Nintendo is seeking $4.5 million in damages from a former Reddit moderator accused of operating piracy networks that distributed Nintendo Switch games. The case highlights the company’s aggressive stance on copyright enforcement — especially in fan and community spaces. Fast Company+2VGC+2
What’s Going On
- The lawsuit names James C. Williams, who went by the Reddit alias “Archbox”, as the defendant. Fast Company+1
- Nintendo alleges that Williams was heavily involved in running and promoting “Pirate Shops”, which made hundreds or thousands of copyrighted Nintendo Switch games available for unauthorized download. VGC+1
- Williams is accused of using his role as moderator of r/SwitchPirates to post links, steer users toward piracy sites, and solicit “donations” of eShop gift cards in exchange for access to games not yet pirated. VGC+3VGC+3Fast Company+3
- Nintendo claims it first issued a cease-and-desist notice in March 2024 demanding Williams shut down these sites. Williams allegedly responded, but later denied involvement and failed to comply. Fast Company+1
- Because Williams apparently did not respond or defend himself in court, Nintendo is asking the court for a default judgment. VGC+2GameSpot+2
- The lawsuit is grounded in claims of copyright infringement (copying/distribution of games) and circumvention (providing tools or methods to bypass Nintendo’s protections). VGC+1
How Nintendo Arrived at $4.5 Million
Nintendo’s filing focuses on 30 specific first-party titles that Williams allegedly pirated. For each, Nintendo is seeking statutory damages up to $150,000, which totals the $4.5 million figure. VGC+2Fast Company+2
Although Nintendo could have pursued more (given the potential volume of piracy and circumvention claims), it appears the company chose a conservative but significant sum tied to known titles. VGC
A hearing to enter the default judgment is scheduled for October 24, 2025. VGC
Why This Case Matters
- Community Roles Under Scrutiny
This isn’t just a case of a piracy website. Nintendo is pointing to activity in a public, community space (Reddit) and leveraging moderation privileges as part of the alleged scheme. - Precedents & Aggressive IP Enforcement
Nintendo has previously pursued emulator teams and mod chip sellers. This adds a case where community figures (not just developers or hardware mods) can be held to account. Fast Company+2VGC+2 - Legal Strategy via Default Judgment
Nintendo’s path — suing, getting no response, then asking for default judgment — is a tactic to enforce claims even when the defendant does not engage. - Damage Claims & Statutory Limits
By anchoring damages in statutory amounts per game, Nintendo leverages the high ceilings available in U.S. copyright law while keeping demands tied to selected infringements.
Risks & Open Questions
- The case has not yet been decided — the allegations remain just that until a court rules.
- A default judgment could be challenged later (for example, if Williams later appears or moves to vacate the default).
- Enforcement of the judgment — collecting $4.5 million — can be difficult if the defendant lacks resources or hides assets.
- This could raise concerns around chilling effects on fan sites, mod communities, or volunteer moderators, especially in ambiguous areas of copyright.
Final Thoughts
Nintendo’s lawsuit against a Reddit moderator underscores the company’s zero-tolerance policy toward piracy, especially when community influence is involved. Whether the court grants the default judgment or Williams attempts to fight back, this case may set new boundaries for how companies engage with online communities and moderators in copyright enforcement.
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