Why is Nintendo targeting this YouTuber?

Nintendo issues DMCA strikes on YouTuber Crandall, threatening his channel over game content.

: Nintendo targeted YouTuber Russ Crandall of Retro Game Corps with DMCA takedown notices, risking the termination of his channel. Despite using genuine Nintendo game cartridges and taking a stance against piracy, Crandall received two copyright strikes from Nintendo. He is now considering making changes to his content and approach to avoid further strikes while contemplating legal action.

Russ Crandall, a former US Navy translator and bestselling cookbook author, faced a significant threat to his YouTube career as Nintendo issued two DMCA takedown notices against his channel, Retro Game Corps. The channel, which has over half a million subscribers, was targeted due to Crandall's videos that featured Nintendo games, even though he consistently advocated for purchasing genuine Nintendo products.

Crandall had transitioned into full-time content creation after a major health crisis, and his livelihood now hangs in the balance with the possibility of his channel being permanently removed after a third strike. Despite the apparent legal justification for Nintendo's actions, Crandall and many others in the community find it perplexing, as he has been careful with the content and has even advised his audience to purchase official games.

In response to the takedown notices, Crandall considered taking legal action and has removed Nintendo content from future videos. However, he expressed frustration that Nintendo’s action may affect years of creative work positively promoting their products. With one strike set to expire soon, Crandall is weighing his options, torn between the familiar joy of Nintendo games and the threat of further legal entanglements.