Nintendo is once again taking a hardline stance against piracy, with reports confirming a permanent Switch 2 Mig cart ban for users of the popular flash cartridge. Owners of consoles that have used the device are beginning to see the dreaded error code 2134-4508, which signals a complete and irreversible block from all Nintendo online services. This move, while drastic, is a predictable step from a company historically committed to protecting its software ecosystem.
A Familiar Battle in a New Generation
This aggressive action should come as no surprise to long-time Nintendo fans. The company has a rich history of pursuing legal action against piracy and emulation, and this ban is simply the latest chapter in that ongoing battle. While the makers of the Mig cartridge market it as a “backup and development device,” Nintendo’s user agreement makes no distinction between playing pirated games and playing backups of games you own. In their view, any circumvention of their intended software delivery method is a violation, and they are now enforcing that policy with an iron fist for their fastest-selling console ever.
More Than Just an Online Ban
The consequences of the ban are severe and go beyond just losing access to the eShop and online play. The ban is tied directly to the console’s hardware, not the user’s account. This means while your purchased games are safe and can be moved to a new console, the banned Switch 2 is permanently crippled. As discovered by some users, attempting a factory reset on a banned console can essentially “brick” the device, preventing any Nintendo account from ever signing in again. This transforms an expensive piece of hardware into a paperweight, sending a powerful and costly message to anyone considering using a flash cart.
Read the original story on “The Verge”.