Nintendo has implemented strict measures on the Switch 2 to combat piracy and protect its game ecosystem. These protections affect both flash cartridges and even legitimate used game cartridges—leading to potential bans on online services.



What Is the Nintendo Switch 2 Used Games “Ban”?

Nintendo has started banning Switch 2 consoles from online access in certain cases involving:

  1. Flash carts or game backups

  2. Used (pre-owned) physical game cartridges

  3. Secondhand consoles previously flagged

These bans disable access to online features (eShop, online multiplayer, game patches, cloud saves) and may be permanent, even if you didn’t do anything wrong.

Why Is Nintendo Doing This?

Nintendo’s primary goal is to fight piracy. The company has struggled with Switch 1 piracy, where flash carts and digital game dumps were widespread. So, with Switch 2, it has:

  • Introduced unique IDs on cartridges, making each one traceable

  • Started monitoring cartridge usage and serial numbers

  • Banned consoles where “cloned” or reused IDs are detected

The problem is that these protections don’t always distinguish between pirates and legitimate buyers—which brings us to the controversy.

What Triggers a Ban?

1. Flash Carts and Backups

  • Devices like the MIG Switch or other unauthorized cartridges allow players to load backup ROMs.

  • As soon as a flash cart is used online, Nintendo often instantly bans the console (error code 2124‑4508).

  • Ban is permanent. Factory resets or turning off Wi-Fi don’t help.

2. Used Game Cartridges

  • Every Switch game cartridge has a unique ID.

  • Nintendo can detect if:

    • The same ID is used on two consoles at once

    • A cartridge is flagged as a duplicate or clone

  • Result? Your Switch 2 may be banned even if you bought a legit used game.

Example:

  • You buy a secondhand copy of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom.

  • It was cloned or misused in the past, or the seller kept a backup.

  • You plug it into your Switch 2 → You get banned.

  • Even if you did nothing wrong.

3. Used/Secondhand Consoles

  • If someone previously used a flash cart or fake cartridge on the Switch 2 you just bought…

  • That console may already be flagged and banned.

  • Nintendo often says: “It’s tied to the hardware,” not the owner.

Flash Carts (e.g., MIG Switch)

  • Detected quickly and penalized: Devices like the MIG Switch—which allow backups or unauthorized games—trigger an almost immediate console ban (error code 2124‑4508), disabling online play, eShop access, GameChat, cloud saves, and updates
  • Nothing short of online lockout: Even turning off the console or factory resetting doesn’t restore online access .


Used Physical Game Cartridges

  • Cartridges have unique IDs: Each game cartridge has a serial-like ID that Nintendo tracks. If the same ID is seen on two consoles simultaneously—even during patch downloads—a ban may be triggered.
  • Unintentional bans: Many users have reported console bans after inserting pre-owned or used Switch 1 cartridges into a Switch 2—believed to be due to prior cloning or duplication.
  • Not always permanent: In some cases, bans are temporary. Owners can restore full access by contacting Nintendo Support and providing proof of legitimate purchase (e.g., receipts, marketplace listings)—though success rates vary.
  • Secondhand consoles also at risk: Consoles previously used with flash carts or flagged games may remain banned, even in new owner’s hands. Nintendo often holds that the console’s history, not the current owner, is at fault.

 What You Should Know

ScenarioRiskPossible Outcome
Using flash cart on Switch 2     Very high       Permanent online ban for console
Using pre-owned game cartridge     Moderate      Console ban until proof of legitimacy
Buying secondhand console      High     Might already be banned, often irreversible


Tips to Stay Safe

  • Avoid flash carts and mod hardware on Switch 2.
  • Be cautious buying used game cartridges—only purchase from trusted sellers and request original purchase proof.
  • Verify online access on pre-owned consoles before buying—test eShop or online functions while in-store or early return window.
  • Retain receipts or proof of used game purchases—if mistakenly banned, Nintendo Support may reinstate your console.
  • Understand the risk with secondhand consoles—Nintendo may refuse to lift bans if prior misuse can't be proven resolved.