UK High Court Rules That ISPs Must Block Nintendo Switch Piracy Websites

Pirate Goomba Super Mario Odyssey Screenshot

The High Court has ruled that internet service providers in the United Kingdom must “block, or at least impede access” to websites that enable Nintendo Switch piracy.

That ruling will require that Sky, BT, EE, TalkTalk, and Virgin Media to prevent users from accessing four websites that distribute pirated Nintendo Switch games, modified hardware, or provide guidance on how to mod the portable home console.

That has seen the High Court uphold Nintendo UK’s claim that the websites infringe on the company’s trademarks, have targeted consumers in the UK, and acknowledged that there is no legal defense for modifying the console to enable piracy.

“Today, the UK High Court found the sale and distribution of ‘circumvention’ devices for the Nintendo Switch unlawful,” a Nintendo UK spokesperson confirmed to Eurogamer.



UK games and interactive entertainment industry trade body Ukie also supported the ruling:

“These circumvention devices, which enable the use of unauthorised copies of video games, jeopardise the businesses of those who uphold and rely upon the sales of legitimate products,” explains Ukie spokesperson George Osborne.



Alex Seedhouse