Switch 2 Piracy Crackdown Bricks Used Consoles, Fans Say

If you're purchasing a secondhand Switch 2, exercise caution: Nintendo has implemented a new anti‑piracy policy that can leave consoles permanently restricted from online access.

As recently reported, Nintendo appears to be blocking all online features on Switch 2 units that have used the MIG Switch flash card—a device for running unofficial game copies.

The restriction, which seems irreversible, triggers error code 2124‑4508 whenever online functions are accessed. Affected consoles cannot download or play digital titles or Game‑Key cartridges, receive system or game updates, engage in online multiplayer, use GameChat, or access any Nintendo Switch Online services, including the retro game libraries.

Most buyers expect to use those features, yet one user already shared an experience of buying a discounted pre‑owned Switch 2 that turned out to be banned.

On Reddit, user Bimmytung described purchasing a used Switch 2 from Walmart after inspecting the box in the store to confirm everything looked correct physically.

"Physically it's fine, everything seems there," Bimmytung wrote. "I noticed the Mario Kart code had been scratched off. That made me wonder if the original owner redeemed the code and then returned the system. They had discounted it by $50, so I decided to take a chance and at least get the hardware. I also bought a Pro Controller 2 while I was there.

"Once I got home and tried to finish setup, I immediately saw Error Code 2124‑4508. A quick search told me I was out of luck. Thankfully, my local Walmart accepted the return without issue—but still… I wish nothing but enthusiastic double gonorrhea to the lowlife scum that did this."

Found one. Didn't end well.
byu/Bimmytung inswitch2

As awareness grows about the risks of the MIG Switch card and more Switch 2 consoles get banned, it’s increasingly likely that affected units will appear on eBay and in other secondhand markets.

To avoid being caught in a future ban wave, fans suggest that anyone buying a used Switch 2 ask the seller for proof that the console can still go online, along with assurance that the previous owner never used a MIG Switch.

Back in May, prior to the Switch 2 launch, Nintendo updated its Nintendo Account Agreement to state that any use of "hardware or software that causes the Nintendo Account Services to operate in a way inconsistent with its documentation and intended use" could result in "the Nintendo Account Services and/or the applicable Nintendo device [being] permanently unusable in whole or in part."

Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery

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Even so, many Switch 2 owners were surprised by how quickly Nintendo began banning consoles that had inserted a MIG Switch, locking them out of online functions almost immediately after purchase.

IGN previously reached out to Nintendo for details about the bans but did not receive a reply. We have now asked the company what affected customers should do if they buy a blocked secondhand unit, whether Nintendo will acknowledge the situation and lift bans, and if it plans to issue guidance to retailers that handle used stock about this issue.