REDDIT MOD ORDERED TO PAY NINTENDO $4.5M

INDUSTRY DESK■ 1 MIN READ

THU, SEP 24, 2026

■ AI-SUMMARIZED FROM 1 SOURCE ▸ TIMELINE

A federal judge has issued a default judgment against James Williams, a Reddit moderator known as "archbox," ordering him to pay Nintendo $4.5 million for distributing pirated Switch games. Williams must also shut down his online stores.

Nintendo filed suit against Williams in 2024, alleging he operated as a leading moderator of r/SwitchPirates and maintained multiple online storefronts distributing unauthorized copies of Nintendo Switch games. The Washington federal judge's Wednesday ruling grants the company its full damage claim and includes an injunction requiring Williams to cease distribution activities. The case marks Nintendo's continued aggressive enforcement against piracy networks. The gaming company has previously pursued legal action against ROM distribution sites and individuals involved in circumventing console security. Williams did not contest the lawsuit, resulting in the default judgment. The $4.5 million penalty represents statutory damages rather than actual profits from piracy operations. Nintendo also secured a court order preventing Williams from operating any future platforms for game distribution without authorization.

■ SOURCES

► The Verge

■ SUMMARY WRITTEN BY AI FROM THE LINKS ABOVE

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REDDIT MOD ORDERED TO PAY NINTENDO $4.5M

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