Used Game Cartridges Could Trigger Bans on Nintendo Switch 2 Consoles: Someone Learned it the Hard Way
Consumers purchasing secondhand Nintendo Switch game cartridges may face unexpected account restrictions if the games were previously involved in piracy-related activities. A Reddit user recently shared their experience of being temporarily banned after using used game cartridges with the newly released Nintendo Switch 2 console.
Beware of Used Game Copies on the Nintendo Switch 2
According to the user, known as dmanthey on Reddit, the incident occurred after they inserted multiple pre-owned game cartridges purchased through Facebook Marketplace to download software updates. The following day, they discovered that their Nintendo account was restricted from accessing online services. Upon contacting Nintendo support and providing proof of legitimate purchase, the user was able to lift the ban without issue.
The case highlights a growing concern among Nintendo Switch 2 owners, especially with the system’s backward compatibility with original Switch titles. The underlying issue stems from Nintendo’s anti-piracy system, which embeds unique identification codes into every physical game cartridge. If a game’s code appears in use on multiple consoles simultaneously—a potential sign of piracy—Nintendo’s system may automatically issue bans.
In some cases, malicious sellers duplicate legitimate game data using devices such as the MIG Switch Flash Cart, allowing them to resell the original cartridges while retaining playable copies. This results in unsuspecting buyers being flagged for code duplication when their console goes online.
Although Nintendo’s anti-piracy measures are not new, the recent wave of Switch 2 adoptions has brought renewed attention to the system. The company also recently updated its user agreement to include the authority to disable consoles permanently if they are found running pirated software or unauthorized modifications.
Players looking to save on used games are advised to exercise caution when buying from unofficial or unverified sources. While Nintendo support may offer recourse in genuine cases, the potential for automatic bans remains a risk in the secondhand market.
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