In the last few weeks, Pokemon Sword and Shield players learned of a new bug where they could disconnect from a match in order to manipulate their win-loss records in online tournaments and battles.

The Pokemon Company has become aware that a small number of players have been abusing this bug for their own benefit, and has warned these players that they will be permanently banned from online play if they continue their actions.

Read their full statement as translated by NintendoSoup:

“We truly thank you for supporting Pokemon Sword and Shield.

We are able to confirm that a number of players have been disconnecting from the Internet to manipulate their win/loss records for online battles and tournaments.

From now on, if we determine that players abuse this bug for their own gain in online battles and tournaments, we will not hesitate to temporarily ban or even permanently ban players from accessing online play in Pokemon Sword and Shield.”

What do you think? Let us know in the comments.