Nintendo fined 35 million euros in France on Switch controllers: Nikkei

Nintendo has been fined €35 million in France due to a defect in the Joy-Con controllers for its Nintendo Switch console, according to reports from online gaming communities. The penalty, imposed by French authorities, relates to the company’s handling of a long-standing issue with the detachable controllers, which have been prone to drifting or unresponsive inputs. This defect has been a point of contention among consumers since the Switch’s launch in 2017. The fine reflects regulatory scrutiny over product quality and consumer rights in the European market. While Nintendo has offered repair and replacement programs for affected units, the substantial financial penalty underscores the growing expectations for corporate accountability in hardware reliability. The development may have implications for Nintendo’s financial performance, particularly in Europe, where the Switch remains a key revenue driver. Investors may monitor how the company addresses the issue and whether it impacts future sales or customer satisfaction. The fine also highlights the broader trend of increased regulatory enforcement in the technology and gaming sectors.