Switch 2: User Hit With Nintendo Ban After Buying Used Games

When a good deal becomes a nightmare...
Published 13 July, 2025

The looming threat of a ban on used games with the Switch 2 is sending Nintendo fans into a panic, sparking fears that their beloved collections could soon become worthless and that buying second-hand might turn into a risky gamble.

Recently, a wave of anxiety has swept over Switch 2 owners. Between rumors of bans and fears of compatibility issues, the community is worried that buying second-hand games might turn into a digital nightmare. It all started with a viral story from a player who was banned after trying to install updates on pre-owned games.

Switch 2 ban

Image credit: Nintendo

A warning that has fans on edge

It all began when a Nintendo Switch 2 user sounded the alarm on social media, urging everyone to avoid buying used games. This player found themselves banned from Nintendo Online after downloading updates for several Switch games bought on Facebook Marketplace. In no time, the news spread like wildfire, fueling fears among collectors already protective of their libraries.

Ban Switch 2

Fortunately, the situation isn’t as irreversible as it first seemed. The user explained on Reddit that they were banned but quickly reinstated after a simple process. All they had to do was:

The player even took a playful jab at Microsoft and Sony, praising Nintendo’s exceptional responsiveness when it comes to customer support. A reassuring anecdote that proves all hope is not lost.

The real reason behind this policy

Behind this apparent chaos lies a clear logic. Nintendo uses a sophisticated anti-piracy system that assigns a unique identifier to every game cartridge. This strategy aims to block illegal copies and protect players from scammers selling counterfeit games disguised as second-hand bargains.

Some unscrupulous sellers use a device called the MIG Flash to clone cartridges before reselling them. The result? A unique identifier might end up connected simultaneously on multiple consoles, instantly triggering Nintendo’s security systems.

With the Switch 2 and its backward compatibility, this issue is likely to become more widespread. Luckily, the solution is just a few clicks away and can spare many headaches. Fans can continue hunting for their favorite games without the fear of permanent bans hanging over them.

A summer full of promise for the Switch 2

While the used games controversy is making waves, Nintendo recently announced the titles coming this summer, adding to the launch lineup of the Switch 2. Between highly anticipated blockbusters and surprise reveals, there’s plenty for players to get excited about! Among the most awaited games are Metroid Prime 4, already dubbed by some as “the savior of space FPS,” and the mysterious Donkey Kong Odyssey, which promises to reinvent the beloved ape’s formula.

And that’s not all! Thanks to the backward compatibility of the Switch 2, all these new releases will sit nicely alongside your existing library, reassuring those still on the fence about upgrading to the next generation.

With all these announcements, Nintendo is sending a strong message: the company wants to win over both passionate collectors and newcomers alike. With technical innovations and a deep respect for gaming heritage, the Switch 2 is poised to deliver a 100% gaming summer full of fun and nostalgia.

Nintendo Direct 3.27.2025 – Nintendo Switch
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Editor-in-Chief
Alexandre Kor fell in love with video games playing the original Mario Bros on NES—and that passion never left. As Editor-in-Chief, he ensures the site’s editorial quality, offering all readers an enriching and enjoyable experience.

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