Nintendo Motion Against Piracy Unveiled

Nintendo's aggressive stance against emulation is well-documented. Recent examples include the $2.4 million settlement with Yuzu emulator developers in March 2024, the October 2024 cessation of Ryujinx development following Nintendo's intervention, and the legal advice against a full Steam release for the Dolphin emulator in 2023 due to Nintendo's pressure. The 2023 case against Gary Bowser, who resold devices enabling Nintendo Switch piracy, resulted in a $14.5 million judgment.

A Nintendo patent attorney, Koji Nishiura, recently shed light on the company's strategy at Tokyo eSports Festa 2025. While emulators aren't inherently illegal, Nishiura clarified that their use can become illegal under certain circumstances. Specifically, emulators that copy game programs or bypass console security measures may infringe on copyright laws. This is largely based on Japan's Unfair Competition Prevention Act (UCPA), which limits Nintendo's legal reach internationally.

The presentation highlighted the Nintendo DS "R4" card as a prime example. This device allowed users to play pirated games, leading to a successful UCPA lawsuit against its manufacturers and distributors, effectively banning its sale in 2009. Nishiura also emphasized that tools facilitating pirated software downloads within emulators, such as the 3DS "Freeshop" or the Switch "Tinfoil" app, also violate copyright law.

Nintendo's lawsuit against Yuzu cited one million pirated copies of The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, highlighting the alleged $30,000 monthly Patreon revenue generated by providing subscribers with early access and exclusive features.