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Nintendo has secured another victory in its ongoing campaign against game piracy, following a U.S. court ruling in its favor against a streamer accused of illegally broadcasting unreleased and copyrighted Nintendo Switch titles.
The streamer, known online as “Every Game Guru,” was found to have repeatedly streamed pirated versions of Nintendo titles—including Mario & Luigi: Brothership—while openly mocking the company’s attempts to stop him. According to court filings, he distributed or streamed more than ten unreleased games across multiple platforms, sometimes boasting about his activities and claiming he had numerous backup accounts ready to evade takedowns.
According to Cybernews, the case concluded with a default judgment after the defendant failed to appear in court. The court awarded Nintendo $17,500 in damages—a relatively moderate sum compared to previous piracy-related judgments. Still, the outcome reinforces Nintendo’s strict legal stance on protecting its intellectual property.
Nintendo has long maintained a zero-tolerance policy toward the unauthorized distribution or streaming of its games. In recent years, the company has pursued several high-profile cases against ROM-hosting websites and individuals accused of sharing game files online. One notable example was a $4 million settlement with a community moderator who allegedly distributed pirated versions of Nintendo titles to Reddit users.
The company argues that leaks and unauthorized streams can damage both its business and the experience for players, as early exposure of new releases undermines marketing efforts and spoils surprises for fans.
At the same time, Nintendo’s aggressive legal actions have sparked debate within the gaming community. Some industry commentators argue that the company’s enforcement tactics—particularly against fan-made projects and derivative works—may at times appear heavy-handed.
Regardless, the recent ruling serves as another reminder of the risks facing individuals who distribute or stream copyrighted material. For Nintendo, it’s a continuation of a long-term effort to secure its digital ecosystem ahead of an era where game leaks and piracy have become increasingly sophisticated and widespread.
