In a recent crackdown on console modification, Japanese authorities have arrested a 58-year-old man, Fumihiro Otobe, for allegedly selling modified Nintendo Switch systems capable of playing pirated games. According to reports, Otobe altered the consoles’ circuit boards, enabling them to run unauthorized copies of games. He reportedly sold these modified second-hand Switch units, each preloaded with 27 pirated games, for approximately $180 USD. This marks the first known arrest in Japan related to the sale of modified Nintendo Switch consoles.
Japan has stringent laws against console modification and game piracy. In December 2018, the country amended its Unfair Competition Prevention Act, making activities such as console modding and the distribution of save game editors illegal. Violators can face fines up to 5 million yen (approximately $46,000 USD), up to five years in prison, or both.
This arrest underscores Japan’s commitment to enforcing these laws. While personal modifications for private use often go unnoticed, the commercial distribution of modified systems is a serious offense. In a similar case, a 36-year-old man from Kyoto was arrested in April 2024 for selling hacked Pokémon characters from Pokémon Scarlet and Violet, reportedly earning millions of yen over a few months.
Otobe has admitted to the charges, stating that he believed others would find his modifications “amazing.” The investigation is ongoing, with authorities determining the extent of his distribution network. Four additional modified consoles were seized from his residence.
These incidents highlight the risks associated with console modification and game piracy in Japan. The country’s legal framework is designed to protect intellectual property rights and maintain fair competition in the gaming industry. Gamers and tinkerers are advised to be aware of these laws to avoid severe legal consequences.
