Will Nintendo punish you for pirating? Look at how they are banning consoles already in Brazil
Nintendo’s anti-piracy crackdown on Switch 2 consoles has triggered legal scrutiny in Brazil, raising global questions about digital rights and consumer protection.

Nintendo has long been known for its aggressive stance on piracy, but its latest enforcement methods are drawing serious backlash. According to Dexerto, the company is now facing potential legal action in Brazil after reports surfaced that Switch 2 consoles using pirated software or unauthorized accessories are being remotely banned from online services, effectively “bricking” them for digital use.
What’s happening?
- Nintendo’s user agreement for the Switch 2 allows the company to ban consoles from accessing online features—including the eShop and multiplayer, if piracy or unauthorized hardware (like MIG flash cartridges) is detected.
- These bans result in error code 2124-4508, and while the console may still function offline, it loses access to all digital services.
- Some affected consoles have even been sold second-hand, leaving unsuspecting buyers with non-functional systems.
Brazil’s response: “Abusive” and possibly illegal
The São Paulo-based consumer watchdog Procon-SP has formally challenged Nintendo’s policy, calling it a violation of Brazil’s consumer protection laws. Their argument:
- Companies cannot cancel services or subscriptions without providing a clear explanation
- Nintendo’s lack of legal presence in Brazil complicates accountability
- Innocent consumers are being caught in the crossfire when buying second-hand consoles
Procon-SP has given Nintendo 20 days to respond before escalating the matter further.
Is this really “bricking”?
Technically, no. The consoles aren’t rendered completely unusable, they can still play physical games and function offline. But for many players, especially those who rely on digital purchases and online play, the ban effectively cripples the system.
What this means for players
- If you use pirated software or unauthorized accessories, your Switch 2 could be banned from online services
- If you buy a second-hand Switch 2, you risk inheriting a banned console with no recourse
- Nintendo’s policy is legal in many regions, but Brazil’s challenge could set a precedent for consumer rights globally
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