Why console makers can legally brick your game console
Ars TechnicaThursday, May 22, 2025 at 10:09:04 PM
Turns out, console manufacturers like Sony, Microsoft, and Nintendo have the legal right to remotely disable or "brick" your gaming console if they detect unauthorized modifications or violations of their terms. While this is meant to curb piracy and cheating, the article highlights concerns about overreach—like punishing minor infractions or leaving room for potential abuse. As one source puts it, if the power exists, someone’s bound to test its limits.
Editor’s Note: This isn’t just about hackers getting their modded PlayStations shut down—it’s about who really controls the hardware you paid for. If companies can flip the off switch anytime, it raises questions about ownership, fairness, and how far corporations should go to enforce rules. For gamers, it’s a reminder that even your console isn’t entirely yours.
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