Pet fish plays owner's Nintendo Switch, runs up credit card bill

In an unexpected turn of events, a betta fish took control of its owner's Nintendo Switch console and even used his credit card to make some unexpected purchases.

The event was captured on the Japanese-based YouTube channel Mutekimaru.

This channel showcases betta fish controlling actions on the Nintendo Switch using motion sensors that detect their movements over squares corresponding to different buttons on the controller.

The reason behind selecting betta fish remains undisclosed, but they are known for exhibiting intelligent behaviour, including the ability to experience depression.

During a recent Pokémon Violet gaming session, the owner stepped away from the screen, causing a glitch that returned the system to the home screen. However, the betta fish still had control of the Nintendo Switch and went on to change the owner's name, download a new avatar, set up a PayPal account, and read the terms and conditions on the Nintendo eShop.

The fish also added 500 yen ($4) to the Switch account and exposed the owner's credit card information to the audience.

This surprising incident was dubbed "the world's first video of a pet fish making a purchase with its owner's credit card" and has sparked discussions about betta fish intelligence and the security of the Nintendo Switch.

The YouTube channel features fish named Maurice, Moo, and Ponyo, who have beat multiple Pokémon games by swimming in their tank, and mourns the loss of a fourth fish, Lala, who passed away in September.

This incident proves that in some cases, fish are indeed smarter than humans, as they were able to read and comply with the terms and conditions while many of us don't. The event has gone viral and left the gaming community in awe.