Nintendo Switch Modder Ordered to Pay $2 Million in Piracy Lawsuit

Nintendo has emerged victorious once again in its crusade against piracy, as a Washington District Court judge has ordered Ryan Daley, a notorious Nintendo Switch modder, to pay the company a whopping $2 million. The verdict is part of a copyright lawsuit filed last year, which alleged that Daley's online business, Modded Hardware, was selling modded Switch consoles, modchips used to hack into Switch devices, and Mig flash cartridges that allow people to play pirated copies of games.

According to the court ruling, Daley's actions caused Nintendo "significant and irreparable harm". The MIG Devices, Mod Chips, Hacked Consoles, and Circumvention Services allowed members of the public to create, distribute, and play pirated Nintendo games on a massive scale. This is a significant blow to piracy enthusiasts who have been seeking ways to bypass Nintendo's security measures and play pirated copies of their favorite games.

Despite denying any wrongdoing, Daley has now been banned from modding Switch consoles, as well as from using devices designed to circumvent the console's security measures. The judge also ordered the seizure, impoundment, or destruction of all devices owned by Daley that may contain copyright-infringing material.

This is not the first time Nintendo has taken on a piracy enthusiast in court. In recent years, the company has successfully shut down Switch emulators such as Yuzu and Ryujinx, and even warned players who try to mod their Switch 2 consoles with the risk of bricking them.

However, this case is particularly notable due to Daley's decision to fight Nintendo without a lawyer. His willingness to take on the company alone has ultimately led to his downfall, as he was unable to mount an effective defense against Nintendo's allegations.

The verdict serves as a reminder that piracy can have serious consequences for those who engage in it. For gamers and industry professionals alike, this case highlights the importance of respecting intellectual property rights and adhering to Nintendo's terms of service when using their consoles.