Nintendo Switch 2 User Makes Console-Breaking Purchase, Issues Warning

Nintendo Switch 2 consoles are at risk thanks to a new scam you’d never seen coming. It’s already claimed a victim.

Video game consoles have always been expensive and Nintendo’s latest is no exception.

While it’s lacking in first-party titles it’s a great bit of kit and we’re excited to see its value increase as more and more games are released for it.

Your console might be at risk though as a new scam could permanently damage its internals rendering it unusable unless you can get it repaired.

Nintendo Switch 2 Cartridge Scams

Unlike Xbox and PlayStation, Nintendo has a weird fondness for cartridges instead of discs. It’s mostly due to manufacturing as the cartridges cost more to make than discs and as such can be sold at full-price more often.

Those reluctant to spend the money might be better off buying them digitally as Nintendo will be offering flexible prices for its digital titles in the foreseeable future.

However if you’d prefer to buy physical you’ll probably be looking for them second-hand for the savings. Be careful though as some second-hand copies of Nintendo Switch games might actually damage your console.

Pirat_Nation on X recently warned Nintendo Switch 2 owners to be wary of second-hand cartridges especially for some of Nintendo’s newest launches.

They said: “A recent buyer purchased a discounted copy of Pragmata for Switch 2 listed as ‘Like New’ through Amazon deals

“When inserted into the console, the game card became stuck and the Switch 2’s cartridge reader pins were damaged, leaving the system unable to read any other games.”

Apparently when the cartridge was inspected the owner quickly realised what had happened. The internal components had been removed leaving the cartridge itself as an empty shell.

So when the cartridge was inserted into the Nintendo Switch 2 there was nowhere for the reader pins to go which ended up damaging them. This makes playing other physical games on the console impossible.

Pirat_Nation claims this has become a “common return scam” where people buy the game online, remove the components so they can still play the game and return the cartridge/case for a refund. Most retailers probably won’t inspect the cartridge too closely or some scammers might claim they were a victim of their own scam.

Admittedly it’s clever but also abhorrent. The Nintendo Switch 2 isn’t cheap so to have it broken by a scam like this is infuriating to say the least.

Inspect Your Nintendo Cartridges

In order to protect your console it’s recommended you take a close look at your cartridge after purchase, provided it was bought from a second-hand seller.

There are plenty of guides on the internet on how to spot a fake or tampered cartridge in addition to online communities that’ll tell you if you provide a picture.

Avoiding online marketplaces that lack buyer protection is also a bright idea, as is sticking to second-hand retailers that have warranties and return policies.

READ MORE: Nintendo Switch Users Have Thousands of Free Wii and GameCube Games Now