FBI Seizes Major Nintendo Switch Piracy Site Linked to $170M Lost Sales [Update]

Major Nintendo Switch Piracy Site Taken Down by FBI

A major hub for Nintendo Switch piracy has been shut down by the FBI as part of a law enforcement operation. The site, known as NSw2u, was one of the most well-known sources for downloading Switch ROMs online. These ROMs allowed users to play games on modified Nintendo Switch consoles or through emulators on personal computers without legally purchasing the games.

The domain was seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in accordance with a seizure warrant issued under 18 U.S.C. 2323 by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The notice posted on the site after its takedown also mentioned the involvement of the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), an agency that investigates financial crimes in the Netherlands.

Despite the shutdown, some users on the Switch Piracy subreddit reported that the site was still active earlier in the day, with many claiming to have downloaded games just hours before the takedown. NSw2u had previously been added to the EU piracy watchlist in May of this year. However, both the FBI and Nintendo have not yet responded to requests for comment.

Nintendo's Crackdown on Piracy

Nintendo has been actively working to combat piracy on the Switch over the past few years. This includes legal action against the developers of the popular Yuzu emulator, which allowed players to run Switch games on PCs and devices like the Steam Deck. The company has also pursued litigation against smaller websites that host ROM downloads for older gaming systems, as well as against manufacturers of third-party devices designed to bypass copyright protections on the Switch.

Early in the Switch’s lifespan, the console was hacked, leading to the widespread availability of ROMs for top-selling games like The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom. This has led to speculation that Nintendo is taking extra steps to secure the upcoming Switch 2. Players who use unauthorized SD cards to store multiple Switch 1 ROMs have already begun experiencing issues, with some reporting that their new Switch 2 consoles were banned from online services shortly after launch.

Impact of the Shutdown

According to a press release from the FBI, the sites involved in the seizure were responsible for 3.2 million illegal downloads during a three-month period earlier this year, resulting in an estimated $170 million in losses for game developers. The Entertainment Software Association (ESA) praised the FBI, Department of Justice, and FIOD for their actions, calling it a significant victory for the video game industry.

Stanley Pierre-Louis, president and CEO of the ESA, stated that the sites had a global reach, with over 36 million visits from 13 million unique visitors worldwide in just six months. When asked for a response, Nintendo referred to the ESA’s statement.

Ongoing Challenges in Combating Piracy

The shutdown of NSw2u highlights the ongoing challenges faced by game developers and law enforcement agencies in combating digital piracy. While efforts like this can disrupt large-scale operations, the underground nature of piracy means that new sites and methods often emerge quickly. As Nintendo continues to strengthen its security measures, it remains to be seen how effectively these efforts will curb the spread of pirated content.

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