Reddit user ‘Archbox’ faces $4.5 million Nintendo judgment over alleged Switch piracy

Close-up of Nintendo logo on red storefront sign on a sunny day, San Francisco, California, August 19, 2025. (Photo by Smith Collection/Gado/Getty Images)

Nintendo of America has secured a $4.5 million default judgment against James C. Williams, who is known online as “Archbox.” The case relates to allegations that Williams was involved in distributing pirated Nintendo Switch games and software used to bypass the console’s security measures. The court has also issued a permanent injunction restricting Williams from continuing activities linked to the alleged piracy operation.

What was Archbox accused of?

Nintendo's lawsuit focused on Williams’ alleged involvement with online communities and websites associated with Nintendo Switch piracy. Nintendo alleged that Williams was linked to the Reddit community r/SwitchPirates, where users discussed methods of accessing unauthorized copies of Switch games and bypassing Nintendo’s protections.

The company also alleged that Williams operated or promoted online stores that offered unauthorized copies of Nintendo games and software designed to circumvent the company's technological protections. Nintendo based its damages request on 30 copyrighted works. The company awarded the maximum statutory damages available under US copyright law for each work, putting its total claim at $4.5 million.

Why was the judgment entered by default?

The court entered the judgment after Williams failed to respond to the lawsuit or defend himself in the case. An attorney had appeared on his behalf for the limited purpose of responding to a third-party subpoena, but did not represent him in defending Nintendo's claims. As a result, the court considered Nintendo’s request for default judgment. On September 23, 2026, US District Judge Lauren King entered a $4.5 million judgment against Williams.

The ruling awarded Nintendo statutory damages for copyright infringement and also granted the company a permanent injunction. A default judgment does not mean the defendant presented evidence and lost after a trial. Instead, it is entered when a defendant fails to participate in the case as required.

What happens to the alleged piracy websites?

The permanent injunction prevents Williams from continuing activities covered by the court's order. It also requires him to disable access to online shops that he operates or controls and that were used to offer unauthorized Nintendo games or circumvention software.

The order extends to various online accounts and communities, including social media pages, Discord servers and other platforms connected to the alleged distribution of Nintendo content. The $4.5 million award adds to Nintendo's ongoing legal efforts concerning unauthorized copies of its games and technology designed to circumvent its anti-piracy protections.