Fun part: what mistakes gamers will turn the Nintendo Switch 2 "into a brick"

Izvestia tested the Nintendo Switch 2 console and found that it needs to be handled very carefully — users can be blacklisted and permanently lose access to their console's functions. Despite the weak screen performance and modification restrictions, the Switch 2 shows strong sales worldwide, over 3.5 million devices were sold in the first four days, and the console is represented in many stores in Russia. What to beware of for domestic gamers and how to avoid turning the console into a "brick" is in the Izvestia material.

What actions are prohibited on Switch 2

In a recent update, the copyright holder Nintendo reserved the right to turn the device into a brick at the slightest suspicion of unauthorized actions on the part of gamers. In other words, the company strictly prohibits any attempts to modify the firmware, program code, or use devices that the company considers unreliable and unauthorized. However, there is no publicly available list of such devices or actions.

Photo: M.Video-Eldorado

Izvestia found out that the first way to lose access to your Switch 2 is to install any unlicensed software, including programs written specifically to circumvent console restrictions. The second way is to use a MIG game backup device, also known as the Mig Switch, which is actively used by owners of the first generation Nintendo Switch. An attempt to use such a device is immediately followed by a system lockdown, in which the console itself detects pirated products and restricts access to a variety of services.

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What are the dangers of offers to unblock services that are inaccessible to domestic users?

The third method was attempts to modify the system firmware. Any hardware interference with the console is defined as unauthorized access and is penalized by blocking for attempting to install non—standard firmware - they are also called Custom Firmware. It is also extremely dangerous to buy consoles with your own hands and in a used condition.

By purchasing an already unpacked console, customers risk encountering damaged goods, the problems of which will only be revealed at home. In Russia, in the absence of official after-sales service, this can become a problem, despite the warranty provided by some marketplaces and retailers. Buying by hand can also lead to restrictions.

Photo: Global Look Press/Benedikt Wenck

In addition, Nintendo may punish gamers for actions that violate the license agreement and deceive the company — among them may be impersonating a resident of another country in order to gain access to GameChat functions or attempts to connect the Switch 2 to a personal computer and use additional accessories or devices that are not included in the compatible list. At the same time, basic functions such as reassigning keys through menus in applications are not considered forbidden actions, so players can easily rearrange keys or connect external USB devices, such as a computer mouse. Its support is officially provided by the manufacturer.

Who is suitable for Switch 2

Nintendo is renowned for its meticulousness in the corporate fight against piracy and hacking attempts, said Vasily Ovchinnikov, head of the Video Game Industry Development Organization (RVI). According to him, abandoning physical media and switching exclusively to digital copies is impossible, it is part of the collector's culture. And any restrictions on gamers — for example, for flash cartridges for storing backup copies of games - may lead to the departure of some of the audience. He believes that the company is too demanding of consumers and prohibits them from using important functions for them for security reasons.

Photo: Global Look Press/Benedikt Wenck

— The Nintendo Switch is traditionally loved by Russians. For exclusives that are not available on other platforms, for compactness and ease of use. Subjectively, this is the most convenient mobile gaming device I've ever played on. At the same time, Switch is no longer a monopolist in the mobile console market. There is a Steam Deck, Microsoft announced the release of the ROG Xbox Ally console in collaboration with Asus at the latest Xbox Showcase," he recalled.

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What limitations will buyers face in the work of the new product?

In the eight years since the release of the first Nintendo Switch, the company has sold more than 1 million physical cartridges. This is a powerful indicator of the engagement and interest of an audience that appreciates the library of exclusives and the recognizable style of Nintendo, said the head of the company's "Game Development and Gaming Community" M.Video-Eldorado by Sergey Mezin.

—According to data for 2024, sales of gaming products in the company increased by more than 40% compared to the previous year," he said.

Photo: Global Look Press/Benedikt Wenck

The company's press service also reported that they are registering great interest in the Nintendo Switch 2 and are confident that the new generation of consoles will be able to repeat, and possibly surpass, the success of its legendary predecessor. The five most popular console games in this retail chain include The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Super Mario Odyssey, Animal Crossing: New Horizons, Mario Kart 8 Deluxe and Minecraft.

The Yandex.Market marketplace has a similar top: it includes The Legend of Zelda: Tears of the Kingdom, The Legend of Zelda: Breath of the Wild, Big Brain Academy: Brain vs. Brain and Minecraft — Nintendo Switch Edition. According to the store's press service, the number of purchases of portable consoles such as the Nintendo Switch increased by 45% in May compared with April.

Gaming industry experts strongly recommend buying consoles only in official stores to avoid the numerous problems that the Switch 2 has on the secondary market.