As Nintendo gears up for the launch of its highly anticipated Switch 2, it has updated its policies and user agreements, particularly in terms of combating piracy. These updates have raised eyebrows among gamers, as they reveal how Nintendo plans to protect its new hybrid console from unauthorized modifications and illegal software use.
Nintendo Will Block Pirated Switch 2 Consoles
Before these updates, Nintendo had already warned against renting, copying, modifying, reverse-engineering, decompiling, and other forms of misuse of its services. As of April 2021, Nintendo required written consent for any of these actions involving its products.
Recently, Nintendo has expanded its list of prohibited actions, warning users that failure to comply could result in permanent suspension of Nintendo services or the corresponding device. This means that those who engage in piracy or modify their Switch 2 risk losing their accounts and all associated content. In severe cases, the console could be rendered entirely useless.
While similar warnings have been issued before, Nintendo is making it clear that it will take a more active role in combating modifications and piracy in Switch 2. The updated policies are already in effect in regions like the United States and the United Kingdom, but they will be applied globally.
Key Prohibited Actions Include:
- Publishing, copying, modifying, reverse-engineering, renting, decompiling, or creating derivative works of any Nintendo services.
- Circumventing, manipulating, or evading any security functions or protections of Nintendo services or the device.
- Using unauthorized copies of Nintendo services.
- Exploiting Nintendo services in any manner not authorized by Nintendo, unless explicitly permitted by applicable law.
Nintendo’s Disclaimer:
“Failure to comply with these restrictions may result in the permanent disabling of Nintendo Account Services or the Nintendo device associated, either partially or fully.”
Nintendo’s Privacy Update for Switch 2: GameChat Audio and Video Recording
In addition to the piracy policy changes, Nintendo also updated its privacy policy for Switch 2. The company now reserves the right to record and collect audio and video from GameChat sessions. This new feature will allow players to interact online, but Nintendo will monitor the content to manage inappropriate behavior.
This move has sparked controversy among gamers who are concerned about their privacy being compromised by the company’s ability to record conversations during gameplay.