Nintendo of America won a $4.5 million judgment and permanent injunction against James C. Williams, known online as “archbox,” on September 23, 2026. The Western District of Washington entered a default judgment: Williams did not answer the complaint, so the ruling was not the outcome of a contested trial. The case concerned online shops and communities that Nintendo said distributed Switch game files and promoted circumvention software—not a single generic file-sharing service.
What Nintendo alleged
Nintendo filed its complaint against Williams on June 28, 2024, in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington. In the complaint, Nintendo alleged that Williams operated online shops offering unauthorized Nintendo Switch games, promoted those shops, and helped users obtain or use circumvention software. Those are Nintendo’s allegations; the complaint itself is not a trial finding. Read the complaint.
Why the ruling was a default judgment
Williams did not answer the complaint. Judge Lauren King reviewed Nintendo’s motion and its supporting record before granting relief. Because Williams did not participate to contest the claims, the case did not produce a trial weighing competing evidence. The judgment is neither a jury verdict nor a negotiated settlement. TorrentFreak’s September 25, 2026 report also describes the default posture.
How the court arrived at $4.5 million
The court awarded statutory copyright damages of $150,000 for each of 30 listed Nintendo games, for a total of $4,500,000. The order treated $150,000 per work as the statutory maximum for willful infringement and found that maximum appropriate on the record before it.
Outdated Drivers Are Slowing You Down
One free scan finds every outdated or missing driver and matches the right update for your exact hardware.Free scan · exact hardware matchWindows Errors? Fix Them Before They Spread
Repair common Windows errors and clear accumulated junk for a smoother, more stable PC - no reinstall needed.Free scan · no reinstall#1 Best Overall
- The next evolution of Nintendo Switch
- One system, three play modes: TV, Tabletop, and Handheld
- Larger, vivid, 7.9” LCD touch screen with support for HDR and up to 120 fps
- Dock that supports 4K when connected to a compatible TV*
- GameChat** lets you voice chat, share your game screen, and connect via video chat as you play
In explaining the award, the court pointed to material indicating widespread distribution, knowledge of copyright, and deliberate activity. It also considered Nintendo’s estimate that games cost roughly $50 apiece and reasoned that lost revenue could reach hundreds of thousands of dollars. That was part of the court’s rationale—not an independent accounting that established Nintendo’s actual losses. The court order sets out the damages calculation.
What the permanent injunction covers
The injunction applies to Williams and people acting under his direction or control. It bars them from operating the relevant pirate shops, distributing unauthorized Nintendo games or circumvention software, and encouraging others to obtain or use those materials. It also directs Williams to disable shops, social accounts, communications platforms, and other vehicles used for the infringing distribution.
Rank #2
- 6.2” LCD screen
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
- Nintendo Switch is the home of Mario & friends
This is a case-specific order. It does not establish a general ban on emulation or all file-sharing. The injunction’s terms are in the September 23, 2026 order.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.What the decision does—and does not—establish
- It establishes the relief ordered in this case: $4.5 million in statutory damages and a permanent injunction against Williams and people acting under his direction or control.
- It does not follow a contested trial: Williams failed to answer, and the court ruled on Nintendo’s motion and supporting record.
- The damages are statutory: the court selected the maximum per listed work; the award is not a separate, independently quantified finding of actual losses.
- It is not a general ruling against emulation or file-sharing: the injunction addresses the shops, distribution, circumvention software, and related conduct at issue in this case.
Judge King wrote in the order: “Williams’ egregious infringement activities merit substantial punishment here.”
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
- Two players can each take one
- Multiple Joy-Con can be employed by numerous people for a variety of gameplay options (additional Joy-Con sold separately)
- Slip a set of Joy-Con into a Joy-Con grip accessory, mirroring a more traditional controller. Or, select an optional Nintendo Switch Pro Controller.
Rank #4
- This pre-owned product is not Apple certified, but has been professionally inspected, tested and cleaned by Amazon-qualified suppliers.
- 6.2” LCD screen.
- Three play modes: TV, tabletop, and handheld
- Local co-op, online, and local wireless multiplayer
- Detachable Joy-Con controllers
Rank #3
- Play your way with the Nintendo Switch gaming system. Whether you’re at home or on the go, solo or with friends, the Nintendo Switch system is designed to fit your life. Dock your Nintendo Switch to enjoy HD gaming on your TV. Heading out? Just undock your console and keep playing in handheld mode
- This model includes battery life of approximately 4.5 - 9 hours.
- The battery life will depend on the games you play. For instance, the battery will last approximately 5.5 hours for The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild (games sold separately)
- Model number HAC 001( 01)
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on Amazon at the time of purchase will apply.
