The FBI, in coordination with the Dutch FIOD tax authority, has officially seized Nsw2u, one of the internet’s most trafficked sites for Nintendo Switch ROMs. A seizure banner now displays on the site—an image stamped with the authority of a warrant issued by the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Georgia.
Massive Piracy, Massive Impact
Between February and May 2025, Nsw2u and affiliated domains facilitated around 3.2 million downloads, contributing to an estimated $170 million in losses for the gaming industry. The FBI’s action took down not just Nsw2u.com but also several mirror and related domains.
Why Nintendo Is Watching Closely
Nintendo has been stepping up anti-piracy efforts amid rising Switch 2 adoption. The company now even bans Switch 2 consoles using unauthorized ROM-loading flash cards. Legal wins against emulators (like Yuzu) and frequent domain seizures show it’s treating IP enforcement with high priority
For casual or convenience-seekers of free ROMs, the takedown is a major interruption. But determined pirates may shift to other sites. Still, tighter legal action and hardware bricking on Switch 2 signal increasing risk. Users should exercise caution—piracy now carries a higher chance of both legal and hardware consequences.
