The FBI recently seized several websites distributing pirated Nintendo Switch and PlayStation 4 games, including nsw2u.com, nswdl.com, game-2u.com, bigngame.com, ps4pkg.com, ps4pkg.net, and mgnetu.com. The operation, conducted with the Dutch Fiscal Information and Investigation Service (FIOD), targeted these “online criminal marketplaces” for hosting bootleg games, some available before their official release. Between February 28 and May 28, 2025, these sites recorded 3.2 million downloads, causing an estimated $170 million loss to the gaming industry.
The seizures, authorized by a U.S. District Court in Georgia under 18 U.S.C. 2323, involved dismantling the sites’ infrastructure, with FBI banners now displayed on the domains. Nintendo, known for its aggressive anti-piracy stance, has been cracking down on ROM sites, emulators like Yuzu, and hardware hacks, though it’s unclear if they directly initiated this operation. Posts on X reflect mixed sentiments, with some users lamenting the loss of access to free games, while others argue piracy harms developers and justifies the crackdown.
Source : @FBI