SwitchEmu Policy

Privacy Policy for SwitchEmu

Last updated: March 12, 2026

This Privacy Policy explains how SwitchEmu (package name: com.retrogames.switchemu) handles information when you use the app.

Ad-supported for non-subscribers
Ad-free for premium subscribers

1. Summary

  • SwitchEmu may show third-party ads to users without an active premium subscription.
  • Users with an active premium subscription get an ad-free experience.
  • The app mainly works with ROMs and save data stored on your own device.
  • No account sign-up is required to use core app features.

2. Information We Process

Depending on the features you use, SwitchEmu may process:

  • Local game data: ROM file names, file paths/URIs, save files, save states, screenshots, and related metadata.
  • App preferences: selected game folder, control layout and size, language, graphics settings, and gameplay options.
  • Subscription and purchase state: premium status from Google Play Billing.
  • Ad-related data (non-subscribers): ad identifiers (such as Android Advertising ID), device/app info, IP address, approximate location, and ad interaction events.
  • Analytics data: app usage events and engagement signals collected through Firebase Analytics.
  • Crash diagnostics: crash reports, stack traces, device model, OS version, and app version collected through Firebase Crashlytics.
  • Network request data: when downloading emulator cores or cover images, network providers may receive standard technical data.
  • Optional microphone input: only for compatible emulation cores and only when permission is granted.

3. Ads and Subscriptions

  • If you are not subscribed to premium, the app may display ads provided by third-party ad partners.
  • If you purchase premium, ads are disabled while your premium status is active.
  • Ad partners may process data to deliver and measure ads, prevent fraud, and improve ad relevance.
  • You can limit personalized ads in Android settings (Google services ads controls / device privacy settings).

4. How We Use Information

  • Scan and organize your game library.
  • Run emulation and manage saves/save states.
  • Download cores and artwork resources.
  • Process subscriptions and restore premium access.
  • Deliver ads to non-subscribers and measure ad performance.
  • Measure product usage and feature adoption with Firebase Analytics.
  • Detect and fix stability issues using Firebase Crashlytics.
  • Store and apply your app settings.

5. Permissions

SwitchEmu may request or declare permissions such as:

  • Storage access: read game files you select and manage local app data.
  • Internet / network state: downloads, ads, and billing checks.
  • Microphone: emulation microphone input for supported systems.
  • Vibration: haptic and rumble behavior.
  • Notifications: optional reminders and background status notifications.

6. Third-Party Services

SwitchEmu may rely on third-party services, including:

  • Google Play Billing (subscription management).
  • Advertising partners and mediation providers (non-subscribers).
  • Firebase Analytics (usage analytics).
  • Firebase Crashlytics (crash reporting and diagnostics).
  • GitHub-hosted core files and related download endpoints.
  • Image hosts for cover artwork (for example thumbnails servers).

Third-party services operate under their own privacy policies and may independently process personal data.

7. Data Storage and Retention

  • Most gameplay and preference data is stored locally on your device.
  • You can remove local data by clearing app storage or uninstalling the app.
  • Subscription purchase records are maintained by Google Play.

8. Data Sharing and Sale

SwitchEmu does not sell your personal information for money. Information may be shared with service providers only to operate app features (for example billing, ad delivery, downloads, and security).

9. Children

SwitchEmu is not directed specifically to children under 13, and we do not knowingly collect personal information from children.

10. Security

We apply reasonable technical safeguards, but no method of transmission or storage is completely secure.

11. Your Rights

Depending on your region, you may have rights to access, correct, delete, or restrict processing of personal data.

12. Changes to This Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Updates are reflected by changing the "Last updated" date above.

13. Contact

For privacy questions, contact: yassine.beej@gmail.com