By Sagar V. Mankar 
Japanese authorities have made their first-ever arrest related to modified Nintendo Switch consoles. A 58-year-old man was taken into custody on January 15, 2025, for allegedly violating Japan’s Trademark Act through the sale of illegally modified gaming systems, according to NTV News (via Automaton).
The Illegal Operation
The suspect reportedly modified second-hand Nintendo Switch consoles by welding custom parts to their circuit boards, enabling them to play pirated games. These modified units were then sold through digital marketplaces for 28,000 yen (approximately $180). To sweeten the deal, he offered customers an additional package of 27 pirated games for an extra fee.
Legal Implications
This arrest comes at a significant time, as Nintendo has recently announced its intention to strengthen measures against illegal emulation. The company has a history of taking firm legal action against piracy, as demonstrated by the high-profile case of Gary Bowser in 2022, who received a five-year prison sentence and lifetime financial obligations to Nintendo.
According to police reports, the suspect has admitted to the charges, and investigations are ongoing to uncover any additional violations. This case may set a new precedent for how Japan handles gaming hardware modifications and piracy in the future.
Sources: NTV News, Automaton