Brazil probes Nintendo Switch 2 online ban power

Nintendo's practice of blocking Switch 2 consoles from online services has drawn criticism from Brazil's consumer protection agency, prompting legal action.

Brazilian regulators claim Nintendo's updated user agreement, allowing complete restrictions on Switch 2 functionality, infringes on consumers' rights to services they've purchased.

Procon-SP, São Paulo's consumer protection bureau, has demanded Nintendo remove this controversial clause from its terms.

Procon-SP stated it filed a formal complaint with Nintendo of America, prompting the company to assemble legal counsel regarding the matter.

Reports of Switch 2 online bans have emerged consistently since launch, with affected users suspecting violations involving flash memory cards like MIG Switch devices that enable piracy.

A concerning case involves a consumer purchasing a banned secondhand unit from an authorized retailer - raising concerns about pre-blocked consoles entering circulation. Nintendo support reportedly confirms these bans are irreversible.

Nintendo Switch 2 Hardware Collection

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Banned Switch 2 consoles display error code 2124-4508 when attempting online access, locking users out of digital purchases, game updates, multiplayer features, Nintendo Switch Online services, and cloud-based retro game libraries.

These restrictions affect core functionalities that consumers rightfully expect - particularly premium services covered by Nintendo Switch Online subscriptions, which forms Procon-SP's primary argument.

IGN reached out to Nintendo for clarification on the ban criteria but received no response.

Procon-SP confirms Nintendo of America will address the complaint within 20 days. Brazilian consumers experiencing bans are advised to file reports through Procon-SP's official channels.