Edgar Cervantes / Android Authority
TL;DR
- Nintendo seeks subpoenas from authorized cases against a Nintendo Switch modder to Reddit, Discord, and other parties.
- The corporation specifically targets the subreddit SwitchPirates, a name that aptly describes its contents.
- Nintendo targets individuals involved in marketing modded consoles carrying illicit copies of video games.
Following Nintendo’s successful authorised campaign like Yuzu just last year, it seems that their official push is only just beginning. The corporation is focusing attention on online forums such as Reddit, where Nintendo Switch piracy communities are active.
Nintendo has issued a stern warning to notorious modder James “Archbox” Williams, outlining its plan to crack down on “Pirate Retailers” that illegally distribute Nintendo Switch games and hardware. The documentation specifically highlights the significance of SwitchPirates, a Reddit community where Williams held the distinction of being the inaugural moderator.
The self-proclaimed “A group of pirates, for pirates” subreddit, boasting a membership of over 200,000 enthusiasts. While the community doesn’t provide direct links to pirated content, its focus remains on modifying Nintendo Switch hardware, developing homebrew applications, and sharing unauthorized game copies. Several Discord servers were established, but unfortunately, they were later shut down due to illegal activities.
Several retailers were actively marketing and selling modified Nintendo Switch consoles that came pre-installed with illegally obtained video games.
Nintendo is not intending to take legal action against individual consumers in these communities, but rather target the individuals operating the pirate retailers. A subpoena is requested from GoDaddy, Cloudflare, GitHub, Discord, Reddit, and other entities to uncover the identities of potential accomplices.
While some gamers may lament the rise of game streaming and cloud gaming, there’s a positive spin to consider: Nintendo’s allegations centre on Williams & Associates touting modified Nintendo Switch consoles and preloaded cartridges featuring pirated video games, rather than the act of emulation itself. Emulation and ROMs for personal and private use remain in an authorized gray area for the time being.
