Nintendo of America has won a $4.5 million default judgment against James C. Williams, known online as “Archbox,” in a U.S. copyright case over alleged Switch game piracy. It was a court ruling—not a settlement—and Williams did not answer the complaint, so the claims were not tested in a contested trial.
What Nintendo won—and what the ruling means
On September 23, 2026, U.S. District Judge Lauren King entered a default judgment and permanent injunction against Williams in the U.S. District Court for the Western District of Washington, case 2:24-cv-00960-LK. The court awarded Nintendo $4.5 million. The court order describes Williams’ conduct as “egregious infringement activities” that “merit substantial punishment here.”
A default judgment is not a negotiated settlement: the court entered judgment after Williams failed to answer Nintendo’s complaint. The case did not proceed through an adversarial trial.
Why the damages total $4.5 million
The court used statutory copyright damages for 30 representative Nintendo games, awarding the requested $150,000 for each title: 30 × $150,000 = $4.5 million. Games identified in coverage include The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe, and Super Smash Bros. Ultimate. The 30 titles were the basis for the damages calculation; the injunction reaches beyond those games.
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What the permanent injunction bars
The order prohibits Williams from distributing pirated Nintendo games or software that circumvents protections on Nintendo games and consoles, and from encouraging others to download those materials. It also requires him to disable the online shops and social accounts used for the infringing activity.
The order establishes what Williams is required to do. The sources available do not establish a later court finding that every covered shop and account has been disabled.
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What Nintendo alleged about Archbox
In its June 28, 2024 complaint, Nintendo alleged that Williams operated or promoted online “shops” offering unauthorized Switch game files and helped users obtain or use circumvention software. The complaint also described alleged activity connected to the SwitchPirates subreddit, including requests for eShop gift cards or game copies. Those details are allegations in Nintendo’s filing, not findings reached after a contested trial.
Independent reader supportYour contribution helps us test, update, and keep practical guides available for everyone.Has Nintendo collected the $4.5 million?
The judgment sets the amount awarded, but it does not establish that Nintendo has received the money. TorrentFreak’s September 25, 2026 report said it remained unclear whether Nintendo would be able to recoup the damages. An award and its collection are separate matters.
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Quick Recap
Best Value
- One player can use a Joy-Con in each hand
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- 6.2” LCD screen.
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- 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)
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