The Dolphin team now faces two options in response to the takedown notice. They can file a counter-claim with Valve, arguing that the emulator does not violate the DMCA as claimed by Nintendo. Alternatively, they can choose to comply with the takedown notice. If a counter-claim is filed, Nintendo would have two weeks to decide whether to pursue legal action. It remains unclear if Nintendo intends to proceed with a lawsuit against Dolphin. However, the implications of such a case could be significant for the broader emulator community. The Dolphin team is currently evaluating their next steps in light of these developments.
In a statement released on Friday, the Dolphin Emulation Project expressed disappointment over the situation. “It is with much disappointment that we have to announce that the Dolphin on Steam release has been indefinitely postponed,” the statement reads. “We were notified by Valve that Nintendo has issued a cease and desist citing the DMCA against Dolphin’s Steam page, and have removed Dolphin from Steam until the matter is settled. We are currently investigating our options and will have a more in-depth response in the near future.”
