One of the most popular sites for Nintendo Switch piracy has been taken down as part of an ongoing FBI investigation. According to reports from Kotaku, the site known as Nsw2u was widely recognized for hosting Switch ROMs, which users could download to play on modified Nintendo Switch consoles or PC emulators capable of running these games. As of now, when you visit the site’s URL, a notice appears confirming its seizure. This action was executed under a warrant issued by the United States District Court in Georgia, as stated by the FBI.
The seizure notice also displays a logo from the Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), a Dutch government agency tasked with investigating financial crimes. This collaboration indicates a broader international effort against piracy and illegal distribution of copyrighted material.
Nintendo has been actively engaged in combating game piracy for several years. In 2019, the company took legal action against the illegal ROM-sharing site RomUniverse, which was offering unlimited downloads of both new and classic Nintendo games for a subscription fee. This lawsuit highlighted Nintendo's commitment to protecting its intellectual property and the integrity of its gaming ecosystem.
In addition to RomUniverse, Nintendo has also targeted other entities involved in the distribution of pirated content. Last year, the company filed a lawsuit against streamer EveryGameGuru, accusing them of broadcasting gameplay footage of pirated Switch games, many of which were unreleased titles. This case underscored the serious implications of distributing unauthorized content and the potential legal consequences for those involved.
In a notable development earlier this year, the creators of the popular Switch emulator Yuzu settled charges with Nintendo for a staggering $2.4 million. This settlement reflects Nintendo's aggressive stance against those who facilitate the piracy of its games, whether through emulation or direct distribution of ROMs. Such actions serve as a warning to others in the gaming community about the risks associated with engaging in or promoting piracy.
As the landscape of video gaming continues to evolve, the battle against piracy remains a key focus for Nintendo and law enforcement agencies alike. With ongoing investigations and legal actions, it is clear that the fight to protect intellectual property rights in the gaming industry is far from over.
