Who is Every Game Guru? Nintendo sues YouTuber for streaming "leaked games" and using emulators

Every Game Guru, whose real name is Jesse Keighin, is considered a controversial figure in the streaming world. Known for broadcasting unreleased Nintendo games on platforms like Twitch, YouTube, and Kick, Keighin has faced extensive legal action from Nintendo. The company has filed a lawsuit against him, citing violations for streaming unreleased games, such as The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

Since its release in 2017, the Nintendo Switch has been prone to piracy, particularly due to vulnerabilities in early hardware models and the widespread use of emulators. Early Switch models were susceptible to hardware exploits through their chips, allowing users to install custom firmware, bypass security measures, and play pirated or leaked games.

In 2024, the company is clamping down on piracy, especially with the use of emulators.

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How much is Every Game Guru being sued for?

Nintendo has faced challenges with emulators, particularly as the Switch shares architectural similarities with popular emulation platforms. Emulators like Yuzu and Ryujinx allow players to run Switch games on PCs, which has driven a rise in game piracy despite Nintendo's efforts to counter these programs.

The company has responded by strengthening legal measures against those who distribute or facilitate the use of pirated copies and unauthorized emulators. Every Game Guru's case is a prime example of this. According to a new lawsuit, Nintendo is asking for $150,000 for each copyright infringement, with a total of $7.5 million being charged against the streamer.

The case alleges that Every Game Guru endorsed and advocated for the use of emulators. Quotes of the streamer wishing to help those in need of "free" Nintendo Switch games were used as a part of the lawsuit:

"Defendant recently boasted online that he wants to 'help anyone and everyone who wants to get Nintendo games for free (and early), or who needs help installing and setting up . . . [Nintendo] Switch emulators that let you play [Nintendo] Switch games for free.'”

Although Nintendo reportedly contacted Every Game Guru and asked him to stop promoting emulators, the streamer continued broadcasting long hours of pirated Switch games to his fans.

As of this writing, the streamer's YouTube and Twitch channels have been taken down, and no official response regarding the lawsuit has been posted.

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In September 2024, a significant leak about the Nintendo Switch 2 surfaced, allegedly revealing detailed specifications and insights into its hardware design.