California Man Scams Libraries for $10K in Nintendo Switch Games

You thought your library’s biggest problem was overdue books? Think again. A California man is facing felony charges after allegedly scamming local libraries out of more than $10,000 worth of Nintendo Switch games. This bizarre scheme sounds like something out of a low-budget crime comedy — except it really happened, and it raises serious questions about how video game lending works at public institutions.

A “Late Fee” Would’ve Been the Least of His Worries

The suspect, 33-year-old Randall W. Harris of Garden Grove, didn’t just borrow a couple of extra copies of Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and forget to return them. This guy went all-in. He allegedly used multiple fake library cards — 14 of them, according to officials — under various names to check out stacks of Nintendo Switch games from 13 different libraries across Orange County. And no, he never brought a single one back.

How’d he do it? With a combo of lies, ID fraud, and exploiting a system that, frankly, wasn’t built to guard against someone gaming it this hard. Prosecutors say he used a series of phoney names (yes, plural), fake California ID cards, and even brought his own kids to legitimise the library visits. You can’t help but shake your head: a true IRL side-quest villain.

Is this the most Nintendo Switch heist of all time?

This whole messy saga isn’t just unusual — it’s hilariously Nintendo-specific. We’re not talking jewel theft or bank fraud. Nope. This was all about popular Switch titles like Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Super Smash Bros. Ultimate, and others that retail for around $60 each. Games that are hard to resist, especially if you don’t plan on paying for them. Over the span of a few months in 2023, Harris built up an inventory that would make any GameStop blush. The problem is, he wasn’t just building his personal collection. He was allegedly pawning off the games to secondhand retailers around Southern California.

Breaking Down the Scam: Libraries as Loot Crates?

This isn’t the first time library theft has made headlines, but video game theft from libraries is still a surprisingly under-the-radar hustle. Normally, books are the bait — not game cartridges. But Switch titles are highly portable, high-value, and rarely tracked with the same security as electronics in retail stores. Which makes them arguably easier targets.

Who knew public institutions inadvertently had such walk-in loot crates?

Of course, this flaw in the system is now painfully obvious. Libraries simply didn’t expect someone to roll up 14 different times posing as different people. Most card apps don’t even scan proper photo ID when issuing youth or temp cards in person — making it ripe for abuse.

Now Facing “Game Over”

Harris now faces 12 felony counts, including grand theft and burglary. If convicted, he could serve up to eight years in prison. That’s one heck of a game over screen. The Orange County District Attorney’s Office didn’t mince words here: “This was a deliberate and methodical exploitation of our public libraries,” said DA Todd Spitzer. And beyond the legal case, the story went viral in the gaming community, mostly for being absurdly… Nintendo-core. As one Reddit user put it, “Guy really went full Bowser on the library system.”

Gamers React: Criminal Mastermind or Just Dumb?

The online reaction? All over the place. Some folks can’t help but laugh at the absurdity of the crime—yes, it’s criminal, but also? Kind of impressive. Others are more cynical, criticising both the suspect’s actions and the apparent naivete of library systems that still lend out expensive software without enough safeguards. It also reignites the always-active conversation around Nintendo Switch game resale value. Since Switch titles hold their value unusually well compared to other consoles, there’s a mini-market for used copies. That fact alone probably made the library’s game collection even more enticing for someone planning to flip them quickly for cash.

So, Will Libraries Stop Lending Out Switch Games?

Good question. After this fiasco, at least some public libraries will likely reconsider how they handle game lending. Don’t be surprised if more verification is required, or if digital-only lending becomes the new norm — you can’t run out of the door with a digital copy of Zelda. But gamers also worry that stories like this could ruin a good thing.

Library video game lending is an awesome resource, especially for kids or families who can’t afford $70 AAA titles every month. Hopefully, this ends in smarter policies, not just outright bans. Meanwhile, Harris remains out on bail but will be back in court later this year. If nothing else, this story proves one thing: never underestimate a dedicated gamer… even if they’ve clearly taken things too far.

A representative for the Marin County Sheriff’s Office told Eurogamer— While the investigation into the theft of the Switch games is “still ongoing” and the “Investigations Division is still working to locate the stolen” items, at least a handful have been recovered.