Nintendo isn’t about to ease up on its campaign against piracy, and their recent federal court filing makes it clear they’re doubling down. They’re intensifying their search for additional targets, especially those linked to the infamous James “Archbox” Williams, a known Switch modder accused of facilitating game piracy.
This latest push is just another chapter in Nintendo’s long-standing efforts to safeguard its intellectual property. Over the years, they’ve been tenaciously leveraging the Digital Millennium Copyright Act (DMCA) to dismantle unauthorized distributors of their game ROMs and emulators. Just earlier this year, in a notable $2.4 million settlement, Nintendo prevailed in a lawsuit against Tropic Haze, the group behind the Yuzu Switch emulator. Although Yuzu’s creators have been forced to bow out, they maintained their stance against game piracy despite the court’s decision.
Despite the flurry of legal actions this year, Nintendo isn’t showing signs of slowing down. They’re casting the net wider, as per a filing in a Washington state district court, to identify more individuals connected to the alleged piracy network. James “Archbox” Williams has already felt the weight of internet justice when he didn’t show up in court, leading to a default judgment in Nintendo’s favor. Now, Nintendo is aiming to get the court’s permission to subpoena records from major online platforms like Reddit, Discord, and GitHub. This move suggests they’re hunting for Williams’ associates, who might be scattered across these sites.
Back in June 2024, Nintendo filed a parallel lawsuit against Modded Hardware, another thorn in their side, known for selling MIG Switch devices loaded with pirated Nintendo games. Ryan Daly, the head of Modded Hardware, had previously ignored a cease-and-desist order, prompting further legal action.
Nintendo’s persistence in the face of piracy is unquestionable. With the arrival of the next-gen Switch on the horizon, it’s clear they’re tightening the ropes. And while the outcome of these ongoing investigations remains uncertain, one thing’s for sure: Nintendo is not backing down anytime soon.
