An Italian YouTuber is under investigation by the Guardia di Finanza for allegedly violating copyright laws, which has already culminated in the raid and subsequent seizure of over 30 gaming handhelds. These are suspected to have ROM files of old games that potentially violate Italian copyright law.
Hannes Brecher (translated by Jacob Fisher), Published 🇩🇪
Italian YouTube channel Once Were Nerd specializes in retro gaming and has also tested gaming handhelds such as the Miyoo Mini Plus. This could cost Once Were Nerd dearly, as the Guardia di Finanza (Italian financial police) are currently investigating a possible infringement of Italian copyright law. In April, six officers executed a search warrant and seized more than 30 gaming handhelds, mainly from Anbernic, Powkiddy and TrimUI.
The choice of these brands is no coincidence, as these gaming handhelds often come with numerous ROM files for unlicensed retro games. The police confiscated the YouTuber’s smartphone for over a month in order to copy all the data stored on it. The investigation is ongoing; depending on the outcome, the case will either be dropped or indicted, leading to a court hearing.
According to Once Were Nerd, he faces a fine of up to €15,000 (around $17,427) and a permanent ban from his YouTube channel, which currently has 222 videos and 48,200 subscribers. Once Were Nerd speculates that Nintendo alerted the police about the channel, but there is no evidence of this yet. This case could have far-reaching implications for retro handheld testing, especially if they are supplied with ROM files. However, most handhelds can also be purchased without games installed ex works in order to use only legal copies of your own game modules.
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Editor of the original article: Hannes Brecher – Senior Tech Writer – 18209 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2018
Since 2009 I have written for different publications with a focus on consumer electronics. I joined the Notebookcheck news team in 2018 and have combined my many years of experience with laptops and smartphones with my lifelong passion for technology to create informative content for our readers about new developments in this sphere. In addition, my design background as an art director at an ad agency has allowed me to have deeper insights into the peculiarities of this industry.
Translator: Jacob Fisher – Translator – 1926 articles published on Notebookcheck since 2022
Growing up in regional Australia, I first became acquainted with computers in my early teens after a broken leg from a football (soccer) match temporarily condemned me to a predominately indoor lifestyle. Soon afterwards I was building my own systems. Now I live in Germany, having moved here in 2014, where I study philosophy and anthropology. I am particularly fascinated by how computer technology has fundamentally and dramatically reshaped human culture, and how it continues to do so.
Hannes Brecher, 2025-07-16 (Update: 2025-07-16)
