Imagine unboxing your brand-new Nintendo Switch 2, excited to play, only to wake up the next morning to a harsh message: Your console has been banned from all online services. That’s exactly what happened to one unlucky gamer all because of used games.
The user, who shared their experience on Reddit (username: dmanthey), bought four pre-owned Switch 1 cartridges from Facebook Marketplace. Everything seemed fine at first the games worked, updates installed, and the console was running smoothly. But by the next day, things took a sharp turn. A system message popped up stating they were blocked from Nintendo’s online services, and even the games they had already downloaded were inaccessible.
At first glance, it looked like a case of piracy. But here’s the twist: the buyer was innocent.
How Did This Happen?
Nintendo’s system detected the cartridges as pirated copies, likely because the original seller had made illegal duplicates before selling the originals. When two consoles run a game with the same unique ID, Nintendo’s security systems are alerted. As a result, the system automatically flags and bans the new console regardless of the buyer’s intentions.
Proving Innocence (And Fast!)
Thankfully, the story has a happy ending. The user reached out to Nintendo Support, showed proof of their Facebook purchase, including images of the cartridges and the seller’s listing, and got the ban lifted within hours. They even praised Nintendo for the smooth and human support experience calling it easier than dealing with Microsoft or Sony.
Still, not everyone may be so lucky. Others on Reddit warned that resolution isn’t always guaranteed, especially if you can’t prove your purchase history.
A Word of Caution for Buyers
- Buying second-hand physical games comes with real risks, especially from unverified sellers.
- Some sellers illegally duplicate game data onto SD cards and then sell the original cartridge.
- When Nintendo detects the same game ID on multiple consoles, it may automatically ban the device.
- Nintendo’s system bans first and investigates later, which can impact innocent buyers.
To stay safe:
- Buy only from trusted or official sources.
- Consider going digital or buying brand-new cartridges.
- Keep proof of purchase in case you need to appeal a ban.
