Nintendo Updates Account Policy with Strong Anti-Piracy Warnings Ahead of Switch 2 Launch

Nintendo has quietly introduced major updates to its Account Agreement, significantly tightening restrictions around the use of digital products in an apparent move to crack down on piracy, emulation, and unauthorized software use.

Stronger Legal Language Targets Unauthorized Use

Users across regions, including the United Kingdom and the United States, have received emails notifying them of policy changes, particularly in the "License for Digital Products" section. While Nintendo has always reserved the right to control how its digital content is used, these updates add stricter language and harsher consequences for violations.

In the UK, the agreement now clearly states that digital products are “licensed only for personal and non-commercial use”, and warns that unauthorized activity may render a digital product unusable.

In the U.S., the updated terms go even further. As reported by Game File, Nintendo’s revised policy now states that breaching the agreement could result in the company “render[ing] the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”

This is a sharp escalation from the previous agreement (in place since April 2021), which broadly prohibited reverse engineering, sublicensing, or modifying Nintendo services without written permission. The new terms provide Nintendo with far greater authority to take action directly against misused accounts or devices.

What’s Specifically Forbidden?

The U.S. version of the updated agreement now explicitly bans:

• Bypassing or decrypting software protections

• Tampering with Nintendo Account Services

• Installing or using unauthorized copies of Nintendo software

• Using hardware or software to alter how Nintendo services function

Meanwhile, the UK agreement now emphasizes that any use beyond non-commercial activity on a registered device requires written permission from Nintendo of Europe.

Privacy Policy Also Updated for Game Chat Features

In a parallel update, Nintendo has also revised its Privacy Policy ahead of the expected Switch 2 launch.

The changes enable Nintendo to record video and voice chats—with user consent—as part of a Game Chat feature coming to the new console.

The recorded content will be stored locally for a limited time and can be reviewed by Nintendo in cases of reported misconduct or illegal activity, specifically the last three minutes of gameplay communication. Nintendo frames this as part of its commitment to a “safe and family-friendly online environment.”

Game Chat will allow users to video call each other during gameplay, marking a significant step forward in Nintendo’s historically limited online communication tools.

What This Means for Most Players

For the vast majority of players who use Nintendo products legally, these changes are unlikely to impact daily gameplay. But for those engaging in modding, emulation, or piracy, Nintendo is now signaling real consequences—including the potential bricking of hardware or loss of account access.