Police Raid Shocks YouTuber Over Retro Gaming Handheld Reviews: What Happened Next?

An Italian YouTuber, Francesco Salicini, known as “Once Were Nerd,” recently faced a police raid for reviewing handheld gaming devices that came pre-loaded with retro games. Earlier this year, customs officers from the Guardia di Finanza showed up with a search warrant. They seized over 30 of his devices, along with his personal phone.

The situation escalated when Salicini was accused of violating Article 171-ter of Italian Copyright Law. This article pertains to copyright infringement and can lead to significant fines or even prison time. Currently, he is awaiting the outcome of the investigation to see if he will face any charges. It appears that the raid is tied to possible copyright issues with major companies like Nintendo and Sony, although it’s unclear if those companies prompted the enforcement action directly.

Salicini insists that his content has always aimed to provide fair reviews, highlighting both the pros and cons of each device. He expressed frustration, saying that as a precaution, the Guardia di Finanza is also trying to restrict access to his social media accounts. This could severely impact his ability to create content unrelated to the current investigation.

The crackdown on retro gaming and emulation is part of a broader trend. Recently, Nintendo has been tightening its policies against piracy. This includes revising its Account Agreement and taking action against websites that enable piracy. Users of modified consoles like the Switch 2 have faced bans from Nintendo’s online services, demonstrating the company’s serious stance on this issue.

Interestingly, a survey from the Entertainment Software Association reported that about 30% of gamers have engaged with retro games in some way, highlighting the continued interest in classic gaming. The rise of handheld devices tailored for retro gaming has spurred discussions about what constitutes fair use versus copyright infringement.

Salicini’s case serves as a reminder of the delicate balance between gaming nostalgia and the legal implications that can arise in the digital age. As technology and gaming evolve, creators like Salicini must navigate increasingly complex copyright laws that can have real-world consequences for their passion.



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