Nintendo Switch Piracy Site Gets Taken Down by the FBI

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Nintendo consistently enforces strict measures regarding modifications on their consoles or games. They’ve been known to suppress mods, instigate legal action against ROMs and emulators for any games they distribute, and have taken down multiple sites when platforms hosted unauthorized distributions. Recently, the FBI has stepped in to dismantle a website used for pirating unlicensed Switch game copies onto customized consoles and computers.

On the site Nsw2u, individuals found the opportunity to obtain ROMs of games initially launched on the Nintendo Switch. With these ROMs at hand, they could either install them onto a modified Nintendo Switch device or use a PC Emulator. This way, users could access the games without actually buying them directly.

It’s not a matter of opinion; if gamers accept it or not, downloading and using games without purchasing them is considered theft. It’s no wonder that lawsuits have been initiated to deter others from obtaining games illegally for free.

FBI Issues Statement On Nintendo Switch Game Piracy

Based on a report from Nintendo Everything, the FBI confiscated the website in compliance with a warrant obtained under Section 18 U.S.C. 2323 from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia, as part of an ongoing law enforcement operation led by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

At present, the site fails to load or function upon being accessed, making it highly improbable that it will ever become active again.

For over a decade, the way Nintendo allows players to engage with their content has sparked debates. In contrast to developers on Steam who foster community engagement and encourage modifications to enhance beloved games like Baldur’s Gate 3 through Mod support, Nintendo hasn’t shown any intention of integrating such features into its own games.

While it’s true that custom content added through mods in a game differs significantly from unauthorized game downloads on a Nintendo Switch console, it’s important to note that stealing is not acceptable, regardless of personal opinions about Nintendo’s Mod policies. Sites offering such services are illegal and go against the law.

Furthermore, such websites often present significant dangers to users. They harbor viruses, malware, and other hazards in large numbers. These can cause damage to computers or render consoles inoperable if encountered. To guarantee that a game is secure and maintains its quality, the only viable option is to acquire it through verified channels. If gamers are seeking a bargain, it’s far safer and wiser to buy a pre-owned copy from a gaming store or wait for a sale on the Nintendo eShop.

In case you missed it: Join forces with Pauline and explore the excitement of #DonkeyKongBananza, arriving on #NintendoSwitch2 on July 17th. Pre-order your copy today!

— Nintendo of America (@NintendoAmerica) July 3, 2025

With an increasing number of gamers moving towards the Nintendo Switch 2 and purchasing titles within its updated price range, there’s a possibility of seeing more websites spring up offering unauthorized downloads such as ROMs. Although it may be appealing to attempt to hack the new console for cost savings, it’s essential to bear in mind that engaging in illegal game acquisition does not benefit the creators behind the cherished franchises being enjoyed.

Enthusiasts who crave more of their favorite gaming experiences should opt for purchasing games legitimately. This action boosts the likelihood of additional installments being developed in the future. Furthermore, legally obtaining your games will safeguard your costly upcoming Switch 2 device from becoming obsolete due to potential damage from unauthorized ROMs, thus avoiding unnecessary expenditures on new titles. Although debates may exist over game prices, theft remains theft, and the FBI’s actions in dismantling websites promoting it demonstrate that not only Nintendo but also the law finds such activities unfavorable.

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2025-07-12 00:40