Nintendo warns that it can brick Switch consoles if it detects hacking, piracy
1 min read
Summary
A recent update to the Nintendo User Account Agreement has warned that users who hack their consoles or play illegal copies of games could find their devices made completely unusable.
The update relates to Nintendo’s May 2025 EULA update, which specifies the approved ways that users can use their “Nintendo Account Services” on the console.
The new agreement clarifies that any illegal use of the console, which is not approved by Nintendo, could lead to the company making the Nintendo Account Services and/or the Nintendo device unusable.
Both the current Switch and the upcoming Switch 2 would be affected by this change.
Prior to the violation occurring, Nintendo also has the right to suspend a user’s access to any Nintendo Account Services as it believes is necessary, for legal, technical or commercial reasons.
Playing pirated games and using hacked hardware are explicitly in violation of the terms of service.
