Nintendo escalates anti-piracy measures and pressures Reddit for user data

Nintendo is well-known for its strict stance against piracy, having successfully taken legal action against ROM websites and modding communities in the past. Recently, the company filed a $7.5 million lawsuit against a streamer accused of promoting pirated games and using Switch emulators.

Nintendo’s message is unmistakable: the company isn’t focused solely on prosecuting individual players but is determined to dismantle the entire infrastructure supporting piracy. Their latest target appears to be the subreddit r/SwitchPirates, suspected of distributing pirated Switch games. Central to the current lawsuit is modder and former subreddit moderator James "Archbox" Williams, whom Nintendo accuses of orchestrating copyright infringement and running piracy shops.

According to Nintendo of America’s lawsuit, Williams served as a key moderator on the subreddit and is accused of either controlling multiple accounts or collaborating with accomplices. After failing to appear in court, a judgment was issued against him. Nintendo is now seeking user data from platforms like Reddit, Google, Discord and GoDaddy to identify additional individuals involved and pursue further legal action.

It remains uncertain whether Nintendo will succeed in this effort. Reddit, for instance, might cite constitutional rights to safeguard user data. However, if Nintendo prevails, the case could establish a precedent, potentially making platform operators accountable for copyright violations.