Nintendo is stepping up its efforts to control Switch by demanding GitHub take down modchip resources. In other words, they're removing hardware resources that enable people to run unauthorized software/piracy on their Switch systems. This is a shift from Nintendo's passive observation to actively seeking legal grounds to take down the tools directly.
GitHub deletes firmware and guides for Picofly, HWFLY, SX Core, and SX Lite modchips
Nintendo has sent a DMCA request to GitHub. Specifically, Nintendo is requesting that certain repositories be identified and taken down. Nintendo alleges that the software being taken down is used to circumvent technological measures that enable the copying of games. In particular, Nintendo explicitly referenced the Gary Bowser/Team-Xecuter legal case to show how modchips are illegal.
To make things easier for Nintendo, GitHub has simply deleted 144 repositories in one go. The content that got taken down includes firmware and how-to guides for various well-known modchip brands. Some examples of hardware affected include Picofly, HWFLY, SX Core, and SX Lite.
The takedown effort is another recent example of Nintendo going after piracy resources on the internet. Previously, Nintendo had taken down hundreds of repositories related to Switch emulators and software that extracts game keys. The goal here is to block people from having access to information they need to hack the Switch.
We've been keeping an eye on Nintendo's various legal efforts in the past, such as when they took down 401 Switch emulator repositories. But this time, they're zeroing in on the hardware modding resources instead of emulation software. So, we know they've succeeded in getting 144 repositories down. The repositories contain modchip firmware and how-to guides.
Source: IXBT
GitHub complied with 144 takedowns. Picofly and HWFLY guides are gone. The hardware resources are effectively blocked now.