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Gamers are cautioning others to be vigilant about Nintendo's updated anti-piracy measures when purchasing a pre-owned Switch 2—otherwise, they might end up with a console permanently locked out of online services.
As previously reported this month, Nintendo enthusiasts believe the company has started restricting all online features on Switch 2 consoles that have utilized the MIG Switch flash cart—a device employed to run unauthorized game copies.
This seemingly irreversible measure causes affected Switch 2 units to display error code 2124-4508 whenever online functions are accessed. Compromised consoles cannot download or play digital titles or Game-Key cartridges, receive system or game updates, engage in online multiplayer, use GameChat for communication, or access any Nintendo Switch Online features, including the subscription's classic game libraries.
When buying a Switch 2, you probably expect to use these features. Unfortunately, one individual has already shared the first known case of purchasing a discounted pre-owned Switch 2 only to discover it had been banned.
In a Reddit post, user Bimmytung described buying a used Switch 2 from Walmart and inspecting the packaging in-store to verify its physical condition.
"Physically, it's in good shape, and all components appear to be present," Bimmytung explained. "I noticed the Mario Kart download code had been scratched off, which made me wonder if the original owner had redeemed it before returning the system. Since it was $50 off, I decided to take a chance, thinking I’d at least have the hardware. I also picked up a Pro Controller 2 while I was there.
"When I got home and tried to complete the setup, I immediately encountered Error Code 2124-4508. A quick search revealed I was out of luck. Thankfully, my local Walmart accepted the return without issue, but still... I have nothing but strong disapproval for the person who pulled this off."
Found one. Didn't end well.
byu/Bimmytung inswitch2
As awareness grows regarding the risks associated with the MIG Switch cart and more Switch 2 consoles face bans from Nintendo, it becomes increasingly probable that additional affected devices will appear on eBay or in secondhand retailers.
Players recommend that anyone considering a used Switch 2 should request confirmation that the console can still access online services and obtain assurance that the prior owner never used a MIG Switch, to avoid being caught in a subsequent ban wave.
Earlier in May, prior to the Switch 2's release, Nintendo revised its Nintendo Account Agreement to state that any effort to utilize "hardware or software that causes the Nintendo Account Services to function in a manner inconsistent with its documentation or intended purpose" could result in "the Nintendo Account Services and/or the relevant Nintendo device becoming permanently partially or entirely unusable."
Nintendo Switch 2 System and Accessories Gallery
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Nevertheless, news that Nintendo was quickly imposing bans on users who had inserted a MIG Switch into their consoles surprised many Switch 2 owners, who saw their newly acquired systems lose online access almost instantly.
IGN previously reached out to Nintendo for additional information about the bans but received no reply. IGN has again contacted the company to inquire about steps affected customers should take if they buy a banned pre-owned Switch 2, whether Nintendo would acknowledge the situation and lift the bans, and if the console manufacturer plans to advise retailers that handle used inventory about this issue.
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