Japanese Smash Pro Hurt Suspended For Using Nintendo Switch Mods

Hurt, a Japanese Super Smash Bros. professional player, has been suspended from April 1 to May 31, 2025, for using Nintendo Switch mods.

This was announced by ENTER FORCE.36, the organization he represents.  

Hurt is considered one of the best Snake mains. 

This is the most recent esports controversy since Jkaem's Counter-Strike 2 alleged skin scam. 

ENTER FORCE.36 Statement 

ENTER FORCE.36 released a statement on X regarding the suspension. 

It’s written in Japanese, but here’s a translation:

“We deeply apologize to the fans, stakeholders, and partner companies for the concern and inconvenience caused by the recent issue involving Hurt, a player of the Super Smash Bros. SPECIAL division of our professional e-sports team “ENTER FORCE.36.

On March 27, 2025, a third party posted a video on the social media platform X (formerly Twitter) that included footage Hurt had streamed on March 6, 2025, on YouTube.

The footage in question included gameplay from Hurt and displayed a screen that is not normally seen in the game, raising suspicions that unauthorized mods were used. Based on this, we decided to make this announcement.

After an internal investigation, it was confirmed that one of the two Nintendo Switch units owned by Hurt had been modified to use unofficial mods.

According to Hurt, the console was used only for private, non-public online matches with acquaintances. However, as it included scenes of unauthorized mod use and multiple matches, it was determined that the footage posted on March 6, 2025, contained several matches using a modified setup. Hurt did not intentionally distribute the footage with intent to deceive, but this action violated the Nintendo Network Terms of Service and also created unfairness toward other online players.

ENTER FORCE.36 considers this a serious violation and, taking into account Hurt’s remorse, has decided on the following disciplinary measures:

Hurt will be suspended from all activities from April 1, 2025, to May 31, 2025 (2 months).

The suspension includes the following:

• Banned from using the “Online Matches (Quickplay)” and any rating-based services such as “Smashmate” in Super Smash Bros.
• Prohibited from participating in any tournaments using the same game (including online and invite-only events)

Moving forward, the team will strengthen compliance education and ensure thorough ethics training for all players and staff. We remain committed to restoring trust and confidence among fans and the broader community.”

Hurt Releases Statement 

In the same X post, Hurt released a statement reading: 

“I sincerely apologize for the serious rules violation caused by my irresponsible behavior, and for the trouble caused to the Super Smash Bros. community, the fans who support me, tournament organizers, and my team.

Following the team's official announcement, I will refrain from participating in player activities for a certain period and reflect deeply on my actions.

I once again offer my deepest apologies for this incident.”

Hurt Will Miss Several Tournaments

As part of the suspension, Hurt will miss the following “Supermajors”:

• LVL UP EXPO 2025, Las Vegas, Nevada (US) on April 25th 2025.
• Kagaribi #13, Saitama (Japan) on May 4th, 2025.
• KOWLOON #16, Fukuoka (Japan) on May 11th, 2025.

Hurt recently won the Ultimate Championship at Genesis X2 in February 2025.