Japan makes first arrest over illegally modded Nintendo Switch systems

The first arrest has been made in Japan for Nintendo Switch systems that were illegally modded.

Police arrested the 58 year-old man on January 15 on suspicion of violating the Trademark Act. He’s believed to have welded modified parts to the circuit board of second-hand systems purchased in March last year. The man then went on to sell them on a flea market app for 28,000 yen each.

A big issue here is that these modded devices are able to play games illegally. Aside from the console itself, 27 pirated titles were sold with it.

The man has already been questioned and apparently admitted to the charges. He’s quoted to have said “I was interested in seeing if people would think I was amazing if I sold modified machines.”

Police have taken possession of four systems in total. They’re also investigating whether he may have committed any other crimes.

Thanks to NTV News for the report.