After announcing it was coming to Nintendo Switch a year ago, Denuvo, the anti-piracy software, is now on the Nintendo Switch.
In a press release, Irdeto explains that Switch developers and publishers can now access the protection software in the Nintendo Developers Portal. Specifically, the first tool it rolled out is Nintendo Switch Emulator Protection, which protects games launching on Nintendo’s hybrid console from piracy.
“Even if a game is protected against piracy on its PC version, the version released on Nintendo Switch can be emulated from day one and played on PC, therefore bypassing the strong protections offered on the PC version,” the press release reads. “This can happen with any of the numerous games available on Nintendo Switch.”
The ethics and legality of video game emulation are regularly discussed topics in the industry, yet Nintendo has remained consistent in its stance against emulation. More recently, Nintendo was involved in blocking the release of the well-known open-source GameCube and Wii emulator Dolphin on Steam.
Other incidents of Nintendo cracking down on emulation include the company issuing multiple DMCA takedown requests to GitHub after a tool used for Switch emulation called Lockpick was being hosted on the website. More notably, the infamous hacker Gary Bowser, who was part of a Nintendo hacking group selling illegal ROMs, was released from prison early but still owes millions to Nintendo due to his previous illegal activities.
Taylor is a Reporter at IGN. You can follow her on Twitter @TayNixster.
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