Recent reports suggesting that the Nintendo Switch 2 could be banned after playing a used physical game are now being called into question, as new evidence points toward a more likely explanation involving unauthorized hardware modifications.
The rumors began when a user on Twitter, Quinn Nelson, claimed that their Nintendo Switch 2 had been banned after they purchased a used copy of Bayonetta 3 from eBay. The ban reportedly came with the error code 2124-4508, which indicates that the console’s access to Nintendo’s online services had been restricted. Nelson warned followers to be cautious when purchasing pre-owned Nintendo Switch games, implying that the used cartridge may have been linked to piracy and that this led to their console ban.
However, further investigation into Nelson’s previous social media activity revealed important context missing from the initial claims. Nelson had previously acknowledged using a MIG Switch flashcard, an unauthorized device known to allow game dumps and often associated with piracy. The use of such devices has long been a known cause for console bans on both the original Nintendo Switch and the Switch 2.
Despite Nelson’s insistence that the MIG flashcard had never been used on their Nintendo Switch 2, skepticism quickly spread within the community. Centro LEAKS, a known source of Nintendo-related updates, publicly questioned the validity of Nelson’s claims, noting the user’s prior posts that praised the flashcard’s functionality.
As it stands, there is no documented evidence suggesting that merely playing a used physical game could result in a console ban on Nintendo Switch 2, or on any other console, for that matter. The incident instead highlights the risk of misinformation spreading quickly in the early stages of a new hardware lifecycle. Social media platforms, particularly Twitter and Reddit, have seen numerous discussions sparked by this case, often fueled by speculation rather than verified facts.
On Reddit, for example, one thread questioned whether players should avoid buying used games altogether due to the risk of console bans. Yet, this concern appears to be based more on fear, uncertainty, and doubt (FUD) than on any established precedent.
While Nintendo remains strict on enforcing bans for consoles found using unauthorized devices or pirated software, buying legitimate second-hand games from reputable sources has not been linked to such penalties. This situation serves as a reminder that early rumors should be approached with caution, especially when related to new gaming hardware.
