Nintendo DMCA notice removes 144 Switch modchip firmware repos from GitHub

GitHub disabled 144 repositories hosting firmware for Nintendo Switch modchips following a DMCA notice from Nintendo of America on November 6, reports say. The notice specifically identified the Ansem-SoD/Picofly repository, but GitHub removed a network of over 100 forks because Nintendo claimed those copies also infringed on its rights.

Image: TechPowerUp

The targeted firmware supports chips including Picofly, HWFLY, SX Core, and SX Lite. Nintendo says this firmware lets modchips bypass the boot sequence to circumvent technological protection measures on the original Nintendo Switch. Nintendo claims that distributing this firmware constitutes unlawful trafficking in technology designed to circumvent copyright protections. The notice also referenced a 2020 case involving Team Xecuter, noting that member Gary Bowser was sentenced to 40 months in prison.

While the removals do not disable modchips that are already installed and functioning, users may have more difficulty accessing firmware updates, recovery files, or flashing new chips. Some other repositories containing Picofly and HWFLY firmware are reportedly still online. This action targets the original Nintendo Switch family.