Beware of fake deals! Some players tried to save money by buying a used Nintendo Switch 2, but ended up with an unusable console.
Due to stock shortages or to save money, some players tried to buy a used Nintendo Switch 2 instead of a new console through official channels. They were wrong. They received a bricked device that became completely unusable.
On Reddit, one of the victims shared their story. She explains that after shopping around, she couldn't find a new console. Finally, she had the opportunity to buy a Switch 2 returned by another consumer at a Walmart. The customer inspected the box with the seller and together they noticed that the download code for the Mario Kart World game, which was included with the device, was already scratched off. Everything else seemed in good condition, and he was offered a discount of $50 USD to compensate for the likely absence of the game, which he accepted.
The Used Bricked Switch 2 Scam
Back home, he set up the console, and to his surprise, the screen displayed error code 2124-4508. This indicated that the Switch 2 had been remotely locked by Nintendo, and that it was no longer possible to play or do anything with it. The manufacturer had indeed decided to brick Switch 2s in which a MIG cartridge was inserted. These allow you to pirate games, or use another save for a game that you have legally acquired. In both cases, Nintendo's terms of use are considered violated. When Big N detects a MIG cartridge, the console loses access to Nintendo's online services, and becomes no more useful than a common brick.
The story ends rather happily for the person who got scammed here, as Walmart agreed to refund their purchase. But if you were thinking of buying a used Switch 2 online, via a site like eBay or elsewhere, know that there's a good chance it's a scam. And if you're still hesitant to buy it, reading our Nintendo Switch 2 review could help you make your choice.
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