Despite its massive scale and reputation for tight-lipped operations, Nintendo has not been immune to one of the gaming industry’s recurring problems: information security breaches. Leaks have increasingly become a thorn in the side of developers and publishers alike, often spoiling surprises, building premature hype, and disrupting marketing plans. Now, Nintendo is taking serious legal steps following a major leak involving its flagship franchise: Pokémon.
Gamers who follow industry news may recall the significant data breach that occurred in 2024, which involved numerous files, including alleged source code from Pokémon Legends: Z-A. The leak raised eyebrows across the community and spread quickly across social media and gaming forums, sparking widespread speculation and discussion. In response, Nintendo has now decided to take decisive action.
As reported by Polygon, the company has filed a subpoena through the California court system, targeting Discord, in a bid to unmask the identity of the original leaker. The individual in question reportedly went by the username GameFreakOUT and shared the information through a server titled FreakLeak. While Nintendo attempted to suppress the spread of the leaked content through DMCA takedown actions, much of the data remains online.
According to the subpoena, Nintendo is demanding that Discord provide comprehensive personal information related to the user, including their real name, physical address, phone number, and email address. To support its legal request, Nintendo has reportedly submitted multiple screenshots showing GameFreakOUT directly distributing the leaked files in question.
This move signals Nintendo’s clear intent to take the matter to court, something the company has done successfully in past legal battles over leaks and intellectual property violations. Nintendo’s aggressive stance is a stark reminder of how seriously the gaming giant treats information breaches, especially when the matter involves its most valuable properties.
Whether Nintendo will succeed in its efforts to pursue the leaker legally remains to be seen. But one thing is sure: the company is prepared to go to great lengths to protect its secrets and maintain its control over the Pokémon franchise’s narrative.
