Nintendo Warns Modders: Updated Terms Allow Bricking of Modified Switch Consoles
Nintendo has updated its user agreement to include a strict new policy—modified or unauthorized Nintendo Switch consoles may be permanently disabled.
First reported by *Gamefile*, the revised terms clearly state that any attempt to bypass, modify, or decrypt Nintendo Account Services could result in a user’s console being rendered “permanently unusable.” This includes using unauthorized software or installing pirated games.
This marks a significant shift from Nintendo’s previous 2021 agreement, which prohibited reverse engineering and modification but didn’t mention bricking devices. The change comes just ahead of the anticipated release of the Switch 2, as Nintendo begins rolling out pre-order invites despite early technical issues from major retailers.
Known for its aggressive stance against piracy and emulation, Nintendo appears to be taking even stricter measures to protect its platforms as it transitions to a new console generation.
