Nintendo Bans Violators, Risks Bricking Switch

Nintendo has strengthened its user agreement, introducing stricter terms and conditions targeting players who modify their Switch consoles, use emulators, or engage in other unauthorized activities.

As reported by Game File, Nintendo recently notified users via email about updates to its Nintendo Account Agreement and Privacy Policy. These revised policies, effective May 7, replace all prior versions and apply to both new and existing account holders. Game File's analysis reveals approximately 100 modifications between the old and new agreements.

Previously, until May 6, users agreed to refrain from "leasing, renting, sublicensing, publishing, copying, modifying, adapting, translating, reverse engineering, decompiling, or disassembling any portion of Nintendo Account Services without Nintendo's written consent or as permitted by law."

The updated U.S. version significantly expands these restrictions, now stating:

"Without limitation, you agree not to: (a) publish, copy, modify, reverse engineer, lease, rent, decompile, disassemble, distribute, sell, or create derivative works; (b) bypass, modify, decrypt, tamper with, or circumvent Nintendo Account Services' protections; (c) use unauthorized copies; or (d) exploit services beyond intended use. Nintendo reserves the right to render accounts or devices permanently non-functional for violations."

Nintendo Life notes the UK version differs slightly, requiring users to agree that:

"Digital Products are licensed solely for personal, non-commercial use. Unauthorized actions including leasing, copying, modifying, or reverse engineering may render products unusable without written consent from NOE, except where permitted by law."

Though Nintendo hasn't explicitly defined "unusable," the wording implies potential console deactivation ("bricking") for violations. Updated privacy terms also authorize Nintendo to monitor online chats to "maintain a safe, family-friendly environment and enforce compliance."

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These changes appear linked to Nintendo's ongoing anti-piracy efforts and the imminent June 5 launch of the Nintendo Switch 2, with pre-orders opening April 24 at $449.99. High demand has prompted Nintendo to warn U.S. customers that My Nintendo Store pre-orders may not guarantee launch-day delivery. For details, consult IGN's Nintendo Switch 2 pre-order guide.