Key Takeaways
1. Nintendo’s updated user agreement clarifies that users only have a license to use their Nintendo Account Services, not ownership.
2. The new terms impose strict restrictions against actions like copying, modifying, or circumventing Nintendo services.
3. Violating these rules could result in serious consequences, including the possibility of Nintendo bricking the user’s console.
4. The UK agreement is less detailed but also prohibits unauthorized actions regarding Digital Products, with similar consequences for non-compliance.
5. Nintendo’s privacy policy has been revised to allow recording of video and voice chats for safety and security purposes.
Nintendo is stepping up its fight against piracy and emulation, as shown by the recent changes in the user agreement. The new terms clarify that users do not actually own their Nintendo Account Services; they merely obtain a license to use them. This means that interfering with these services could result in serious consequences, including the possibility of Nintendo bricking your console if you use the services in ways that are not allowed.
Updated Agreement Notification
The modifications to the US Nintendo Account User Agreement were communicated through an email to account holders, providing a link to the updated policy. These changes are set to take effect in May 2025, which means they should be active by now. One significant update is the explanation that Nintendo services are licensed rather than owned, imposing certain restrictions and guidelines that must be adhered to.
Licensing Terms
In the License section, it is stated that according to the EULA (End User License Agreement), users must not publish, copy, modify, reverse engineer, bypass, tamper with, or circumvent any functions or protections of the Nintendo Account Services. There are also additional clauses, and a complete list can be seen in the screenshot below. If users do not follow these rules, Nintendo has the authority to make the account or the console “permanently unusable” or bricked.
UK Agreement Update
The update to the UK EULA is not as detailed, specifying, “In particular, without NOE’s written consent, you must neither lease nor rent Digital Products nor sublicense, publish, copy, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble any portion of Digital Products other than as expressly permitted by applicable law.” Non-compliance could lead to the Digital product becoming unusable.
Nintendo has also recently revised its privacy policy concerning the Switch 2 and GameChat. If users agree, Nintendo may record video and voice chats saved on the console. The company claims this is to create a safe and secure environment for certain services.
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