Technology

Nintendo Switch 2 Users Beware: Indefinite Bans Await Those Using Mig Cartridges!

2025-06-17

Author: Jessica Wong

Nintendo Takes a Stand Against Piracy

Attention, Nintendo Switch 2 enthusiasts! If you've managed to get your hands on a Mig cartridge, think twice before you dive into the world of pirated games. Recently, a number of owners found themselves facing the dreaded error code 2134-4508, which leads to permanent bans from all online services. And no, this isn’t about being a poor Mario Kart player; it’s a serious crackdown on piracy.

What Is a Mig Cartridge?

For those unfamiliar, the Mig is a microSD-equipped Nintendo Switch cartridge that allows users to load games—either by downloading copies or utilizing something called the Mig Dumper to transfer their own games. However, Nintendo doesn't differentiate between pirating games or using backup copies; both actions are deemed violations of their user agreement.

The Developers' Defense

Interestingly, the makers of the Mig cartridge have attempted to safeguard their reputation by positioning it as a legitimate tool for backup and development. Their product page asserts it’s meant for "personal game backups" only, cautioning users to stick to self-dumped backups with valid credentials to avoid invalidating their warranty during online play.

The Ban Process Explained

Though Nintendo isn’t immediately bricking consoles, the ban is still severe. YouTube creator Scattered Brain shared his disappointing experience of being banned after testing if he could bypass it. Although attempting to access the eShop or unlink accounts from the console was impossible, he managed to unlink Virtual Game Cards from Nintendo's account site. This hinted that the ban is tied to the hardware rather than the user account itself. Yet, a factory reset rendered his Switch 2 useless, preventing any sign-ins whatsoever!

A Long History of Aggressive Enforcement

Nintendo's aggressive stance on piracy is nothing new—they’ve been defending their intellectual property fiercely for years. With the Switch 2 being the fastest-selling console in history, it's clear they won’t back down. If you thought you could circumvent their rules, think again; Nintendo is committed to ensuring that gamers play fair and adhere to their regulations. So, if you're in the Mig camp, consider this your warning! It might be time to reevaluate your choices.