Gamers looking to score a deal on a used Nintendo Switch 2 should be extra cautious. Reports are surfacing that consoles previously used with the controversial MIG flash cartridge are being permanently banned from online services—regardless of whether the device was used for piracy or legitimate backups.

The MIG cartridge, originally created for the first-generation Switch, enables users to run multiple games via a microSD card. While marketed as a backup and development tool, its use on the Switch 2 has triggered Nintendo’s aggressive anti-piracy safeguards. Users have been hit with error code 2124-4508, indicating a hardware-level ban. This means the console itself—not just the user account—is blacklisted from essential online features like the eShop, multiplayer, and system updates.

Even more concerning, some of these banned units are making their way back into circulation through returns and second-hand sales at retailers. Buyers may unknowingly purchase a fully functional console that is locked out of the online ecosystem, significantly reducing its value and usability.

Nintendo has a long history of cracking down on unauthorized hardware, and this move reinforces their commitment to maintaining control over their ecosystem. Until more clarity is available, the safest move is to steer clear of third-party cartridges and verify the online status of any used Switch 2 before buying.

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