Gary Bowser, an aptly-named Nintendo Switch hacker, will pay $4.5 million after pleading guilty to charges related to hacking Nintendo's portable console. In 2020 Nintendo began pursuing a number of groups who were illegally hacking Nintendo Switch consoles and selling kits through the internet. In May 2020 Nintendo filed lawsuits against the Switch hackers, leading to a legal battle that was carried out throughout the year.

Two separate lawsuits were filed by Nintendo last year, with both aimed at hacker groups who were manipulating the Nintendo Switch for their own profit. The first lawsuit was leveled against a number of different websites which all associated with a hacker group called "Team Xecuter." The group was found to be creating kits to hack the Nintendo Switch, with these kits then being sold across the various associated websites. The second lawsuit was aimed at "UberChips," a piracy website run by Ohio resident Tom Dilts Jr. Nintendo won the UberChips lawsuit in September 2020, leading to a $2 million settlement from the site and the destruction of any copyrighted property in its creator's possession. Then in April 2021, Nintendo filed a lawsuit against Gary Bowser, an apparent leader of Team Xecuter who had previously been arrested on charges of fraud.

Related: Nintendo Wins $2 Million Lawsuit Against Switch Hackers

A report by TorrentFreak reveals that Team Xecuter conspirator Gary Bowser has now pled guilty in Nintendo's lawsuit and will pay up to $4.5 million in restitution. The Canadian, who ironically shares a name with Mario's fiery rival, was found guilty of advertising and trafficking the hacking devices created by Team Xecuter. The plea agreement, released by TorrentFreak, involves Bowser giving details about the hacker group and helping to locate any stolen assets. Team Xecuter is described in the document as a "cybercriminal enterprise" which generated tens of millions of dollars in profit from the sale of "illegal circumvention devices." While the final sentence has not yet been delivered, Bowser's guilty plea and offer to pay restitution has likely increased the likelihood of a reduced sentence.

Nintendo Switch Hacked

While Nintendo may be known as a family-friendly gaming company, and a staple of the industry, the entertainment juggernaut does not take kindly to hackers and thieves. Documents leaked back in December 2020 reveal that Nintendo takes leaks and hacking very seriously, going so far as to hunt down and track suspected leakers. Nintendo 3DS hacker Neimod was apparently kept under close surveillance by the beloved company, which documented their place of residence and daily routine in order to contact them in case of a security breach.

Due to the popularity of the Nintendo Switch, it should be no surprise that the portable console is prone to hackers looking to access free content or make a profit themselves. However, misusing Nintendo's hardware and infringing on the company's copyright is an easy way to get into serious trouble. Those who have made a profit off of hacked Nintendo systems are quickly found, and there is almost always a huge sum of money to pay as restitution. With Mario always managing to thwart the monstrous Bowser, it seems fitting that Nintendo has seemingly defeated the hacker Gary Bowser in court as well.

Next: Nintendo Hacker Sentenced To 3 Years In Prison For Stealing Secrets

Source: TorrentFreak (1, 2)