Nintendo of America awarded $4.5m in lawsuit from Redditor for pirating Switch hardware and software

Nintendo of America has been awarded a $4.5 million settlement from a Reddit user accused of downloading and distributing pirated Nintendo Switch games and software. The court entered a default judgment after the user, identified as James C. Williams, failed to respond to the lawsuit. According to the court filing, Williams must shut down all online shops offering pirated Nintendo games and close any social media accounts associated with piracy.

He is also barred from distributing, advertising, or selling Nintendo software or hardware. The company filed the lawsuit in June 2024 and set the damages at $4.5 million in October. Nintendo alleges that Williams' actions have significantly harmed its business and the rights of its partners, as well as the livelihoods of many artists and developers.

The court's decision in The Hague made it illegal to sell modding kits in Europe that enable the distribution of pirated games. Nintendo emphasizes its commitment to protecting intellectual property and supporting legitimate game development.