Numerous Nintendo Switch 2 owners have reported unexpected bans from the console's online services, with many suspecting their use of the MIG Switch cartridge triggered the restriction.
The MIG Switch is a flash cartridge designed to store and play copied Nintendo Switch games—a practice Nintendo strongly opposes, despite users claiming they primarily create backups of legally purchased titles.
Regardless of intent, inserting a MIG Switch into a Switch 2 appears to yield consistent results. Affected users report receiving online bans that block access to multiplayer features, the eShop, and other Nintendo services, prompting urgent warnings across gaming communities.
"My Switch 2 received a ban after using legally dumped copies of my owned games via MIG Switch—proof Nintendo's detection systems work," shared one user on social media alongside multiple similar reports.
"Reddit threads confirm increasing cases. Strongly advise avoiding MIG Switch—already risky on original hardware, now clearly dangerous for Switch 2."
My Switch 2 test has been banned, after using the mig switch with perfectly legal dumps of my own cartridges, so it would seem that Nintendo can detect something
— SwitchTools (@SwitchTools) June 16, 2025
Similar reports on reddit are starting to come in.https://t.co/nbPMlRWSaPhttps://t.co/3eq6dkbFMi
I strongly… pic.twitter.com/btzjQYJzE4
A Reddit user claimed their single attempt to play a legitimate backup via MIG Switch resulted in permanent online restrictions.
"Tried MIG Switch once—showed game title but failed to load," they explained. "Attempted title update download might have flagged my console. Been using official cartridges since, but the ban persists."
Banned consoles display error code 2124-4508 when accessing online features: "Nintendo has restricted this console's online functionality."
YouTube channel Scattered Brain demonstrated their banned Switch 2 remains functional offline but retains restrictions regardless of Nintendo Account used—indicating hardware-level enforcement.
Currently, Nintendo appears to maintain online restrictions rather than fully disabling banned consoles.
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Nintendo's updated Account Agreement prior to Switch 2's launch explicitly warned against using unauthorized hardware/software that alters service functionality, reserving the right to permanently restrict affected devices.
While unsurprising given Nintendo's policies, the swift enforcement has startled some users.
"My Switch 2 got banned inexplicably!" complained one Redditor who later admitted to briefly testing MIG Switch out of curiosity.
IGN has reached out to Nintendo for comment.
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