Nintendo Switch bans: Difference between revisions
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===Banned consoles circulating the market=== | ===Banned consoles circulating the market=== | ||
Only days after initial reports of ''MIG Switch'' cartridges causing effective bricks due to [[Nintendo]], predictions<ref name=":1" /> surrounding the console circulating the market have become true. Not only has the standard 2nd-hand market for the console already put consumers at risk of accidentally purchasing these systems,<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Reilly |first=PJ |date=Jun 24, 2025 |title=Nintendo's Strict Policy On MiG Carts Is Creating A Problem For Secondhand Switch 2 Buyers |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendos-strict-policy-on-mig-carts-is-creating-a-problem-for-secondhand-switch-2-buyers |access-date=Jun 24, 2025 |work=Nintendo Life |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017215147/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendos-strict-policy-on-mig-carts-is-creating-a-problem-for-secondhand-switch-2-buyers |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref> but consoles being returned to retail stores such as [[Walmart]] are also at risk of being repackaged on shelves.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=John |date=Jun 23, 2025 |title=Beware: That Pre-Owned Switch 2 You're Thinking About Buying Might Already Be Bricked |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-switch-2-pre-owned-online-error-walmart-1851784892 |access-date=Jun 24, 2025 |work=Kotaku |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251225174727/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-switch-2-pre-owned-online-error-walmart-1851784892 |archive-date=25 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Bimmytung |date=June 18, 2025 |title=Found one. Didn't end well. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1lew6m5/found_one_didnt_end_well/ |access-date=Jun 24, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Retail returns in particular cannot reliably test for bans, as the console requires access to the internet to inform the user that the console is bricked. | Only days after initial reports of ''MIG Switch'' cartridges causing effective bricks due to [[Nintendo]], predictions<ref name=":1" /> surrounding the console circulating the market have become true. Not only has the standard 2nd-hand market for the console already put consumers at risk of accidentally purchasing these systems,<ref>{{Cite news |last=O'Reilly |first=PJ |date=Jun 24, 2025 |title=Nintendo's Strict Policy On MiG Carts Is Creating A Problem For Secondhand Switch 2 Buyers |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendos-strict-policy-on-mig-carts-is-creating-a-problem-for-secondhand-switch-2-buyers |access-date=Jun 24, 2025 |work=Nintendo Life |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251017215147/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendos-strict-policy-on-mig-carts-is-creating-a-problem-for-secondhand-switch-2-buyers |archive-date=17 Oct 2025}}</ref> but consoles being returned to retail stores such as [[Walmart]] are also at risk of being repackaged on shelves.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Walker |first=John |date=Jun 23, 2025 |title=Beware: That Pre-Owned Switch 2 You're Thinking About Buying Might Already Be Bricked |url=https://kotaku.com/nintendo-switch-2-pre-owned-online-error-walmart-1851784892 |access-date=Jun 24, 2025 |work=Kotaku |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251225174727/https://kotaku.com/nintendo-switch-2-pre-owned-online-error-walmart-1851784892 |archive-date=25 Dec 2025}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Bimmytung |date=June 18, 2025 |title=Found one. Didn't end well. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1lew6m5/found_one_didnt_end_well/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164144/https://old.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1lew6m5/found_one_didnt_end_well/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jun 24, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Retail returns in particular cannot reliably test for bans, as the console requires access to the internet to inform the user that the console is bricked. | ||
===Additional methods of bans<!-- Initially found out from a FritangaPlays video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8JIftr7uAg -->=== | ===Additional methods of bans<!-- Initially found out from a FritangaPlays video: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8JIftr7uAg -->=== | ||
====TwinkLink - Caused by username/unknown variables==== | ====TwinkLink - Caused by username/unknown variables==== | ||
[[File: | [[File:Switch 2 user name ban.png|thumb|Archived screenshot of a user who got banned over their username]] | ||
In June 2025, [[Nintendo Switch|Switch 2]] users reported receiving console bans<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=Jun 30, 2025 |title=Switch 2 PSA: Nintendo Might Ban You If You Put Twink In Your Username |url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ |access-date=Jun 30, 2025 |work=The Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251023211415/https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ |archive-date=23 Oct 2025}}</ref> due to usernames that go against [[Nintendo]]'s policies.<ref name="EULAMain" /> The user "''Twink Link''" caused her family's Switch 2 console to receive a swift ban from [[Nintendo]], which the username was reported from support to have been the reason why the console was flagged and thus banned by [[Nintendo]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=u/Funaoe24 |date=Jun 16, 2025 |title=Be careful with Switch 2 usernames. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1ld9rih/be_careful_with_switch_2_usernames/?embed_host_url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ |access-date=Jun 30, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251023211415/https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ Archived])</ref> They were told by [[Nintendo]] support initially that the ban couldn't be undone. In an update to the post from the same user however,<ref name=":2" /> a different agent informed them that the username was not the cause of the system ban, and some unknown element flagged the console to cause it to be banned, and the device is reported to soon be unbanned. | In June 2025, [[Nintendo Switch|Switch 2]] users reported receiving console bans<ref>{{Cite news |last=Bevan |first=Rhiannon |date=Jun 30, 2025 |title=Switch 2 PSA: Nintendo Might Ban You If You Put Twink In Your Username |url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ |access-date=Jun 30, 2025 |work=The Gamer |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251023211415/https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ |archive-date=23 Oct 2025}}</ref> due to usernames that go against [[Nintendo]]'s policies.<ref name="EULAMain" /> The user "''Twink Link''" caused her family's Switch 2 console to receive a swift ban from [[Nintendo]], which the username was reported from support to have been the reason why the console was flagged and thus banned by [[Nintendo]].<ref name=":2">{{Cite web |last=u/Funaoe24 |date=Jun 16, 2025 |title=Be careful with Switch 2 usernames. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1ld9rih/be_careful_with_switch_2_usernames/?embed_host_url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ |access-date=Jun 30, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}} ([http://web.archive.org/web/20251023211415/https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-perma-ban-username-twink-link/ Archived])</ref> They were told by [[Nintendo]] support initially that the ban couldn't be undone. In an update to the post from the same user however,<ref name=":2" /> a different agent informed them that the username was not the cause of the system ban, and some unknown element flagged the console to cause it to be banned, and the device is reported to soon be unbanned. | ||
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====Solla_ - Vague ban==== | ====Solla_ - Vague ban==== | ||
[[File: | [[File:Nintendo Switch subreddit deletion notice.png|thumb|A screenshot from a deleted post by the r/NintendoSwitch subreddit, displaying the average reaction from the subreddit staff]] | ||
Another user in Brazil had posted about their console additionally receiving a mysterious ban, however this time with zero explainable cause. The user in question, ''u/Solla_'', had previously attempted to post to the r/NintendoSwitch [[Reddit|Subreddit]], however the staff on the community has been noted to delete any posts relating to console bans indiscriminately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=Nintendo banned my Switch console with no clear reason given, trying to understand what went wrong |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1lsokq2/nintendo_banned_my_switch_console_with_no_clear/ |access-date=Jun 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=My Nintendo Switch 2 Was Banned Without a Clear Reason |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1lsl215/my_nintendo_switch_2_was_banned_without_a_clear/ |access-date=Jul 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Will need help finding other deleted posts as examples --> The same user instead posted to the r/NintendoSwitchHelp [[Reddit|subreddit]],<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=u/Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=Nintendo Banned My Console Without Explanation |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1lskq9u/nintendo_banned_my_console_without_explanation/ |access-date=Jul 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> with an image of their console displaying error code 2124-4508, and a generic reason that the user violating the [[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates|EULA agreement]], without pointing at the section the user violated. | Another user in Brazil had posted about their console additionally receiving a mysterious ban, however this time with zero explainable cause. The user in question, ''u/Solla_'', had previously attempted to post to the r/NintendoSwitch [[Reddit|Subreddit]], however the staff on the community has been noted to delete any posts relating to console bans indiscriminately.<ref>{{Cite web |last=Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=Nintendo banned my Switch console with no clear reason given, trying to understand what went wrong |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1lsokq2/nintendo_banned_my_switch_console_with_no_clear/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164223/https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1lsokq2/nintendo_banned_my_switch_console_with_no_clear/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jun 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><ref>{{Cite web |last=Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=My Nintendo Switch 2 Was Banned Without a Clear Reason |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1lsl215/my_nintendo_switch_2_was_banned_without_a_clear/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164327/https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch/comments/1lsl215/deleted_by_user/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jul 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><!-- Will need help finding other deleted posts as examples --> The same user instead posted to the r/NintendoSwitchHelp [[Reddit|subreddit]],<ref name=":4">{{Cite web |last=u/Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=Nintendo Banned My Console Without Explanation |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1lskq9u/nintendo_banned_my_console_without_explanation/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164441/https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1lskq9u/nintendo_banned_my_console_without_explanation/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jul 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> with an image of their console displaying error code 2124-4508, and a generic reason that the user violating the [[Nintendo's May 2025 Policy Updates|EULA agreement]], without pointing at the section the user violated. | ||
''u/Solla_'' explained inside the comments:<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=Comment from u/Solla_ |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1lskq9u/comment/n1jbgp5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |access-date=Jul 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><blockquote>I already tried calling Nintendo, but they won’t give me a clear answer. They just refer me to the EULA agreement and say that I violated it, which is why the ban is permanent. I’m now trying to get my friend to reach out to Nintendo and explain that the account I switched to is legitimate. We even share the Nintendo Family Pack, so hopefully that helps. Let’s see what happens.</blockquote>Additionally in the comments,<ref name=":4" /> users frequently attempted to claim ''u/Solla_'' was the one entirely in the wrong in this scenario, with enough toxicity to the point where the moderators had to lock the post. | ''u/Solla_'' explained inside the comments:<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Solla_ |date=Jul 5, 2025 |title=Comment from u/Solla_ |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1lskq9u/comment/n1jbgp5/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164524/https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitchHelp/comments/1lskq9u/nintendo_banned_my_console_without_explanation/n1jbgp5/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jul 7, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref><blockquote>I already tried calling Nintendo, but they won’t give me a clear answer. They just refer me to the EULA agreement and say that I violated it, which is why the ban is permanent. I’m now trying to get my friend to reach out to Nintendo and explain that the account I switched to is legitimate. We even share the Nintendo Family Pack, so hopefully that helps. Let’s see what happens.</blockquote>Additionally in the comments,<ref name=":4" /> users frequently attempted to claim ''u/Solla_'' was the one entirely in the wrong in this scenario, with enough toxicity to the point where the moderators had to lock the post. | ||
====Used game bans==== | ====Used game bans==== | ||
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====u/Character-Insect-775 - Key bans==== | ====u/Character-Insect-775 - Key bans==== | ||
[[Reddit]] user ''u/Character-Insect-775'' reported on July 20th on the [https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/ r/switch2] subreddit how their device got banned for applying game keys purchased on the platform | [[Reddit]] user ''u/Character-Insect-775'' reported on July 20th on the [https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/ r/switch2] subreddit how their device got banned for applying game keys purchased on the platform CD KEYS.<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Character-Insect-775 |date=Jul 20, 2025 |title=Okay so apparently buying a code from CD KEYS can restrict your switch 2 |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1m4tf7c/okay_so_apparently_buying_a_code_from_cd_keys_can/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164552/https://old.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1m4tf7c/okay_so_apparently_buying_a_code_from_cd_keys_can/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jul 22, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> Their device was banned by Nintendo roughly 1 week after the purchase of the device via a contract, and their support has halted the user from getting unbanned. Unlike some key resale vendors, CD KEYS purchases their games exclusively through legitimate vendors and Nintendo, meaning this is a risk for any consumer attempting to affordably play the [[Nintendo Switch|Nintendo Switch 2]] library. | ||
In the comments of the same post, user u/Homoseshual reported their device being banned for using keys purchased through the platform | In the comments of the same post, user u/Homoseshual reported their device being banned for using keys purchased through the platform G2A.<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/Homoseshual |date=Jul 22, 2025 |title=Comment on a Reddit post |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1m4tf7c/comment/n4j7j6l/?utm_source=share&utm_medium=web3x&utm_name=web3xcss&utm_term=1&utm_content=share_button |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164611/https://old.reddit.com/r/switch2/comments/1m4tf7c/okay_so_apparently_buying_a_code_from_cd_keys_can/n4j7j6l/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jul 22, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> | ||
In a unique stance, these bans being caused by resale vendor keys are not associated anywhere within the publicly accessible policies established by [[Switch Game Key-Card|Nintendo]] for the platform. | In a unique stance, these bans being caused by resale vendor keys are not associated anywhere within the publicly accessible policies established by [[Switch Game Key-Card|Nintendo]] for the platform. | ||
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Consumers are outraged at Nintendo for their repeated enforcement,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=FritangaPlays |date=Jun 18, 2025 |title=Switch 2 Brick Situation JUST GOT WORSE Nintendo Screws Over ANOTHER User |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tk8ycQKWqo |access-date=Jun 18, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=5Tk8ycQKWqo |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> and it has faced coverage from numerous outlets such as Ars Technica,<ref name=":0" /> Android Authority,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fernandez |first=Nick |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Nintendo is banning Switch 2 users for piracy, even if they're just backing up their games |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/switch-2-piracy-ban-mig-cart-3568200/ |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251225174735/https://www.androidauthority.com/switch-2-piracy-ban-mig-cart-3568200/ |archive-date=25 Dec 2025}}</ref> Nintendo Life,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=Jun 16, 2025 |title=Nintendo Reportedly Banning Switch 2's Using MIG Cartridges |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendo-reportedly-banning-switch-2s-using-mig-cartridges?s=09 |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=Nintendo Life |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004103627/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendo-reportedly-banning-switch-2s-using-mig-cartridges?s=09 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> and IGN.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Nintendo Launches Opening Salvo in War Against Switch 2 Game Pirates, as MIG Switch Users Report Online Service Bans |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-launches-opening-salvo-in-war-against-switch-2-game-pirates-as-mig-switch-users-report-online-service-bans |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=IGN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218034339/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-launches-opening-salvo-in-war-against-switch-2-game-pirates-as-mig-switch-users-report-online-service-bans |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> A key concern discussed from consumers are how these banned consoles could easily circulate around markets,<ref name=":1" /> either through 2nd-hand transactions, or stores accepting refunds for these devices. | Consumers are outraged at Nintendo for their repeated enforcement,<ref name=":1">{{Cite web |last=FritangaPlays |date=Jun 18, 2025 |title=Switch 2 Brick Situation JUST GOT WORSE Nintendo Screws Over ANOTHER User |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5Tk8ycQKWqo |access-date=Jun 18, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]] |archive-url=https://preservetube.com/watch?v=5Tk8ycQKWqo |archive-date=23 Feb 2026}}</ref> and it has faced coverage from numerous outlets such as Ars Technica,<ref name=":0" /> Android Authority,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Fernandez |first=Nick |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Nintendo is banning Switch 2 users for piracy, even if they're just backing up their games |url=https://www.androidauthority.com/switch-2-piracy-ban-mig-cart-3568200/ |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=Android Authority |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251225174735/https://www.androidauthority.com/switch-2-piracy-ban-mig-cart-3568200/ |archive-date=25 Dec 2025}}</ref> Nintendo Life,<ref>{{Cite news |last=Doolan |first=Liam |date=Jun 16, 2025 |title=Nintendo Reportedly Banning Switch 2's Using MIG Cartridges |url=https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendo-reportedly-banning-switch-2s-using-mig-cartridges?s=09 |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=Nintendo Life |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20251004103627/https://www.nintendolife.com/news/2025/06/nintendo-reportedly-banning-switch-2s-using-mig-cartridges?s=09 |archive-date=4 Oct 2025}}</ref> and IGN.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Phillips |first=Tom |date=Jun 17, 2025 |title=Nintendo Launches Opening Salvo in War Against Switch 2 Game Pirates, as MIG Switch Users Report Online Service Bans |url=https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-launches-opening-salvo-in-war-against-switch-2-game-pirates-as-mig-switch-users-report-online-service-bans |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |work=IGN |archive-url=http://web.archive.org/web/20260218034339/https://www.ign.com/articles/nintendo-launches-opening-salvo-in-war-against-switch-2-game-pirates-as-mig-switch-users-report-online-service-bans |archive-date=18 Feb 2026}}</ref> A key concern discussed from consumers are how these banned consoles could easily circulate around markets,<ref name=":1" /> either through 2nd-hand transactions, or stores accepting refunds for these devices. | ||
The core Nintendo community has instead shown general toxicity towards users who broke the agreements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/_SquareSphere |date=Jun 18, 2025 |title=You can’t do a system reset on a banned NS2 console. Nintendo has bricked a part of my console! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch2/comments/1lejns8/you_cant_do_a_system_reset_on_a_banned_ns2/ |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> | The core Nintendo community has instead shown general toxicity towards users who broke the agreements.<ref>{{Cite web |last=u/_SquareSphere |date=Jun 18, 2025 |title=You can’t do a system reset on a banned NS2 console. Nintendo has bricked a part of my console! |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch2/comments/1lejns8/you_cant_do_a_system_reset_on_a_banned_ns2/ |archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20260407164512/https://old.reddit.com/r/NintendoSwitch2/comments/1lejns8/deleted_by_user/ |archive-date=7 Apr 2026 |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> | ||
== Related articles == | ==Related articles== | ||
Incidents: | Incidents: | ||
* [[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]] | *[[Sony Playstation hardware bans from online services]] | ||
Game companies: | Game companies: | ||
* [[Sony]] | *[[Sony]] | ||
* [[Nintendo]] | *[[Nintendo]] | ||
* [[Microsoft]] | *[[Microsoft]] | ||
** [[Xbox]] | **[[Xbox]] | ||
==References== | ==References== | ||
{{reflist}} | {{reflist}} | ||
[[Category:Nintendo Switch]] | [[Category:Nintendo Switch]] | ||