In a landmark case, the Kochi District Court in Japan imposed a fine and jail sentence on Fumihiro Otobe, a transportation worker from Ryugasaki City, for selling modified Nintendo Switch consoles. This marks a significant first in the nation regarding console modifications. Otobe faced trial for altering second-hand consoles to run pirated software, a venture he appeared to admit with curiosity about public opinion.

Otobe, who was arrested in January, was caught selling four modified Switch units that he had altered to bypass software restrictions. When questioned, he expressed, “I was curious if people would think I was great for selling modified machines.”

Interestingly, the fines and penalties levied were considerably less harsh compared to previous cases. Otobe received a 500,000 yen fine (approximately $3,500 USD) and a suspended prison sentence of two years, contingent on good behavior, effectively allowing him to avoid serving time if he complies with the law moving forward.

In contrast, Gary Bowser, another individual involved in the modding community, faced a 40-month prison sentence and a $14.5 million fine—which reflects a 400,000% increase in punishment severity for similar offenses.

This case urges reflection on the disparity in penalties for console modifications within Japan, highlighting Otobe’s relatively light sentence amid Nintendo’s ongoing battle against piracy and console modification.