Nintendo Switch Modder Faces Court Battle Against Nintendo Alone

A Nintendo Switch modder named Ryan Daly, who operates under Modded Hardware, is currently facing a lawsuit from Nintendo over allegations of selling hardware and software for pirating Nintendo games. Despite receiving multiple warnings to cease operations, Daly has chosen to contest the lawsuit without legal representation, denying any wrongdoing. The lawsuit claims Daly's company allows customers to play pirated games from titles like Super Mario, The Legend of Zelda, and Metroid. As the case progresses into the discovery phase, the future of Daly's business remains uncertain, with the Modded Hardware website now accessible only via password.

The allegations against Ryan Daly and Modded Hardware include offering hardware and firmware that enable the creation and play of pirated games, as well as preinstalling pirated copies of popular Nintendo titles on modded consoles.

The controversy surrounding Nintendo Switch modding is not new, as Nintendo has a history of combating piracy and protecting its intellectual property. The company has successfully pursued legal action against various entities involved in the distribution of pirated games, leading to significant financial penalties. Notably, Nintendo's lawsuits often focus on the direct connection between hacked consoles and the thriving illegal market for pirated games, citing specific instances of successful enforcement against file-sharing websites and emulator developers.