Technology
Nintendo wins 4.5 million dollar default judgment in Switch piracy case
A federal judge ordered an alleged Reddit moderator to pay damages and shut down illicit game download stores.
The short version
- A Washington federal court awarded Nintendo $4.5 million in damages after defendant James Williams failed to respond to a piracy lawsuit.[Engadget · The Verge]
- Williams, known online as archbox, was accused by Nintendo of operating online pirate shops and soliciting game donations on Reddit.[Engadget · The Verge]
- The court ordered Williams to immediately disable access to all online shops offering pirated Nintendo Switch games that he operates or controls.[Engadget · The Verge]
- While the targeted r/SwitchPirates subreddit remains active, Williams is no longer listed as a moderator on the platform.[Engadget · The Verge]
Key facts
- Nintendo won a $4.5 million default judgment against James Williams in a Washington federal court.[Engadget · The Verge]
- The lawsuit was initially filed by Nintendo in 2024 accusing Williams of being the overseer and driving force behind several pirate shops.[Engadget · The Verge]
- Nintendo was granted the win by default after Williams did not respond to the lawsuit in court.[Engadget]
- The court ordered Williams to immediately disable access to all online shops offering pirated Switch games that he operates or controls.[Engadget · The Verge]
- Williams does not currently appear listed as a moderator on the active r/SwitchPirates subreddit.[Engadget]
Sources
Outlet counts describe coverage, not independent confirmation. Reports may share a wire service or original source.