Kyoto Shimbun reported on March 19 that four men have been referred to the prosecution by Kyoto Police on suspicion of violating Japan’s Trademark Act. The individuals allegedly sold Nintendo Switch consoles that were modified to run pirated games and “show improved performance.”
According to investigators quoted by NTV, the group modified about 45 consoles, with about 15 units actually being sold through social media. They’re estimated to have generated between 600,000 and 900,000 yen in revenue (between $3,700 and $5,600 USD). The act constitutes infringement of Nintendo’s trademark rights, and all members of the group have since admitted to the charges.
Japanese media seems to be paying attention to the group’s young ages, with two members being 18 and 19 years old respectively, another being in his 20s, and a supposed ringleader in his 30s.
This is not the first such case in Japan. In January 2025, a man in his 50s was likewise arrested after selling Nintendo Switches modified to run pirated games, which domestic media called “a new precedent” at the time.
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