Nintendo Switch bans: Difference between revisions
Used game bans |
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===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:Switch2UsernameBan.png|thumb|Archived screenshot of a user who got banned over their username]] | [[File:Switch2UsernameBan.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}}</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]]}}</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}}</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]]}}</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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The fact that this false flag occurred without [[Nintendo]] support understanding how it could have happened has brought concern from consumers, as consumers receive no warnings or prior notices to getting banned, and thus being unable to interact with mandatory online services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FritangaPlays |date=Jun 30, 2025 |title=Nintendo BRICKS Switch 2 User For Changing Their Username?!? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8JIftr7uAg |access-date=Jun 30, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Needs more sources}} | The fact that this false flag occurred without [[Nintendo]] support understanding how it could have happened has brought concern from consumers, as consumers receive no warnings or prior notices to getting banned, and thus being unable to interact with mandatory online services.<ref>{{Cite web |last=FritangaPlays |date=Jun 30, 2025 |title=Nintendo BRICKS Switch 2 User For Changing Their Username?!? |url=https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y8JIftr7uAg |access-date=Jun 30, 2025 |website=[[YouTube]]}}</ref>{{Citation needed|reason=Needs more sources}} | ||
==== Solla_ - Vague ban ==== | ====Solla_ - Vague ban==== | ||
[[File:NSSubredditDeletionNotice.png|thumb|A screenshot from a deleted post by the r/NintendoSwitch subreddit, displaying the average reaction from the subreddit staff]] | [[File:NSSubredditDeletionNotice.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/ |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. | ||
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''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 |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==== | ||
As it was discovered from some users on Reddit,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=u/dmanthey |date=Jul 8, 2025 |title=Switch 2 users - be careful buying used Switch 1 games. You can get banned if a bad actor dumped it. Having said that, Nintendo support is amazing and will help get you back up and running. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Switch/comments/1lut61s/switch_2_users_be_careful_buying_used_switch_1/?embed_host_url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-console-bricked-second-hand-game-mig-cartridge/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> the used market can risk users from receiving a ban for playing some used games. [[Nintendo]]'s fingerprinting system handled for [[Nintendo Switch|''Nintendo Switch'']] 1 cartridges can flag users with an automatic ban if it detects that the game has been dumped.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Lucas |first=James |date=Jul 9, 2025 |title=Switch 2 Player Warns People To "Be Careful Buying Used Switch 1 Games" After Nightmare Outcome |url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-console-bricked-second-hand-game-mig-cartridge/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gwilliam |first=Michael |date=Jul 10, 2025 |title=Nintendo bans Switch 2 users for playing used Switch game |url=https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/nintendo-bans-switch-2-users-for-playing-used-switch-game-3225210/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=Dexerto}}</ref> This has also been reported to be a risk for NS1 games that can be checked out at public libraries, since actors can simply dump these games.<ref name=":6" /> | As it was discovered from some users on Reddit,<ref name=":5">{{Cite web |last=u/dmanthey |date=Jul 8, 2025 |title=Switch 2 users - be careful buying used Switch 1 games. You can get banned if a bad actor dumped it. Having said that, Nintendo support is amazing and will help get you back up and running. |url=https://www.reddit.com/r/Switch/comments/1lut61s/switch_2_users_be_careful_buying_used_switch_1/?embed_host_url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-console-bricked-second-hand-game-mig-cartridge/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> the used market can risk users from receiving a ban for playing some used games. [[Nintendo]]'s fingerprinting system handled for [[Nintendo Switch|''Nintendo Switch'']] 1 cartridges can flag users with an automatic ban if it detects that the game has been dumped.<ref name=":6">{{Cite news |last=Lucas |first=James |date=Jul 9, 2025 |title=Switch 2 Player Warns People To "Be Careful Buying Used Switch 1 Games" After Nightmare Outcome |url=https://www.thegamer.com/nintendo-switch-2-console-bricked-second-hand-game-mig-cartridge/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=The Gamer}}</ref><ref>{{Cite news |last=Gwilliam |first=Michael |date=Jul 10, 2025 |title=Nintendo bans Switch 2 users for playing used Switch game |url=https://www.dexerto.com/gaming/nintendo-bans-switch-2-users-for-playing-used-switch-game-3225210/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=Dexerto}}</ref> This has also been reported to be a risk for NS1 games that can be checked out at public libraries, since actors can simply dump these games.<ref name=":6" /> | ||
Compared to previous bans, this dramatic measure is reported to be at least easily reversible,<ref name=":5" /> however this is a risk users will be forced to face due to [[Nintendo]]'s negligence with their antipiracy measures solely harming users who use the physical cartridge rather than the user with the dumped ROM, and will be frequently faced by users who opt to purchase physicals 2nd-hand, especially when they are out of print, like ''Super Mario 3D All Stars'', or barely available on sale.<ref>{{Cite news |last=GameCentral |date=Jul 9, 2025 |title=Switch 2 owner banned for playing second-hand Switch 1 games |url=https://metro.co.uk/2025/07/09/switch-2-owner-banned-playing-second-hand-switch-1-games-23620743/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=Metro GameCentral}}</ref> Additionally, due to [[Nintendo Switch]] 1 cartridges requiring an update to be installed to play on [[Nintendo Switch]] 2, only a singular cartridge that was dumped can cause any user to get banned.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gautam |first=Samir |date=Jul 11, 2025 |title=Nintendo Switch 2 Bans a Player Over Second-Hand Games! What It Means for the Rest of Us |url=https://techstory.in/nintendo-switch-2-bans-a-player-over-second-hand-games-what-it-means-for-the-rest-of-us/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=TechStory}}</ref> | Compared to previous bans, this dramatic measure is reported to be at least easily reversible,<ref name=":5" /> however this is a risk users will be forced to face due to [[Nintendo]]'s negligence with their antipiracy measures solely harming users who use the physical cartridge rather than the user with the dumped ROM, and will be frequently faced by users who opt to purchase physicals 2nd-hand, especially when they are out of print, like ''Super Mario 3D All Stars'', or barely available on sale.<ref>{{Cite news |last=GameCentral |date=Jul 9, 2025 |title=Switch 2 owner banned for playing second-hand Switch 1 games |url=https://metro.co.uk/2025/07/09/switch-2-owner-banned-playing-second-hand-switch-1-games-23620743/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=Metro GameCentral}}</ref> Additionally, due to [[Nintendo Switch]] 1 cartridges requiring an update to be installed to play on [[Nintendo Switch]] 2, only a singular cartridge that was dumped can cause any user to get banned.<ref>{{Cite news |last=Gautam |first=Samir |date=Jul 11, 2025 |title=Nintendo Switch 2 Bans a Player Over Second-Hand Games! What It Means for the Rest of Us |url=https://techstory.in/nintendo-switch-2-bans-a-player-over-second-hand-games-what-it-means-for-the-rest-of-us/ |access-date=Jul 10, 2025 |work=TechStory}}</ref> | ||
==== 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 [[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/ |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 [[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 |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. | |||
===Lawsuit: Procon-SP vs. Nintendo=== | ===Lawsuit: Procon-SP vs. Nintendo=== | ||
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==Consumer response== | ==Consumer response== | ||
Consumers are outraged at Nintendo for | 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]]}}</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}}</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}}</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}}</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/ |access-date=Jun 19, 2025 |website=[[Reddit]]}}</ref> | ||