Full Breakdown
Nintendo Secures $4.5 Million Judgment Against Reddit Moderator Over Pirated Switch Games
By Drooid · · How we work
Core Court Decision
A Washington federal judge issued a default judgment ordering Reddit moderator James Williams—known online as “archbox”—to pay $4.5 million in damages to Nintendo of America. The award reflects $150,000 per violation for 30 copyrighted titles, including *Animal Crossing: New Horizons*, *Luigi’s Mansion 3* and *Pikmin 4*. The judgment also mandates that Williams immediately disable access to any online “shops” he operates or controls that offered extensive libraries of pirated Switch games for download.
Background of the Lawsuit
Nintendo filed the suit on June 28 2024 in a Washington district court, alleging that Williams acted as the “leading moderator” of the r/SwitchPirates subreddit and solicited donations of eShop gift cards and game copies to be copied and distributed on pirate storefronts. Nintendo’s complaint described Williams as the “operator, overseer, and driving force” behind several pirate shops that distributed large numbers of illegal Switch game files.
Key Legal Actors
- James Williams (archbox) – Reddit user identified as a moderator of r/SwitchPirates and alleged operator of multiple pirate storefronts.
- Lauren King – U.S. District Judge who authored the default judgment, finding that Williams knowingly promoted and facilitated copyright-infringing activity.
- Joshua C. Lewis and Natalie Wood – Washington court clerk and deputy clerk who recorded the injunction requiring Williams to shut down the pirate shops.
Official Statements & Injunction Details
Judge King’s order noted that Nintendo of America demonstrated Williams’ promotion of online shops offering pirated game files and circumvention software, and his encouragement of others to contribute to those shops despite knowledge that the activity violated copyright law. The court clerk’s filing reiterates that Williams must “immediately disable access” to all such shops. Nintendo’s own statement, issued to IGN regarding a related European ruling, emphasized the company’s message to players to avoid purchasing or using circumvention devices, software, or unauthorized copies, citing risks to the functionality and experience of authentic Nintendo hardware and games.
Impact on Piracy Enforcement
The judgment underscores Nintendo’s willingness to pursue aggressive legal action against individuals facilitating large-scale game piracy, complementing recent European court decisions that deem the sale of modding kits illegal. By securing a substantial monetary award and an injunction, Nintendo aims to deter similar distribution networks and reinforce its broader anti-piracy strategy.