Nintendo Switch 2 bans triggered by MiG cartridges—even if you own the game

Nintendo Switch 2 bans are being triggered by MiG cartridges. Even backups of games you own could get your console locked out permanently. The post Nintendo Switch 2 bans triggered by MiG cartridges—even if you own the game appeared first on Phandroid.

Jun 18, 2025 - 11:20

Nintendo Switch 2 bans triggered by MiG cartridges—even if you own the game

Some Nintendo Switch 2 owners are already facing bans—and it’s not for piracy. The issue? Using the MiG Switch cartridge to load game backups, even if those games were legally purchased. Nintendo Switch 2 bans are happening fast, and the company isn’t making exceptions.

The MiG Switch is a flash cartridge from the original Switch era. It lets you run backups of games you own. However, it can also be used to download games you don’t own. It flew under the radar during the first Switch’s life. But with the Switch 2, that’s changed. According to Reddit and social media reports, even just inserting the cartridge while online can lead to an immediate ban.

What’s frustrating is that some users were using legitimate backups of games they had legally purchased. That doesn’t seem to matter. Nintendo isn’t checking intent—only activity. And now, MiG backups that once appeared “safe” (thanks to using unique game IDs) are no longer enough to keep you protected.

Even going offline won’t guarantee safety. The moment your console reconnects, it could be flagged. While most bans so far appear limited to the hardware, Nintendo’s updated policies suggest account bans could follow. Nintendo has been quite crystal clear about this. Modifying the console or using unauthorized accessories can result in permanent bans on both the device and the user account.

None of this should be surprising to long-time Nintendo fans. The company has a long track record of aggressively policing anything it considers unauthorized, even when it’s from its own community. Just a couple of years ago, it took down fan-made videos from YouTube despite their non-commercial and fan-made nature.

So if you’re planning to use a MiG Switch cartridge on your brand-new Switch 2, think twice.

The post Nintendo Switch 2 bans triggered by MiG cartridges—even if you own the game appeared first on Phandroid.