In a groundbreaking case, Japanese authorities have arrested a 58-year-old man for allegedly selling illegally modified Nintendo Switch consoles, marking the first arrest of its kind in Japan.
Fumihiro Otobe, a transportation worker from Ibaraki Prefecture, was taken into custody by Kochi Prefectural police for violations of the Trademark Act. According to police reports, Otobe modified Switch circuit boards to enable the playing of pirated games and sold the altered hardware on the secondhand market for 28,000 yen (approximately $180).
Investigators claim Otobe not only sold modified consoles but also distributed 27 pirated games. When questioned about his motives, Otobe, who has admitted to the charges, stated: "I was interested in whether people would think I was amazing if I sold modified machines."
This arrest comes amid Nintendo's broader crackdown on hardware modification and game piracy. The company recently filed lawsuits against individuals involved in modded hardware distribution and online piracy communities. In mid-2024, Nintendo targeted Ryan Daly, who operated a modded hardware website, and James Williams, a former moderator of a Switch piracy forum. In a bold move, Nintendo has filed a lawsuit against streamer Jesse Keighin, known online as Every Game Guru, for allegedly broadcasting pirated Nintendo games before their official release dates.
While Nintendo's direct involvement in Otobe's arrest remains unclear, the case highlights Japan's strict enforcement of intellectual property rights through the Trademark Act, which aims to protect business reputations and consumer interests.
The timing of this arrest coincides with Nintendo's recent announcement of the Switch 2, raising questions about future security measures for the upcoming console.