Nintendo has intensified its anti-piracy efforts with the Switch 2, including new terms in its EULA that permit the company to disable consoles if unauthorized software is detected. Many new Switch 2 owners report being blocked from online features after their devices detected the use of MiG carts, a popular piracy tool for previous Switch models.
Reddit user Bimmytung shared an experience of purchasing a pre-owned Switch 2 from Walmart, only to encounter Error Code 2124-4508 during setup, which prevents online access. Although the item was an open-box return that Walmart inspected, it was already disabled by Nintendo’s system. Returning the console was straightforward through Walmart, but this incident highlights the risks of buying used Switch 2 devices.
Buying from private sellers or online marketplaces like eBay presents greater risks, as it is difficult to verify if a console has been disabled due to piracy detection. This complication could undermine the resale market for the Switch 2, especially given the device’s current limited availability through official retailers.
MiG carts, which became popular on the original Switch as a piracy method, allow users to load a single game onto a writable cartridge. While Nintendo has cracked down on MiG sales, the new Switch 2 update supports backward compatibility with Switch 1 games played via MiG cards, triggering a block on online functionality if detected.
Nintendo’s blocking of online features is significant as many new games on the Switch 2 rely on downloads, updates, and online multiplayer. Although MiG carts may have legitimate homebrew applications, Nintendo’s strict enforcement could lead to legal challenges in the future.
For now, prospective buyers of secondhand Switch 2 consoles should exercise caution. Nintendo’s anti-piracy measures and the inability to verify the device’s status create uncertainty in the resale market, with little incentive for the company to address these issues promptly.