Nintendo Switch 2 Cracks Down: Hackers Already Banned from Online Features
It looks like Nintendo is stepping up its game with the new Switch 2. Hackers who thought they could pull off the same tricks as with the original Switch are finding themselves banned almost immediately. This time, Nintendo seems ready for them. If you’re curious about how the company is fighting back against piracy and hacks on the latest console, read on!
- Early reports: Hackers are getting banned on Switch 2.
- Nintendo is detecting modified consoles quickly.
- Some popular hacking tools from Switch 1 no longer work.
- Online features like eShop and multiplayer are locked after a ban.
- Community is cautious about experimenting with the new system.
Nintendo Switch 2: Hackers Already Facing Bans
The original Switch had a massive piracy issue, with hackers playing games weeks before release. Now, with the Switch 2 out since early June, the hacking scene is buzzing again. But this time, things are different. Users on social media and forums are sharing stories about their attempts to modify the new console, only to get hit with bans that cut them off from online features like the eShop or Mario Kart World multiplayer.
My Switch 2 test has been banned, after using the mig switch with perfectly legal dumps of my own cartridges, so it would seem that Nintendo can detect something
Similar reports on reddit are starting to come in.https://t.co/nbPMlRWSaPhttps://t.co/3eq6dkbFMi
I strongly… pic.twitter.com/btzjQYJzE4— SwitchTools (@SwitchTools) June 16, 2025
How Are Hackers Getting Caught?
It turns out Nintendo has added some new detection systems. One Reddit user admitted, “Must be some new detection Nintendo has on these. Pretty dumb of me to go online with it. That’s on me.” (source) They tried using a flash cartridge popular among hackers on the original Switch—basically, a special SD card that lets you load games. On Switch 2, though, these cartridges either don’t work at all or only get to the title screen before failing after an update.
Banned and No Way Back?
Another user said their entire console was banned after trying to use one of these cartridges. They even contacted Nintendo support, but were told nothing could be done. “I don’t pirate games, I back-up my legitimate games I own on cartridges,” the user explained. “Piracy is shit, I work in software development.” (source) So, even those just trying to back up their own games are out of luck if they get caught.
Community Reaction and What’s Next
Despite the bans, the hacking community isn’t giving up. Flash cart creators are reportedly working on updates to bypass Nintendo’s new protections. Meanwhile, Switch 2 hacking forums are full of debates about whether it’s safe to log in with old banned accounts. Most users, though, are hesitant to risk their brand-new $450 consoles.
If you’re thinking about tinkering with your Switch 2, you might want to wait and see how things develop. For now, it looks like Nintendo has the upper hand.
