Nintendo Switch 2 launches in a few weeks, and the company has moved to ward off anyone from tampering with the new hardware with a stern warning for would-be piratesTech10:17, 09 May 2025Switch 2 is just weeks away(Image: AFP via Getty Images)Not that we're counting but Nintendo Switch 2 launches alongside Mario Kart World in just 27 days, meaning we'll soon be enjoying the first console from the company since 2017.With Nintendo predicting the console could be its fastest-selling yet and big new games seemingly coming throughout its first year, we really could be approaching a new 'Golden Age' for Nintendo.‌Still, Nintendo is getting its ducks in a row, ready for launch. After a recent update to prep Switch 1 with Switch 2 features, the company has updated its Nintendo Account User Agreement and Privacy Policy, and it makes for interesting reading.‌As per Game File, Nintendo has made big changes to the document that could put pirates off of tampering with the new console.Mario Kart World is expensive, but we'd avoid looking to pirate it(Image: Nintendo)Nintendo has long worked to protect its IP from piracy, but the original Switch developed a hacking community that could pirate the company's games on modded versions of the hardware – something the Japanese firm is looking to change.Article continues belowAccording to Game File's report, the previous wording on the relevant page on Nintendo's site said:"You are not allowed to lease, rent, sublicense, publish, copy, modify, adapt, translate, reverse engineer, decompile or disassemble all or any portion of the Nintendo Account Services without Nintendo's written consent, or unless otherwise expressly permitted by applicable law."‌Now? It's much more stern. Here's a whole chunk of Nintendo explaining what you can't do:"Without limitation, you agree that you may not (a) publish, copy, modify, reverse engineer, lease, rent, decompile, disassemble, distribute, offer for sale, or create derivative works of any portion of the Nintendo Account Services;""(b) bypass, modify, decrypt, defeat, tamper with, or otherwise circumvent any of the functions or protections of the Nintendo Account Services, including through the use of any hardware or software that would cause the Nintendo Account Services to operate other than in accordance with its documentation and intended use;"‌"(c) obtain, install or use any unauthorized copies of Nintendo Account Services; or (d) exploit the Nintendo Account Services in any manner other than to use them in accordance with the applicable documentation and intended use, in each case, without Nintendo’s written consent or express authorization, or unless otherwise expressly permitted by applicable law."As for the consequences? Nintendo is seemingly ready to turn your shiny new console into a paperweight if you don't comply."You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with the foregoing restrictions Nintendo may render the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device permanently unusable in whole or in part."Article continues belowOur best advice? Don't mess with the console, or the manufacturer.For more on Nintendo Switch 2, be sure to check out our hands-on impressions, as well as our most-wanted Switch 2 ports.For the latest breaking news and stories from across the globe from the Daily Star, sign up for our newsletters.‌‌‌