Nintendo Switch 2: Battery saver mode and excitement about terms of use
In the new US terms of use, Nintendo reserves the right to switch off a console in the event of unauthorized use. This does not apply in Germany.
(Image: Nintendo)
Nintendo has changed its terms of use ahead of the launch of the new Switch 2. Some new passages are causing a stir, especially in the USA. In the USA, Nintendo reserves the right to make a console “permanently unusable” in the event of unauthorized use – a kind of kill switch for Switch and Switch 2.
In this case, unauthorized use primarily means piracy and hacking. In fact, if the US terms of use are interpreted literally, Nintendo is threatening to simply switch off consoles used for piracy. However, it is unclear whether this could happen in practice and how it would be implemented technically. The legal basis would also have to be clarified in such a case. The fact that such a passage is included in the terms of use does not mean that the procedure would be legal at all.
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Germany not affected
In the German terms of use, the passage according to which Nintendo could switch off consoles used in an unauthorized manner does not exist in this form. However, Nintendo has also tightened up the document somewhat in this country. Instead of just listing prohibited actions, it now also threatens consequences for the first time: “Such unauthorized use of a Digital Product may result in the Digital Product no longer being available for use”, the terms of use state.
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A “Digital Product” is a game or software. In contrast to the US terms of use, Nintendo only reserves the right to deactivate individual games in Germany. There is no explicit threat to render the entire console unusable, at least not for users in Germany. Nevertheless, the sharpened wording could also cause concern for German users – Nintendo is known for its rigorous action against leakers, jailbreakers, pirates and developers of emulators.
Battery saver mode for the Switch 2
To prevent the Switch 2 from simply paralyzing itself sooner or later, Nintendo has now announced a battery saver mode for its upcoming console. When activated, the battery only charges up to 90 percent. This is intended to improve the longevity of the built-in battery. Many smartphones have similar functions built in.
The Switch 2 will be launched in Germany on June 5. Nintendo expects to sell 15 million Switch 2 consoles by March 2026.
(dahe)
