Nintendo Switch OLED model

Image via Nintendo

It's no secret that Nintendo's online infrastructure isn't every bit robust as Sony or Microsoft'southward offerings. Despite launching the Nintendo Switch in early 2022, a cancellation policy for digital preorders was just just introduced in September terminal year. The policy has garnered tons of criticism for only allowing cancellations up to vii days prior to release, only a recent court example translated by Nintendo Life has decided in the consumer'due south favor.

The Federation of German Consumer Organisations, besides known as the VZBZ, was able to convince a court ruling in their favor, overturning a prior ruling on Nintendo'south side. The VZBZ argued that Nintendo'south electric current policy was unfair considering users had no mode of testing the games themselves. Nintendo attempted to find a legal grey area because of the fact that digital pre-orders offer full pre-downloads of a game'south data, which would be considered as having access to the game, giving people ample opportunity to cancel.

Fortunately for users, the VZBZ was able to convince the courtroom of its unlawfulness because the download in question doesn't contain an actual playable feel on the user's end, therefore Nintendo wasn't fulfilling its obligation to the consumer. They technically ain the game but take zero access to it until the unlock date. This is especially important because Nintendo currently does non offer a refund policy for standard purchases, unlike its competitors.

The original courtroom case, which was ruled in Nintendo's favor, pertained to Norway and Germany. Every bit such, information technology'south not incredibly likely we'll see this change in other territories, but we will keep our eyes peeled for further developments.