Former Nintendo Pirate Shares Candid Details on Arrest, Imprisonment, and the Struggle to Pay Fines
In a candid interview with The Guardian, Gary Bowser, notorious for his involvement in Nintendo piracy, provides a detailed account of his life before, during, and after his imprisonment. This marks the first time Bowser has spoken extensively about his experiences and the challenges he faces in meeting the substantial fines imposed by Nintendo.
Bowser’s entry into piracy traces back to the late 2000s when he collaborated with Team Xecuter on circumventing anti-piracy measures. Positioned as a “middleman” between programmers and testers, he played a pivotal role in bypassing code. Arrested in September 2020 in the Dominican Republic, Bowser recounts the dramatic moment when he was forcefully taken into custody by Interpol.
During his incarceration, Bowser faced the challenges of multiple transfers amid COVID lockdowns, with each move subject to strict protocols. Despite precautions, he contracted COVID and endured two weeks of severe illness. Charged with fraud and facing a civil suit from Nintendo, Bowser opted to plead guilty, emphasizing the case’s intention to set an example for others involved in internet piracy.
Post-release, Bowser grapples with the aftermath of his prison ordeal, compounded by health issues. Suffering from elephantiasis in his left leg, exacerbated during imprisonment, he undergoes physical therapy three times a week. Financially strained, Bowser must allocate 20-30% of his income, after covering essentials like rent, to repay a staggering $14.5 million owed to Nintendo.
Nintendo is notorious for its attitude toward copyrighted material, so Bowser’s case has a chance of discouraging Nintendo fans from pursuing any project related to the company’s works. Gary Bowser was released from prison in April 2023 for good behavior, finding himself estranged from his family and reliant on friends, who support him through a GoFundMe campaign. The interview sheds light on the human side of a high-profile piracy case, emphasizing the personal struggles and complex aftermath faced by individuals entangled in such legal battles.