Nintendo Updates Agreement Allows Remote Disablement of Switch Consoles

Nintendo has updated its User Agreement to grant itself the authority to permanently disable, or "brick," Nintendo Switch consoles if they detect pirated games, unauthorized modifications, or other violations of the updated terms. This change, quietly introduced without a formal announcement, broadens the company's ability to target activities such as tampering, reverse engineering, and running emulators, with the new terms allowing Nintendo to make devices wholly or partially inoperable based on suspected violations. The policy, effective May 2025, extends beyond previous restrictions that focused mainly on account modifications and now explicitly covers broader interference with Nintendo Account Services and device protections. This move comes ahead of the June 5 release of the Nintendo Switch 2, which emphasizes digital downloads and online features, marking a more aggressive stance against piracy and unauthorized use. Nintendo's recent legal actions against popular emulators like Yuzu and Ryujinx further demonstrate its commitment to combating piracy. While details on detection methods remain unclear, the company’s privacy policy suggests increased monitoring of user activity, especially with new features on the upcoming console.