It seems like the troubles of the forthcoming Pokémon Sun and Moon didn't stop at the deep data mine that occurred a while back that revealed content previously unannounced.
We're achingly close to finally playing the games, and some users who willed to wait it out will soon get to enjoy the games when they come out Nov. 18.
But users who were a wee bit excited than the rest of us are reportedly taking the toll for pirating the games ahead of their launch.
Pokémon Banning Players Running Pirated Pokémon Sun And Moon
Earlier this month, links containing the games started circulating the web, allowing other players to play Pokémon Sun and Moon ahead of everyone else. Not only were these people able to access both games in full, they also enjoyed the games' many online features.
Now, many reports of banned 3DS units from GBA Temp and 4Chan have started surfacing, stating that Nintendo has restricted online features of Nintendo 3DS units running a pirated ROM of Pokémon Sun and Moon, especially those who accessed the game's online features. Some people, however, luckily avoided the ban.
Kotaku has reached out to Nintendo and it has responded:
"As a result of a number of Nintendo 3DS users using unauthorized versions of several games, and connecting to the official game servers in violation of our terms of service, these users' Nintendo 3DS systems that stored the unauthorized game code have been banned from Nintendo's online network effective immediately," Nintendo offered as a statement.
Are The 'Pokémon Sun' And 'Moon' Bans Permanent Or Temporary?
The ban isn't limited to the games, however. The same users have reported that they can't access the Nintendo eShop to purchase the games legally from Nintendo's online store.
Banned players are right to assume the worst out of this, since Nintendo has been known to "brick" machines that are found to have been subject to shoddy piracy behavior. In the past, several Wii and Nintendo 3DS units were rendered unusable by Nintendo, possibly via back door code manipulations. Owners with bricked units had no choice but to go out and replace them with a new one.
It remains to be seen whether the same thing has happened to recently banned 3DS units. If it has, this could potentially pose a huge problem for a lot of 3DS owners who ran the ROM. The statement Nintendo provided didn't indicate whether the ban will be lifted sometime in the future or lifted after an unspecified duration.
Some users are even maliciously suggesting that they purchase a new 3DS, perform a system transfer and return the 3DS to the retailer, potentially leaving anyone who'll purchase the returned unit with a bricked system.
Those who were able to stave off their temptation should not at all worry. You'll be getting Pokémon Sun and Moon on Friday. But before the games launch, here's a handy tip for picking starters and building the perfect Alolan team.
