Purchasing pre-owned games for the Nintendo Switch 2 carries some risk.
Who would imagine something negative about acquiring second-hand games? You save cash while still enjoying the gaming experience you desire on your console. Sounds fine, right? Well, almost.
A user of the Nintendo Switch 2 discovered that outcomes can differ: after acquiring used games, his brand-new Switch 2 was banned. The cause: the games were deemed pirated versions. (via Tomshardware)
The issue with second-hand games
A Reddit user by the name of dmanthey purchased four used Switch 1 games on Facebook Marketplace for use on his Switch 2. After inserting them into the Switch 2 and running the necessary updates, he was in for an unpleasant surprise the very next day:
The console was banned. This meant no access to online services and no ability to download games he had already bought.
Switch 2 players – be cautious when buying used Switch 1 games. You risk getting banned if a malicious individual sold it. However, Nintendo support is excellent and will assist you in getting back online.
byu/dmanthey inSwitch
Nintendo had restricted the console because the games were recognized as pirated versions.
Upon discovering the ban the following day, the player reached out to Nintendo customer service directly. Luckily, the company reversed the ban, but dmanthey had to provide Facebook Marketplace listings and images of the physical games.
Only then was his Switch 2 reactivated.
According to dmanthey, the process was “smooth and swift.”
What causes this to occur?
The issue stems from the tactics employed by scammers:
How the scam operates:
- A seller duplicates a game onto a microSD Express card.
- The original cartridge is marketed as “used.”
- Both versions carry the same identification number.
- Nintendo identifies duplicate uses globally.
- The console gets automatically locked.
This approach allows Nintendo to safeguard its copyrights and dissuade potential pirates.
Was his luck just a fluke?
Ultimately, the question persists as to whether Nintendo would have been so helpful if there had not been an official listing on Facebook. After all, proving an official purchase isn’t always feasible, such as when buying items at a flea market or directly from a friend.
Advice for buyers: Only purchase from reputable sellers and avoid dubious offers.
Now it’s your turn: have you had a similar experience? How did you handle it? Share your story in the comments!
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