Nintendo Initially Bans Switch 2 Owner for Playing Pre-Owned Switch 1 Games — Decision Overturned After ‘Proving Innocence’

So, here’s a tale for ya. Picture this: someone buys a shiny new Nintendo Switch 2 — gotta love that fresh-out-the-box smell, right? They grab a few used games off Facebook Marketplace — you know, trying to be thrifty or something. Anyway, they update these games, and BAM! The next day, they’re hit with that dreaded message: booted from Nintendo’s online services. Can’t even download stuff they’ve already paid for! Talk about a bummer.

This fella, dmanthey (not their real name, obviously), is smart enough to hop onto Nintendo Support. Lucky for them, it’s one of those rare instances where you get to talk to an actual person. Not like the void of robotic responses you get with some other companies. Looking at you, Microsoft and Sony! Nintendo spills the beans: the console got banned because of, wait for it, pirated games. Whoops!

Here’s the kicker though — they managed to clear their name! All it took was showing the Facebook listing and some cartridge pics. Easy-peasy. Apparently, having receipts and photos is gold. Oh, but quick sidenote — other users hint that this isn’t a foolproof get-out-of-jail-free card. You’re kinda rolling the dice here.

Nintendo, as expected, is like a hawk with this stuff. They’re pretty serious about protecting their turf. Bans get handed out like candy for folks using things like Mig Flash. Speaking of bans, even if your console doesn’t turn into an oversized paperweight, losing access to online features bites. No more online games or updates. That’s a hard pass.

Now, the shady part of buying used — yeah, sneaky sellers might clone a game onto another microSD. Bingo, one cartridge, multiple copies floating around. Nintendo catches wind of two using the same game ID? It’s ban city for the poor console. This tactic sure spooks people, making them think twice about pirated stuff.

Thankfully, Nintendo seems kinda cool with fixing bans if you prove you were duped. But what’s still hazy? Whether those used games are now ticking time bombs for bans. Imagine having a game you can’t play because you’re scared of getting hit with another restriction. Yikes.

So, moral of the tale? Maybe the savings aren’t worth the stress. Just remember folks, sometimes the convenience of buying new is about peace of mind. Or not. Who knows, really?