Nintendo Can 'Perfectly Detect' and Ban Pirate Switch Games (2024)

Back in April, a Switch hack was discovered that can't be patched by Nintendo without Nvidia being asked to redesign the Tegra X1 processor. However, if you're tempted to download and play pirate copies of Switch games online, think again, as Nintendo can "perfectly detect" illegal copies of Switch titles.

As IGN reports, Reddit user SciresM(Opens in a new window) carried out research on how Switch games are authorized when played online. It turns out Nintendo implemented a four stage process which allows for "very strong anti-piracy measures."

Looks like we've got confirmation that Nintendo is banning gamecart certificates (I guess people aren't taking my advice...). The relevant error for trying to use a gamecard with a banned cert is 0x1F727C -- 2124-4025.

— Michael (@SciresM) June 20, 2018(Opens in a new window)

To begin with your console checks it can connect to the internet and then verifies itself via a device authorization token. If Nintendo bans a Switch ($299.99 at Best Buy)(Opens in a new window) from going online, it's at this stage the connection will fail. Otherwise, the process continues to authorize the Nintendo account associated with the console and then an application authorization token is requested for the specific title being played.

In the case of a digital game, Nintendo uses a ticket system. The ticket is formulated from the game's Title ID, the Device ID of the console the game was purchased on, and the Nintendo Account ID used to purchase it. As digital games can't be re-sold or transferred, the ticket is unique and cannot be forged. Therefore, Nintendo can easily (and perfectly) detect when a digital game is being run on a different Switch or different Nintendo account simply by checking the ticket associated with that copy of the game.

For cartridge-based games, Nintendo can also detect when a pirate copy has been uploaded on to a cart. I don't believe this has been achieved yet, but when it inevitably is, Nintendo will be ready to ban you for attempting to play it online.

The advice, as always, is don't play pirate games. By doing so, you not only risk having your Switch banned online, but also hurt the developers making the games you enjoy but didn't pay for.

Like What You're Reading?

Sign up for SecurityWatch newsletter for our top privacy and security stories delivered right to your inbox.

This newsletter may contain advertising, deals, or affiliate links. Subscribing to a newsletter indicates your consent to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. You may unsubscribe from the newsletters at any time.


Thanks for signing up!

Your subscription has been confirmed. Keep an eye on your inbox!

Sign up for other newsletters

Nintendo Can 'Perfectly Detect' and Ban Pirate Switch Games (2024)

FAQs

Can Nintendo detect hacked Switch? ›

If it's only supplying power, it would have no way of knowing what's on the other device. Even if you connected it with a data cable, it's highly unlikely Nintendo has software on the Switch that is checking if another device is hacked.

Does Nintendo actually have anti piracy? ›

The primary goals of the Nintendo Anti-Piracy Programme are to reduce the availability of: Unauthorised copies of Nintendo games being distributed online; Circumvention devices and/or software used to play unauthorised copies of Nintendo games; Counterfeit Nintendo products.

How do consoles detect pirated games? ›

One of the usual tricks is to actually burn bad sectors at specific points on the disc. The console comes along and reads the bad sectors - if they are there disc is genuine, if not disc is a fake.

Can a Nintendo Switch get blacklisted? ›

A banned Switch doesn't have access to any online gaming or the eShop. Users can't download games or update their Switch, either. Offline games still work, like those in old-school gaming consoles. Bans are often put in place after a user tries to hack or tamper with the console, or after buying pirated games.

Can Nintendo block a stolen Switch? ›

We can't remotely block a lost or stolen Nintendo Switch, but we can unlink our account.

Can Stolen Switch games be tracked? ›

There's no tracking functionality available for the Nintendo Switch. The Switch doesn't have a tracking feature, but you can still acquire third-party trackers for your device. It might be upsetting to lose something important, like a Switch and a game card.

What stops games from being pirated? ›

At its simplest, pirated games are those that have been “cracked” by bypassing digital rights management (DRM), technology designed to protect copyrighted content. By doing so, they allow users to access and play the titles without paying their developers or distributors.

Is the Mario Kart anti piracy real? ›

Anti-piracy software, a source code feature in the Mario series, is an anti-virus screen against piracy and illegal game copy. Sometimes, objects with extreme fear are added to anti pirate screens (eg Mario Kart series, Mario and Luigi series). Or there is a feature that locks the game (eg games like Mario Bros Wii).

What happens if you pirate a game and get caught? ›

A civil lawsuit could hold you responsible for thousands of dollars in damages. Criminal charges may leave you with a felony record, accompanied by up to five years of jail time and fines up to $250,000.

What happens if you get caught with pirated software? ›

“Using pirated software carries high penalties under copyright law for users caught in the act. In the United States, copyright infringement can lead to up to five years in jail and a $250,000 fine. Keep your PC secure by only purchasing software from authorized dealers.

Can you go to jail for using pirated software? ›

First and foremost, computer piracy is illegal and there are stiff penalties for breaking the law. Companies and individuals who break the law can be penalized as much as $150,000 for every instance of software copyright violation. Criminal copyright infringement is a felony and can be punished by five years in prison.

How do you ban a game on a Switch? ›

Via the Nintendo Switch Parental Controls app
  1. Tap “Console Settings.”
  2. Tap “Restriction Level.”
  3. On the lower half of the screen tap “Communicating with Others.” ...
  4. Toggle the “Restrict Communications with Others” slider.
  5. Toggle the sliders next to the individual games you want to restrict.

Will Nintendo ban you for modding Switch? ›

A modded Switch can potentially open the door to using cheats in games, accessing homebrew games, or even emulating older consoles. But modding a Switch voids its warranty, and modified consoles are banned from all online services.

How do you tell if a Switch is banned? ›

Error Codes: 2124-4007, 2124-4508
  1. This error code indicates the Nintendo Switch console you are using has been permanently banned from connecting online due to a breach of the user agreements.
  2. A breach of user agreements may include, but is not limited to, activities such as: Fraudulent or unauthorized transactions.

Can a Nintendo Switch go through a metal detector? ›

X-ray machines and metal detectors put out very low levels of radiation that won't cause any damage to Nintendo Systems or Games.

Can Nintendo disable a Switch? ›

You can deregister a primary Nintendo Switch console through the Nintendo eShop settings on the console itself. If you don't have access to the primary console, you can deactivate a console from your Nintendo Account remotely; however, this can only be done once per year.

What happens if I brick my Switch? ›

What is “bricking”? The term means a device doesn't function completely, typically on a permanent basis. “It is as useless as a brick.” For the Nintendo Switch, this often appears as stuck in the boot screen or not booting at all.

Can game systems be tracked? ›

Unfortunately there is no way of tracking it, however if you believe that your gamertag maybe being used that was on that console you can delete it via xbox.com or contact Xbox Support via phone or through the web chat.

Do Nintendo switches have trackers on them? ›

The Nintendo Switch doesn't have any features that allow for straight tracking, which can be frustrating if your Switch has been stolen. However, you can buy an aftermarket tracking option for the Switch from Amazon.

How does Nintendo detect piracy? ›

In the case of a digital game, Nintendo uses a ticket system. The ticket is formulated from the game's Title ID, the Device ID of the console the game was purchased on, and the Nintendo Account ID used to purchase it. As digital games can't be re-sold or transferred, the ticket is unique and cannot be forged.

What game has been pirated the most? ›

15 Most Pirated Video Games Ever
  • 8/15 Mass Effect 2.
  • 7/15 Mafia 2.
  • 6/15 Battlefield: Bad Company 2.
  • 5/15 Call of Duty: Modern Warfare 2.
  • 4/15 Call of Duty: Black Ops.
  • 3/15 Phantasy Star Portable 2.
  • 2/15 Dissidia Final Fantasy.
  • 1/15 Pokemon Diamond and Pearl.
Oct 6, 2021

What is the safest site for pirated games? ›

The 10 Best Game Torrent Sites in 2022
  • FitGirl Repacks: Best torrent site for games.
  • The Pirate Bay: Best for popular games.
  • 1337X: Verified gaming torrents.
  • GazelleGames: The most trusted torrents.
  • RARBG: Reliable torrents and an active community.
  • CroTorrents: The best PC gaming torrents.

Does Mario have a criminal record? ›

But despite all the amazing things associated with the video game, one topic never seems to be addressed. Mario is actually a criminal, committing multiple felonies and misdemeanors against animals and humans alike. He's been free for 20 years; it's time he finally pays the piper and answers for his crimes.

Is Pirate game unethical? ›

Just like illegally downloading music and movies, stealing video games via piracy is a federal crime in the United States. Punishment can range from paying back the copyright holder to spending time in jail.

Do pirated still exist? ›

Though this Golden Age came to an end in the 18th century, piracy still exists today in some parts of the world, especially the South China Seas.

Can piracy land you in jail? ›

Piracy is a federal crime. This means that you can go to prison for more than a year, if convicted. It also means you could be facing hefty financial fines.

How likely is it to get caught torrenting? ›

The prosecution of torrent users has been sporadic. The chances of actually going to court or having to pay a settlement are pretty slim, but the penalties can be extremely high. The frequency of copyright holders suing torrenters for copyright infringement peaked in the late 2000s.

Can piracy get you jailed? ›

Under the Cybercrime Law, acquiring any digital copy of any copyrighted material is now punishable by a fine between Php 200,000 (US$4,470) to Php 500,000 (US$11,175) and six to 20 years in prison.

Why do many people feel that software piracy is not a serious crime? ›

They claim that since posting information in electronic form is protected by the first amendment, the distribution of illegal software is an exercise of the rights of self-expression and should not be infringed upon. Some think that software piracy doesn't hurt anyone, that it is a victimless crime.

What happens if you get caught illegally downloading? ›

Illegal downloading is typically punishable by a fine. Fines are by far the most common penalty for Internet piracy. The fines someone might be expected to pay differ depending on the area where the crime occurred.

What are the signs of a pirated software? ›

Telltale Signs of Illegal Software
  • Attempts to request a refund from pirates are never successful. ...
  • All words in the name of the product start with capital letters:
  • As well as the CEO's last name:
  • As you can see in these pictures, pirates rarely care about the correct spelling of the company name. ...
  • Missed spacebars,
Jan 13, 2014

What software is pirated the most? ›

1. Photoshop. The most searched for pirated software is Photoshop, with 49,970 monthly searches.

What happens if your Nintendo Account gets hacked? ›

If a hacker got your credentials for too long, they could make illegitimate purchases on your account or even change your password so you can't get in.

What happens if I hack my Switch? ›

A modded Switch can potentially open the door to using cheats in games, accessing homebrew games, or even emulating older consoles. But modding a Switch voids its warranty, and modified consoles are banned from all online services.

Can my Switch be tracked? ›

Is Tracking a Switch Possible? The Nintendo Switch doesn't have any features that allow for straight tracking, which can be frustrating if your Switch has been stolen. However, you can buy an aftermarket tracking option for the Switch from Amazon.

How do I know if my Switch is bricked? ›

What is “bricking”? The term means a device won't function and isn't recoverable. “It is as useful as a brick.” For the Nintendo Switch, this often appears as stuck in the boot screen or not booting at all.

Top Articles
Latest Posts
Article information

Author: Virgilio Hermann JD

Last Updated:

Views: 6172

Rating: 4 / 5 (41 voted)

Reviews: 80% of readers found this page helpful

Author information

Name: Virgilio Hermann JD

Birthday: 1997-12-21

Address: 6946 Schoen Cove, Sipesshire, MO 55944

Phone: +3763365785260

Job: Accounting Engineer

Hobby: Web surfing, Rafting, Dowsing, Stand-up comedy, Ghost hunting, Swimming, Amateur radio

Introduction: My name is Virgilio Hermann JD, I am a fine, gifted, beautiful, encouraging, kind, talented, zealous person who loves writing and wants to share my knowledge and understanding with you.