Used Switch 2 Warning: It Could Already Be Bricked
▼ Summary
– Nintendo has updated its EULA to claim the right to brick consoles if it detects unauthorized use, such as piracy attempts.
– Some Switch 2 owners have reported being blocked from online functions after using MiG carts, leading to resale of bricked consoles.
– A buyer purchased a pre-owned Switch 2 from Walmart, only to discover it was bricked due to a piracy-related error code.
– MiG carts, used for piracy on the original Switch, can now exploit the Switch 2’s backward compatibility, prompting Nintendo’s detection and blocking measures.
– The inability to detect bricked consoles before purchase poses risks for the secondhand market, with no clear solution from Nintendo.
Thinking about buying a used Nintendo Switch 2? You might want to think twice. Reports are surfacing that some secondhand units are being sold in a partially disabled state after Nintendo remotely blocked their online functionality. The company has ramped up anti-piracy measures with its latest console, and unsuspecting buyers could end up with an expensive paperweight.
One Reddit user shared their frustrating experience after purchasing what appeared to be a perfectly good Mario Kart edition Switch 2 from Walmart. The console was sold as an open-box return at a discounted price, but upon setup, they encountered Error Code 2124-4508, a telltale sign that Nintendo had flagged the device for unauthorized activity. While Walmart accepted the return, the situation highlights a growing risk for anyone shopping in the secondhand market.
The issue stems from Nintendo’s aggressive stance against piracy tools like MiG cartridges, which allow users to load games onto writable cartridges. While these were popular with the original Switch, the company has implemented stricter detection on the Switch 2. When the system identifies suspicious activity, it disables online features entirely, blocking game downloads, multiplayer access, and even software updates.
What makes this particularly problematic is that there’s no easy way to check if a used console has been flagged before purchase. Unlike physical damage, this type of restriction only becomes apparent after attempting to connect online. For buyers on platforms like eBay or Facebook Marketplace, proving the console was already blocked could lead to messy disputes with sellers.
Nintendo’s approach raises concerns beyond piracy prevention. Some users rely on MiG carts for legitimate purposes, such as running homebrew software or indie games not available through official channels. The company’s blanket restrictions could inadvertently punish these players, potentially sparking legal challenges down the line.
For now, the safest bet is to buy directly from authorized retailers. With Switch 2 stock still limited, the temptation to turn to resellers is strong, but the risk of ending up with a crippled console might not be worth the savings. Nintendo has little incentive to fix the issue, as secondhand sales don’t contribute to their bottom line. Until clearer safeguards emerge, buyers should proceed with caution.
(Source: Kotaku)
