How A Hacker Leaked The Nintendo Switch’s Early Design Before Its Launch

In 2016, a hacker named Ryan Hernandez leaked confidential Nintendo Switch documents, such as its early design and details on its user interface and the HD Rumble feature.

Thanks to a Wired report we now have the details of how Hernandez, who has been charged in court this year, pulled off this act.

According to an affidavit, Hernandez signed up on Nintendo Developer Portal, a website that third party developers access to develop games for Nintendo platforms. He signed a non-disclosure agreement (NDA) and was granted access to confidential materials detailing the inner workings behind the Nintendo 3DS and Wii U.

Hernandez then leaked these details on a Twitter account. As he was 17 back then, his parents agreed on his behalf that he would stop his acts.

However, Hernandez didn’t stop. He requested for technical assistance the following month and a Nintendo employee who came to assist clicked on a malicious link shared by him. That was how Hernandez gained access to that employee’s account.

After that, Hernandez uploaded malware on the website to gain control of more accounts, and later access to secured servers. That was how he was able to see confidential materials about the Nintendo Switch. He would later leak its early design and specifications on Twitter and Discord. When the FBI asked him to stop, he refused.

Ryan Hernandez has now pleaded guilty to “federal crimes related to his computer hacking scheme” and has been ordered to pay USD259,323 to Nintendo.

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