A recent Reddit post revealed that a Switch 2 owner was banned from online services after inserting preowned Switch 1 cartridges and downloading patches. The next day, the console’s access to the eShop and multiplayer features was restricted, with a message citing a policy violation. Upon contacting Nintendo, the user provided Facebook Marketplace listings and cartridge photos, and the ban was lifted within hours after Nintendo confirmed the games were authentic.
Leo, an Orlando visitor, summed up the frustration some feel:
“My computer works just fine. I don't have the time to be dealing with that ****, and it’s already expensive. You can’t do this and you can’t do that—you can’t even get used Switch 1 games without an issue now because they might get your system banned? **** that.”
He plans to wait for deep discounts before considering a Switch 2 purchase. No citations needed.
Nintendo’s anti-piracy measures assign unique codes to each game cartridge and flag duplicates online. If two copies of the same code go online simultaneously—often the result of cloned cartridges—Nintendo automatically restricts the console. While this protects against piracy, it also catches honest secondhand buyers in the crossfire, leading some to label the Switch 2 as overly sensitive.
Fortunately for affected users, Nintendo’s customer service process is straightforward. After verifying proof of purchase—such as screenshots of listings and cartridge serial numbers—support agents can restore online access quickly. Players report the experience as “fast” and “painless,” though it requires time and documentation that some gamers aren’t willing to trouble themselves with.
Long-Term Concerns: What Happens After Support Ends?
There are some Switch 2 owners actually worried about the future: if Nintendo’s unbanning window closes or support policies change, consoles could remain locked indefinitely. Without a reliable path to resolution, buying used games—or even trading cartridges—poses a long-term gamble for cautious consumers. This uncertainty is fueling hesitation among budget-conscious gamers.
The Switch 2 boasts exclusive titles, enhanced performance, and backward compatibility. Yet for gamers like Leo—and others who dread potential hassles—the handheld’s strict digital rights management outweighs its benefits. Those prioritizing peace of mind over new releases may find their current setups “good enough”.
See our other article:
https://sdgtent.sdgtstudio.com/2025/05/nintendo-switch-2-bricked-edition-yes.html
