The gaming giant wins another courtroom battle, sending a clear message to those pushing the limits with pre-release games.
Nintendo is in the news again for its legal actions against piracy. This time, they won a case involving a famous streamer, known as Every Game Guru. Nintendo is known for taking strong actions to protect intellectual property. They have targeted both individuals and businesses, shutting down emulators and suing websites.
Some of these cases prompt people to question how far corporate power can extend, but the most recent decision seems clear: a streamer repeatedly broke the rules, and Nintendo responded accordingly. Beginning in 2024, Jesse Keighin streamed unauthorized copies of Nintendo games that were not yet available in stores, pushing the boundaries of what the company would allow.
It’s not new to stream stolen games. For a long time, gamers have used emulators to play games before they are released, especially during the Nintendo Switch era. This has caused leaks and forced takedowns. Most people do what they’re told, though. This particular streamer, on the other hand, continued to go against Nintendo, which led to a federal case in Colorado.
In the end, the court agreed with Nintendo and told Jesse Keighin to pay $17,500 in damages. However, it did not issue an order against third parties that were not named, nor did it demand that circumvention devices, such as hacked consoles or software used to get around copyright protections, be destroyed.
You might run a corporation, but I run the streets.
Beyond the courts, the streamer’s defiance extended to other areas. In emails to Nintendo’s legal team and on social media sites like Facebook, He made fun of the company. He is said to have even destroyed evidence and avoided receiving court notices personally. Even so, the losses aren’t as significant as the fines Nintendo has received in other high-profile cases, which have been in the millions of dollars.
This case wasn’t really about the money; it was more about sending a message, as shown by the decision. In piracy cases, courts often award substantial damages and sometimes order the seizure of assets, including lifetime income. In Jesse Keighin’s case, $17,500 is more of a narrow punishment for repeated disobedience than a broader crackdown.
Nintendo also requested that all devices used to circumvent the law be destroyed, but the judge declined, citing that it was unclear and unreasonable. The tools in question were primarily online software programs that could be used on multiple computers, which meant that an order to destroy them all would not be effective.
Third-party contacts, such as friends or coworkers who shared ROM files, were also not penalized. The court focused on being realistic while still holding the streamer responsible for his actions, which he had repeated multiple times.
Eventually, yes, Nintendo will take you to court.
This case shows how the company uses lawsuits strategically. The lawsuit may have cost more than the damages it was worth, but it demonstrates that Nintendo is serious about defending its intellectual property. Lawsuits and repeated threats are part of the process, but defiance cannot continue any longer.
This should serve as a warning to both streamers and gamers: piracy may seem harmless at first, but repeated violations can have severe consequences. Even though $17,500 won’t change Nintendo’s life, the win is a good sign for the company in future cases.
It’s clear that Nintendo isn’t just protecting games; it’s also protecting the message that they convey. Repeatedly breaking the law with pirated content will no longer just get you taken down; it can now get you in federal court, where you have to pay fines and be watched closely by the public.
This is about the message, not necessarily the money.
Ultimately, this case highlights the fine line between early access games and unauthorized streams. Nintendo’s court win makes the company even more vigilant and warns people who are considering trying pirated games. The $17,500 in damages strikes a balance between protecting rights and ensuring smooth operations, but the message is clear: Nintendo will take strong action against chronic piracy.
