Nintendo Bans Violators, May Brick Switch

Nintendo has strengthened its user agreement, implementing stricter rules for Switch owners who modify their consoles, use unauthorized software, or engage in piracy-related activities. The updated policy takes a hardline stance against such practices.

As reported by Game File, Nintendo has notified users about updates to both its Account Agreement and Privacy Policy. These revised terms became effective on May 7, replacing all previous versions for both existing and new account holders. Game File's analysis reveals approximately 100 modifications between the old and new agreements.

Previously until May 6, users consented to refrain from "leasing, renting, sublicensing, publishing, copying, modifying, adapting, translating, reverse engineering, decompiling or disassembling any portion of Nintendo Account Services without explicit written permission from Nintendo or as permitted by applicable laws."

The updated U.S. version expands these restrictions significantly, now stating:

"You expressly agree not to: (a) publish, copy, modify, reverse engineer, lease, rent, decompile, disassemble, distribute, sell, or create derivative works from any Nintendo Account Services; (b) circumvent or tamper with any security measures or intended functionality; (c) install or use unauthorized copies of services; or (d) misuse the services in any way violating their documented purpose. These actions require Nintendo's written authorization unless specifically allowed by law. Violations may result in permanent loss of access to Nintendo Account Services and/or affected devices."

The UK version maintains distinct phrasing as noted by Nintendo Life, requiring users to acknowledge:

"All digital content tied to your Nintendo Account remains strictly for personal, non-commercial use. Without express permission from Nintendo of Europe, you must not lease, rent, reverse engineer, modify, or decompile any digital products beyond what local laws explicitly permit. Unauthorized usage may render the digital content inoperable."

Although Nintendo hasn't specified what constitutes making content "unusable," the language suggests potential console restrictions for policy violations. Updated privacy terms also indicate Nintendo may monitor online communications to maintain a safe environment and detect violations of its agreements.

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These policy changes likely address Nintendo's ongoing concerns about software piracy and coincide with the imminent June 5 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2.

Pre-orders for the Switch 2 began on April 24 at $449.99 and quickly sold out across most retailers. Nintendo has cautioned U.S. customers that shipment delays may occur due to overwhelming demand. For purchase details, consult IGN's comprehensive Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.