Nintendo Warns Used Switch 2 Buyers: Anti-Piracy Measures Can Permanently Disable Consoles

Enthusiasts are alerting potential purchasers to watch out for Nintendo's updated anti-piracy protocols when acquiring a pre-owned Switch 2, or they might end up with a system forever barred from online capabilities.

Earlier this month, reports emerged suggesting Nintendo has started revoking all online features on Switch 2 devices that have employed the MIG Switch flash cart, a tool for running unauthorized game copies.

This apparently irreversible action results in the Switch 2 showing error code 2124-4508 whenever attempting online activities. Affected units cannot download or play digital titles or Game-Key cartridges, receive system or game patches, engage in multiplayer sessions, use GameChat, or access any Nintendo Switch Online services, such as the retro game libraries offered with subscriptions.

When acquiring a Switch 2, most users expect to enjoy these features. Regrettably, one individual has already shared an experience of buying a discounted used Switch 2 only to discover it was prohibited from online use.

On Reddit, user Bimmytung described purchasing a secondhand Switch 2 from Walmart, inspecting the packaging in the store to confirm its physical condition.

"It looks intact, with all components present," Bimmytung noted. "I saw the Mario Kart code had been redeemed. Curious if the first owner claimed it and returned the console. They reduced the price by $50, so I took the chance for the hardware alone. Picked up a Pro Controller 2 too.

"At home, during setup completion, I encountered Error Code 2124-4508 right away. A fast search revealed I'm out of luck. What a mess. Fortunately, Walmart handled the return smoothly, but still... I hope the dishonest person responsible faces serious consequences."

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

As awareness grows about the dangers of the MIG Switch cart and more Switch 2 systems face Nintendo bans, the chance increases that restricted devices will appear on eBay or in resale outlets.

Community members recommend that those considering a used Switch 2 request evidence of active online access and confirmation from the seller that no MIG Switch was ever used, to steer clear of future restrictions.

In May, prior to the Switch 2 release, Nintendo revised its Nintendo Account Agreement to state that employing "hardware or software causing the Nintendo Account Services to function outside their documented and intended purposes" could render "the Nintendo Account Services and/or the relevant Nintendo device permanently inoperable, fully or partially."

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware and Accessories Showcase

Nevertheless, news of Nintendo rapidly imposing bans on consoles that had accepted a MIG Switch surprised numerous Switch 2 owners, who saw their recent acquisitions lose online connectivity almost instantly.

IGN reached out to Nintendo then for clarification on the restrictions but got no reply. Today, IGN inquired about options for buyers of blocked used Switch 2 units, if Nintendo might recognize the issue and lift bans, and whether guidance would be provided to retailers dealing in pre-owned inventory about this concern.