Yes, Nintendo Can Brick Your Switch 2, And It's Easier Than You Think

Despite a history of loyal gamers and fun family memories, the latest decisions around Nintendo's Switch 2 are making many fans upset. Notably, Nintendo will brick Switch 2 consoles for violating their rules. "Brick" here means to disable or restrict, basically making the system entirely or almost unusable, like a brick sitting in your game room. The problem is that many people did not realize they were doing anything wrong. For example, some gamers bought hardware that allowed them to play their own games from the Switch 1 on the Switch 2, but Nintendo then bricked the consoles, fearing that pirated games were being passed around.

The Nintendo Switch 2 is a very new video game system. It launched on June 5, 2025, at a price of $449.99, with games like "Mario Kart World" and "Donkey Kong Bananza." This new console boasted features like online GameChat, better processing and graphics performance, and more online capabilities.

According to Nintendo Switch 2's specific terms of service, or user agreement, if Nintendo determines you are in breach of its rules, it can revoke your access to the system either fully or partially. Since the game console is all tied to the internet, including updates, online play, and game licenses, the company can brick your console remotely without ever having to touch your hardware.

One line from the user agreement states: "You acknowledge that if you fail to comply with the foregoing restrictions Nintendo may render the Console and/or the Software permanently unusable in whole or in part." It also says: "[The] Software is licensed, not sold, to you, and you may not make use of the Software except as expressly authorized by this Agreement." This reinforces that you don't truly own your console — you are renting its software. That means Nintendo has full control over access, and they can revoke it at any time if you breach the license.

Even if your Switch 2 works today, Nintendo could release an update tomorrow that detects and disables it. The company also does not allow any modifications to the system. This means that even minor tweaks or using accessories Nintendo has not explicitly authorized could violate the terms. If your Switch 2 is banned by Nintendo or you lose access to a game or feature, the terms enforce that it is solely your problem. Nintendo waives its responsibility and denies refund eligibility if it bricks your console. The company can even tie services to additional agreements, which, if violated, allows it to legally revoke your access to the Switch 2 software.

Unfortunately, there is not much you can do if your console is bricked. The user agreement states: "This arbitration provision precludes you and Nintendo from suing in court, having a trial by jury, or participating in a class action. ... You and Nintendo are each waiving the right to trial by a jury." Basically, that means you can't sue Nintendo, you can't join a class action lawsuit, and you must go through a private arbitration process.

If you think you were unjustly bricked, you must send a formal notice by certified mail, and then arbitration can start. The terms also state that if you don't follow the exact dispute proceedings, you may have to pay Nintendo's legal costs. The entire process is intentionally burdensome, making gamers either too scared to challenge Nintendo or discouraging them with a lengthy and complex process, even if they believe their console was bricked unfairly.

This whole process has certainly hurt the Nintendo Switch 2's public image. However, all the rules from the user agreement stem from concern over users playing games they did not pay for. For now, longtime Nintendo fans are hoping for a new agreement that addresses pirate prevention without unfairly shutting down expensive consoles of users who didn't even realize they were doing anything wrong.