FBI Seizes Major Nintendo Switch ROM Sites in Crackdown on Video Game Piracy

In a decisive move against video game piracy, the FBI’s Atlanta Field Office has announced the seizure of multiple online platforms known for distributing Nintendo Switch ROMs.

Chief among these sites is 'nsw2u,' which has long provided access to unauthorized copies of popular Nintendo Switch titles prior to their official release.

This targeted action reflects ongoing efforts to uphold the value of intellectual property within the gaming industry. Since the public launch of the Nintendo Switch in 2017, Nintendo and game developers have continued to wrestle with the threat of piracy.

Unlicensed game distribution not only undercuts legitimate sales via the Nintendo eShop, but also impacts both independent developers and major publishers.

Recognizing the severity, law enforcement agencies have ramped up efforts to curb piracy affecting platforms like the Nintendo Switch. According to an official FBI statement released this week, agents seized several major ROM websites.

The Bureau’s announcement specifies that the online criminal marketplaces in question openly provided pirated versions of top-selling video games.

This operation, conducted as part of a broader law enforcement collaboration, also involved the dismantling of technical infrastructure supporting these illicit sites. Reframed from the FBI’s statement, officials clarified that the targeted websites regularly offered unauthorized copies of highly anticipated games—often making them available days or even weeks before their street date.

During the period spanning February 28, 2025, through May 28, 2025, investigators documented over 3.2 million downloads attributed to these platforms, resulting in an estimated loss to the industry of $170 million. As a central component of this action, federal authorities have secured the domains of numerous piracy-linked sites.

Seized domains include nsw2u.com, nswdl.com, game-2u.com, bigngame.com, ps4pkg.com, ps4pkg.net, and mgnetu.com.

Users attempting to access these pages are now greeted with a seizure notice indicating that the websites are under the control of federal law enforcement. The FBI also acknowledged the critical support provided by the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), reflecting the operation’s international scope. This high-profile seizure further underscores the industry’s ongoing campaign to protect game developers and safeguard the integrity of legitimate platforms such as the Nintendo eShop.

Initiatives like this are vital for both Nintendo and the broader video game sector, ensuring innovation and creative output remain viable by defending intellectual property rights. For comprehensive coverage and updates on anti-piracy efforts and Nintendo Switch news, stay tuned to trusted outlets specializing in gaming industry analysis.

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