Just in case it interests anyone, it sounds similar to NandGame (http://nandgame.com/), which is an online game where the challenge is to progressively build a microprocessor, starting from simple logic gates.
In a similar vein, NandGame (http://nandgame.com/) is an online game where the challenge is to progressively build a microprocessor, starting from simple logic gates.
The devices aren't being disabled, they're just having their access to Nintendo's online services restricted. This practice isn't anything new, and has been around as long as internet-enabled consoles have.