Nintendo’s New Policy: Mod Your Switch, Risk Losing It All

Nintendo of America has updated its User Account Agreement, and the changes could spell disaster for Switch modders and those using unauthorized games. The new policy states that breaking certain restrictions could render your console “permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

What’s Changed in the Nintendo Agreement?

The updated End User License Agreement (EULA) focuses on the “license” section, detailing what users *cannot* do with Nintendo Account Services. Previously, users were prohibited from actions like leasing, renting, or reverse engineering the services. The new agreement expands on this:

• You can’t offer Nintendo Account Services for sale or create derivative works.
• You must not bypass, modify, decrypt, tamper with, or circumvent any function or protection of Nintendo Account Services.
• Using unauthorized hardware or software that causes the Nintendo Account Services to operate outside its intended use is forbidden.

In simpler terms, any form of modding, including Switch emulation that requires game decryption, is now explicitly prohibited.

Playing Pirated Games Could Brick Your Switch

The updated policy also prohibits obtaining, installing, or using unauthorized copies of Nintendo Account Services. Unless Nintendo gives explicit permission (or it’s permitted by law), using pirated games is a major no-no.

The consequence? Nintendo warns that violating these terms could make your Switch an expensive paperweight. The company reserves the right to render the console and associated services permanently unusable.

What This Means for Switch Owners

If you stick to official games and don’t dabble in modding, this policy change shouldn’t affect you. However, if you’re involved in any unauthorized activity, Nintendo is clearly taking a stricter stance, and the risks are now significantly higher.

Nintendo is sending a clear message: respect the rules, or face the consequences.