Nintendo Switch Game piracy site taken offline by U.S. and Dutch authorities
Nsw2u had gained a large following by offering Switch ROMs, digital copies of games that users could play on modified consoles or emulators on PCs. Despite ongoing efforts to stop piracy, users were still able to download games from Nsw2u until just hours before the site went offline on July 10. Earlier this year, the site was added to the European Union's piracy watchlist, which has signalled increasing global scrutiny.
The message displayed on Nsw2u reads, 'This domain has been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in accordance with a seizure warrant issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2323... as part of a law enforcement operation and action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.' It also confirms the involvement of the FIOD in this crackdown, showing coordination across borders.
Nintendo has been active in combating piracy for several years. In 2023, it targeted the creators of the Yuzu emulator, software that allows players to run Switch games on PCs and portable devices like the Steam Deck. The company has also gone after smaller sites hosting ROMs and companies that produce devices to bypass Nintendo's copyright protections.
With the release of the new Switch 2 console last month, Nintendo has reportedly banned users employing unauthorised storage devices from accessing online services. The company has taken a strict approach to piracy, including seeking heavy fines and prison sentences. However, its latest move to block Switch 2 consoles from key features due to piracy concerns has raised questions, including a legal challenge in Brazil over the potential effects on legitimate second-hand buyers.
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Nintendo Switch Game piracy site taken offline by U.S. and Dutch authorities
Authorities have taken down one of the major piracy websites linked to Nintendo Switch games. The FBI seized Nsw2u, a site known for distributing unauthorised Nintendo Switch game files. Visitors to the site now see a message explaining the seizure, which was carried out under a warrant issued by the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The operation also involved the Dutch financial crime agency, FIOD, which highlighted an international effort to tackle game piracy. Nsw2u had gained a large following by offering Switch ROMs, digital copies of games that users could play on modified consoles or emulators on PCs. Despite ongoing efforts to stop piracy, users were still able to download games from Nsw2u until just hours before the site went offline on July 10. Earlier this year, the site was added to the European Union's piracy watchlist, which has signalled increasing global scrutiny. The message displayed on Nsw2u reads, 'This domain has been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in accordance with a seizure warrant issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2323... as part of a law enforcement operation and action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation.' It also confirms the involvement of the FIOD in this crackdown, showing coordination across borders. Nintendo has been active in combating piracy for several years. In 2023, it targeted the creators of the Yuzu emulator, software that allows players to run Switch games on PCs and portable devices like the Steam Deck. The company has also gone after smaller sites hosting ROMs and companies that produce devices to bypass Nintendo's copyright protections. With the release of the new Switch 2 console last month, Nintendo has reportedly banned users employing unauthorised storage devices from accessing online services. The company has taken a strict approach to piracy, including seeking heavy fines and prison sentences. However, its latest move to block Switch 2 consoles from key features due to piracy concerns has raised questions, including a legal challenge in Brazil over the potential effects on legitimate second-hand buyers.
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FBI shuts down Nintendo Switch piracy site Nsw2u: Here's what seizure notice on website reads
The Federal Bureau of Investigation ( FBI ) has seized Nsw2u, one of the popular piracy websites for Nintendo Switch games. A seizure message is now displayed on the site's homepage, stating the action was carried out under a warrant from the United States District Court for the Northern District of Georgia. The operation also involved the FIOD, the Dutch financial crime investigation agency. Nsw2u had become a popular hub for Switch ROMs—game files used for running pirated games on modified consoles or PC-based emulators. According to posts on the Switch Piracy subreddit, users were still able to access and download games from the site just hours before it was taken down on Thursday, July 10. The site was added to the European Union's piracy watchlist earlier this year in May. The FBI and Nintendo have not responded to media requests for comments on the seizure. What the seizure notice on website reads by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like If you have a mouse, play this game for 1 minute Navy Quest Undo 'This domain has been seized by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in accordance with a seizure warrant issued pursuant to 18 U.S.C. 2323... as part of a law enforcement operation and action by the Federal Bureau of Investigation,' reads the notice currently visible on the Nsw2u website. The message further confirms participation by the FIOD in the international crackdown. Nintendo's crackdown on piracy Nintendo has intensified its efforts to curb piracy in recent years. In 2023, it took legal action against the creators of the Yuzu emulator, which allowed users to play Switch games on PCs and handhelds like the Steam Deck. The company also targeted smaller ROM-hosting websites and device makers that help bypass copyright protection on the Switch. Since the launch of the new Switch 2 console last month, players using unauthorized storage tools have reportedly been banned from online services. Lava Storm Play First Look: Best Budget Phone Under Rs 10,000?
