Some Switch 2 owners are warning consumers against buying the console secondhand due to Nintendo's anti-piracy policy. Specifically, there's a non-zero chance that a used Switch 2 unit has been banned from online services, and confirming its status is not straightforward.
Switch 2 bans have now become widespread enough that some owners are actively warning consumers against buying the console used, at least without taking sufficient precautions. One such cautionary tale was recently shared by Reddit user Bimmytung, who purchased a Switch 2 labeled as an "open box return" from Walmart. Although the console appeared physically intact during in-store inspection, Bimmytung discovered it was a banned unit after bringing it home.
Upon going through the process of transferring their Switch data to the Switch 2, the user found themselves greeted with the dreaded 2124-4508 error code. "The use of online services on this console is currently restricted by Nintendo," the message reads. According to Nintendo’s support pages, this restriction typically results from violations of the Nintendo Account User Agreement or from "fraudulent or unauthorized transactions," among other infractions. The ban is tied to the console’s serial number and cannot be sidestepped, though it's reportedly possible to appeal it in some scenarios. Another error code, 2124-4007, may appear in similar cases, with the specific code seemingly depending on which online service the banned console attempts to access.
Recalling their predicament, Bimmytung explained that their Walmart accepted the return "without any fuss." However, other users may not be as lucky, making it important to verify that the system works as intended when buying secondhand. This is easier said than done, as the error on a banned console won't appear until after the Switch 2 setup is complete. Even without migrating data from a Switch 1, the process can take several minutes—longer than most prospective buyers typically spend testing a used device.
One potential workaround when meeting a private seller is to ask them not to factory-reset the console before inspection. This allows the buyer to test access to the eShop and other online services using the seller’s account, avoiding the need to set up their own on the fly. For the time being, the MIG Switch flash cartridge is the only modification that's known to trigger console bans. However, there are other ways to get banned, like changing one's Nintendo Account username to anything Nintendo deems offensive. In case of non-piracy-related violations, the ban can reportedly be appealed by contacting Nintendo's customer support.
Nintendo Switch 2
- Brand
- Nintendo
- Original Release Date
- June 5, 2025
- Original MSRP (USD)
- $449.99
- Operating System
- Proprietary
- Resolution
- 1080p (handheld) / 4K (docked)
- HDR Support
- Yes
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