A wave of Nintendo Switch 2 users have reported sudden bans from accessing the console's online services, with many pointing to their use of the MIG Switch cartridge as the likely cause.

The MIG Switch is a flash cartridge designed to store and play copied Nintendo Switch games – a practice Nintendo strongly opposes, even when users claim they're only creating backups of legally purchased games.

According to multiple reports, inserting a MIG Switch into a Switch 2 now appears to trigger immediate online bans. Affected users report losing access to online play, the eShop, and other Nintendo services. The growing community of impacted players is now urgently warning others about these consequences.

"My Switch 2 has been banned after using the MIG Switch with legally created backups of my own cartridges," one user reported on social media, sharing links to similar reports across online forums. "Multiple confirmations are appearing on Reddit. I strongly advise against using the MIG Switch – the risk appears much greater on Switch 2 systems."

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

Another Reddit user described their experience: "I tried my MIG Switch in my NS2 just once to play a legitimate backup. The cartridge only displayed the game title before failing to load. Later, I received a permanent ban despite switching back to genuine cartridges."

Banned consoles display the following error when attempting online functions: "Error Code: 2124-4508 The use of online services on this console is currently restricted by Nintendo."

YouTube channel Scattered Brain documented their banned Switch 2, demonstrating that the restriction applies at the hardware level – creating new Nintendo accounts doesn't lift the ban. Notably, affected consoles still function offline, suggesting Nintendo hasn't opted for complete deactivation ("bricking") at this stage.

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Nintendo updated its Nintendo Account Agreement in May 2025, clearly stating that using unauthorized hardware or software that alters normal operation could result in permanent service or device restrictions. While this policy was implemented before the Switch 2's launch, some users remain surprised by its enforcement.

One confused Reddit user posted: "My Nintendo Switch 2 has been console banned with no explanation!" When questioned about MIG Switch usage, they admitted: "I only tried it briefly out of curiosity."

IGN has reached out to Nintendo for comment on these banning incidents.