Nintendo Intensifies Legal Crackdown on Switch Piracy with New Lawsuits Against Modded Hardware and r/SwitchPirates Moderator

Nintendo Ramps Up Legal Action Against Switch Piracy with Lawsuits Targeting Modded Hardware and r/SwitchPirates Moderator Nintendo has escalated its efforts to combat piracy on the Nintendo Switch by filing two significant lawsuits this week, further reinforcing its commitment to protect its platforms and intellectual property rights.

The legal actions target both a well-known console modding group and a prominent online piracy community, highlighting the company’s aggressive stance against the unauthorized distribution and use of its games and hardware. The first lawsuit is directed at Modded Hardware, an entity that has gained notoriety for providing fully modded Nintendo Switch consoles, memory cards preloaded for pirated downloads, and various modding services.

The group is operated by Ryan Daly, also known in online circles as 'Hombrew Homie.' According to legal documents reported by TorrentFreak, Nintendo had previously issued a warning to Daly earlier in 2024, which led to an agreement that Modded Hardware would stop all sales and services linked to Switch piracy.

However, the video game giant alleges that Daly did not honor this agreement, prompting the current legal action.

Nintendo’s filing asserts that the continued activities of Modded Hardware have inflicted 'substantial and irreparable harm' to the company. Financial penalties for Modded Hardware could reach into the millions, as Nintendo seeks to recoup losses stemming from unauthorized hardware and software sales.

The case reaffirms the company’s no-tolerance policy for piracy and the groups that facilitate it on platforms like the Switch and eShop. In addition to targeting Modded Hardware, Nintendo has initiated separate legal proceedings against James 'Archbox' Williams, the lead moderator of the r/SwitchPirates subreddit.

This online community has gathered an audience of nearly 190,000 members and is reported to provide technical advice, resources, and encouragement for piracy activities related to the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo’s lawsuit links Williams to several networks labeled as 'pirate shops,' which host vast libraries of pirated Switch games.

The court documents allege that Williams knowingly supported, and even promoted, piracy, reportedly stating publicly that he is a 'pirate' unwilling to purchase Nintendo games at retail prices. Both new cases build on a series of recent legal victories for Nintendo.

Earlier in 2024, the company won a high-profile lawsuit against Tropic Haze, creators of the Switch emulator Yuzu, resulting in a $2.4 million settlement shortly after the case was filed.

These actions demonstrate Nintendo’s concerted effort to protect its software and hardware from piracy, safeguarding not only its own business but also the interests of developers and publishers who distribute games via the Nintendo Switch eShop. As these lawsuits move forward, the outcomes will be closely monitored by industry observers, developers, and the broader gaming community.

Nintendo’s vigilance underscores the ongoing challenges platform holders face in combating digital piracy and maintaining fair access to content across their platforms, including the Nintendo Switch.

Nintendo Switch Modded Hardware SwitchPirates r/SwitchPirates Ryan Daly Hombrew Homie James Williams Reddit Yuzu Tropic Haze TorrentFreak