
Nintendo Switch 2 dramatically banned a user, reversed decision within hours
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Diverging Reports Breakdown
Nintendo Switch 2 dramatically banned a user, reversed decision within hours – Here’s why
A Nintendo Switch 2 user faced a dramatic ban from online services this week for playing second-hand Nintendo Switch 1 games. The incident, tied to the console’s new Nintendo Account system and digital rights management, sparked confusion on social media. The ban, enacted at 10:17 AM GMT, blocked access to online multiplayer and the eShop, with Nintendo citing a violation of its Terms of Service. By 3:42 PM GMT on the same day, Nintendo lifted the ban after the user contacted support.
Nintendo Switch 2 ban incident
Earlier this week, a UK-based Switch 2 user, identified on X as @GameRiserUK, reported being banned from online services like Nintendo Switch Online after playing second-hand Switch 1 games on their new console. The ban, enacted at 10:17 AM GMT, blocked access to online multiplayer and the eShop, with Nintendo citing a violation of its Terms of Service.
The issue stemmed from the Switch 2’s Nintendo Account system, which ties games to a user’s account and region. The second-hand Switch 1 games, purchased from a third-party retailer, were linked to a previous owner’s account from a different region (likely North America), triggering Nintendo’s anti-piracy measures.
The system flagged the games as “unauthorized” due to mismatched account data.
@GameRiserUK shared a screenshot of the ban notification on X, expressing frustration: “Just got my Switch 2 and I’m banned for playing my old Switch games? What’s going on, Nintendo?”
Nintendo’s Reversal
By 3:42 PM GMT on the same day, Nintendo lifted the ban after the user contacted support. The company issued an apology, stating the ban was an “error” due to a “miscommunication” in the Switch 2’s backward compatibility system, which supports physical and digital Switch 1 games.
Nintendo clarified that second-hand games are permitted if properly transferred or reset, advising users to verify account regions.
The Switch 2, launched in June 2025 with a $399 price, features an upgraded NVIDIA Tegra T239 chip and improved online infrastructure, but its strict digital rights management has drawn criticism. A Nintendo UK spokesperson told Metro.co.uk, “We’re refining our systems to ensure seamless backward compatibility.”