Submitted 2 days ago by heimy@lemm.ee to games@lemmy.world
https://www.gamescensor.com/nintendo-anti-piracy-policy-device-lock/
Nintendo’s single-minded determination to enshittify makes me want to wait to get the next Switch, TBH.
I know it won’t matter, as their core fan base will happily endure the bullshit changes they’re considering for another Zelda or Mario Kart, but it would be nice if enough people decide not to buy that it actually persuades the company to be a little more reasonable.
Personally I’m baffled by peoples responses. It has always been the case that you risked bricking your console when you hacked it with custom firmware. It was been the case since at least the PSP. Usually this was just security updates trying to prevent the recent hack method from working, but often had the potential to brick the system if you weren’t careful.
Now people read some legalese that might just as well exist just to cover Nintendo’s ass should this in fact happen and without any further proof some assume there an actual kill switch in the device. People are just itching to bring out the pitchforks.
In another note, people most mad about this and stating they will no longer buy from Nintendo… seem to be the exact same people who demand the right to hack and mod their device. So in a way, Nintendo is winning here simply by discouraging exactly some of those people from buying the console. And all it took was a few lines in their user agreement.
“Nintendo may render…the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part.”
This isn’t just a warning from Nintendo that you risk bricking your console if you try to hack it.
No, because that’s not the main goal of these kinds of documents. This is a broad enough definition of what might happen when you tamper with your device that might protect their ass in court should it ever get to that.
But it doesn’t really imply they have a kill switch. Their currently used, fully locking devices out of the Nintendo servers, can already be seen as turning the device “permanently unusable in whole or in part”. Especially with how digital and online focused consoles have become.
I’m confused by your last paragraph.
Wanting or demanding to own and hack your device does not mean you’re not a big spender.
It certainly doesn’t exclude it. But many people do hack their console to avoid paying for games or to develop emulators that allow people to avoid buying the system itself. And Nintendo certainly seems to be convinced that it happens enough to mater. While I agree there should room to let people tinker and play the way they want, I think Nintendo should also be allowed to try and prevent piracy of their games.
You own the hardware, but not the software.
You “own” your car, but the dealership stole the keys, removed the engine, and locked the wheels because you bought a used set of winter tyres from a reseller.
Sounds like an endorsement for custom firmwares.
Will this realistically affect switch mods at all?
Is this to me counteract the Migswitch specifically?
Seems like a load of crap either way.
That and probably since V1 switches are softmoddable forever.
‘Bricking’ seems to be hyperbole from the author though, I’d wager they’re doing the same online bans as Switch1. However as Game Key carts are going to be a big thing now- with no eShop access those Game Key carts might not work if you don’t have the game downloaded already. (or possibly might not work at all)
That would render the device unusable if you only had Game Key Carts and/or digital purchases, you’d not really be able to use the console at all.
Jimmycakes@lemmy.world 2 days ago
I’m just gonna mod chip it before they can brick me. Boom
Psythik@lemm.ee 2 days ago
I’m just not going to buy it. Boom.
If a game comes out that I really want to play (doubtful; I haven’t enjoyed a Nintendo title since the GameCube), I’m pirating the fuck out of it.
WaitThisIsntReddit@lemmy.world 2 days ago
Run their games at higher fps, higher resolution, for free? Maybe Nintendo shouldn’t be fucking around so much.