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Have you recently heard about someone’s Nintendo device being banned? Maybe you heard about someone’s account being banned and were a little bit confused. The question everyone wants to know is:
Does Nintendo ban accounts or consoles?
Although Nintendo does ban accounts for smaller infractions such as obscene language and not paying subscription fees, they will also ban gamers’ consoles (like the Switch) who are cheating, modifying their games or devices, or using pirated or home-brewed software.
Essentially if you have a minor violation such as using language on voice chat or messages that you shouldn’t you will get an account suspension from Nintendo support or for multiple offenses an account ban. However, if you use Switch homebrew to modify your console you will find yourself with an entire Switch console ban.
In the event of a Switch console ban, you will no longer be able to go online with your Nintendo Switch which means you can’t use the Nintendo eShop, play online multiplayer on Nintendo’s servers, or even update your banned Switch in some cases.
So having a Switch or other Nintendo console that has been banned is certainly not something that you will want to have happen. If you want to know more about Nintendo banning accounts and devices, you will want to keep reading.
You can also check out this video to learn more.
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Why Does Nintendo Ban Consoles?
It is a widely known fact that Nintendo has taken to issuing bans to many users in the Nintendo Switch world. Nintendo takes its terms of use very seriously, and to make Nintendo a positive platform for aspiring gamers all over the world, they need to get rid of piracy, unauthorized activities and hacking as well.
To do this, Nintendo has decided to start banning consoles instead of just accounts. The Nintendo Switch support is known for banning the actual devices rather than just user accounts. They do this simply because user accounts are easier to create than purchasing a whole new console.
Doing this makes hackers and other rule breakers buy brand new consoles every time, which gets expensive fast.
Banning the device takes care of hackers because most of the time they are cheap and don’t want to pay for games so they won’t want to pay for a brand-new console either. Nintendo has also heavily emphasized that a ban once imposed will not be lifted.
This means that users have to be careful while operating their Nintendo console not to break any of the rules.
The most common reasons for getting an entire console ban are by using pirated downloaded games on your Switch or modifying the software on your console. When you go online with a Switch game Nintendo verifies that it is an authentic copy of the game. If it is not then that is a violation of their code of conduct and you will find yourself with a banned console.
So when you purchase or download Nintendo Switch games always make sure to get them from a reliable source. If someone on some forums offers to sell you their Switch games or Switch account with games included for cheap it is likely a scam and could end up getting your console banned.
What Is A Nintendo Super Ban?
Despite temporary bans (also known as suspensions), the Switch hacking scene has been anything but inactive since the launch of the console. Nintendo is now issuing a super ban when they ban a console. This super ban will deny hacked systems from being able to be used in the eShop or to play online.
Not only does the super ban do that, but it also strips a Switch console completely from its right to the CDN (Content Distribution Network). This means that a system will lose all access to re-download games and updates offline or online.
This takes the prevention of hackers to a whole new level. This is by far the strictest we have seen a gaming company be with their consoles ever.
However, it is not just hackers that have been caught in this web. In fact, a lot of culprits include many small modders who use modified Nintendo Switch systems to attain an advantage while playing against others. The ban is also extended to Switch users who have pirated the software or use homebrew software on the console.
How Does Nintendo Know What I Am Doing On My Personal Console?
Nintendo has a mechanism in its system through which it can identify pirated software, unauthorized hardware, and much more. The Switch’s online site can also immediately detect any fraudulent behavior. It can check whether or not your game card is Nintendo-authorized and impose a permanent ban on the users if it is not.
An authorized game usually has a unique certification that only Nintendo servers can recognize. This ban restricts gamers from accessing the eShop, online gaming, gameplay features, adding or chatting with friends, social media posting, etc.
However, Switch owners have pointed out that recently they are receiving error codes like 2124-40007 while trying to use online services. This error code means that the owner or the console cannot use any online services because of a restriction placed by Nintendo. This is probably because the specific console has had a game installed through a pirated server.
Even if you only use the Switch homebrew software to download custom themes and aren’t actually doing anything illegal it is still against Nintendo’s terms and will result in an immediate ban. Using homebrew software is a bannable action whether you are using it for piracy of any sort or not.
How To Check If A Nintendo Switch Has Been banned?
If you often play games offline, you might not immediately find out about your Switch being banned. However, if you pay a visit to the Eshop and get an error code when your eShop fails to load, this would mean that you’ve been banned from using the Nintendo Switch Online
Reasons For Banning A Switch
The Nintendo Switch is well-liked all around the world. This is why it is to no one’s surprise that many of the users try to hack their Switch to unlock free games or to try and cheat to improve their gameplay score. This process is often called modding, and modders are often the main victims of Nintendo’s bans.
While this sounds like a disastrous outcome, you can still play and use your Switch using emulators, although this toughens the task quite a bit.
An easier solution to a banned Switch is always to simply exchange your Switch for a new one. You can sell your banned Switch and easily find many takers, and use the money to get yourself a new one. You will, of course, want to tell the person to who you sell the Switch that it can’t be used online or access the eShop but many people only use a Switch locally so that isn’t a big deal for a lot of people.
Since your Nintendo account is typically still intact, you will be able to access all your previous data on the new Switch as well.
You can now log in to the eShop and use the online multiplayer again! Remember to select your new console as your primary console to enjoy all features.
Activities That Can Get Your Switch Console Banned
You need to remember that if your Switch gets banned, it is definitely not because you’ve been using it normally. Nintendo only takes action when there’s serious activity to be taken care of. Nintendo takes pride in its security system and it has strict rules and regulations and you must follow them carefully if you want to avoid getting banned.
You may think certain things are exceptions or are okay to do when in reality they could cost you a whole new Nintendo Switch. Below are a few things that can get you banned. If your device does get banned, here is the best place to buy a new or used one that is guaranteed to be in working order.
Can CFW (Custom Firmware) Get Your Switch Banned?
Custom Firmware, also known as CFW, or homebrew launchers have a great possibility to get you banned from Nintendo. While disabling the option of error reporting could help, you’re still at risk of getting caught. If you are using a CFW you should delete any error log that you receive immediately.
As long as your console does not go online before the error log’s creation and after the record is deleted, Nintendo will not get a record of your activities, and you will remain safe. After this, you should stop using CFWs as they are not safe and will probably get you banned.
Can Pirating A Game Get A Switch Banned?
Pirating is a common occurrence in the world of gaming, unfortunately. In fact, people do it so often with music, movies, and games that you’re probably used to it. If you think pirating anything from a friend or online on Switch is okay, Nintendo begs to differ.
Through pirating, lots of people get banned without even knowing that it’s illegal. Avoid falling for this trap. Whenever you download games, remember that Nintendo-sponsored games have their own unique identity that Nintendo can recognize.
So if it detects that your games are coming from unauthorized software, it is the endgame for you.
Do Nintendo Accounts Charge You?
Nintendo Accounts do not charge you for creating or using an account. The account is free to create and allows access to various online services and features offered by Nintendo.
However, some services or features within a Nintendo Account may require a subscription or additional payment. For example, Nintendo Switch Online is a paid subscription service that offers access to online multiplayer gaming, a library of classic games, and cloud saves. Additionally, some games or in-game items may require additional payment for access or purchase.
It is important to note that Nintendo Accounts are separate from the Nintendo eShop, where digital games and content can be purchased. While the account itself is free, purchases made within the eShop will be charged to the linked payment method.
Why Did Nintendo Ban My Account?
One of the most common reasons why Nintendo may ban an account is due to violations of their terms of service.
These terms of service outline the rules and regulations that all players must follow when playing on Nintendo’s online platforms. Some of the most common violations that can result in a ban include cheating, hacking, and using unauthorized third-party software. These activities can disrupt the online gaming experience for other players and give an unfair advantage to the person engaging in them.
Nintendo may also ban an account if it is found to be linked to fraudulent activity. This could include using stolen credit card information to make purchases on the platform or engaging in other illegal activities.
How Does A Switch Account Get Banned?
A Switch account can get banned for a variety of reasons. Some of the most common reasons include:
1. Cheating or hacking: This includes using hacks or cheats to gain an unfair advantage over other players, such as invincibility or unlimited health.
2. Violating the terms of service: This includes breaking the rules of the game, such as engaging in disruptive behavior or using offensive language.
3. Misuse of the eShop: This includes using the eShop with a fraudulent credit card, filing chargebacks for your purchases and subscriptions, etc.
4. Piracy: Downloading or sharing illegal copies of games is strictly prohibited and can result in a ban.
Once a Switch account has been banned, the user will no longer be able to access any of the features or services associated with the account. This includes Nintendo’s eShop, online multiplayer, and cloud saves.
In some cases, a banned account can be appealed and reinstated. However, this is not always possible, and it is up to Nintendo to decide whether to lift the ban or not.
Conclusion
Now that you know that Nintendo bans devices as well as accounts, you can be more prepared and understand the risks of breaking the rules. Most people will not risk their console being locked up to simply play a pirated game, and this is what Nintendo likes to see.
This is the entire reason that Nintendo started to ban consoles instead of just accounts.
Nintendo takes breaking the law and its rules very seriously, and this seriousness is what makes playing on the Switch so much fun. It also keeps the games extremely safe and fun to play.