Linux ;
• or opting for dedicated emulation devices (Linux-based handhelds, FPGA, etc.).

On this subject, Recalbox developer Beudbeud reminds us: “Recalbox is a GNU/Linux distribution based on Buildroot.”

But some of these alternatives are not accessible to everyone. And for the general public, Android’s appeal has always been its simplicity: buy a smartphone or portable console, download an emulator, and play.

A turning point for mobile emulation

It’s hard not to see this decision as a philosophical shift: Android is becoming more and more like iOS, closing doors that once appealed to enthusiasts. If the measure is indeed enforced globally in 2027, the mobile emulation ecosystem could be seriously weakened.