Nintendo lifts Switch 2 bans after reported system fault

Nintendo has reportedly reversed Switch 2 online bans after users encountered error code 2124-4508

Nintendo appears to have lifted a number of Switch 2 console bans after owners reported being unable to access online services over the weekend.

Reports of error code 2124-4508 began circulating on September 5, with some affected users saying their consoles had been permanently barred from online connections. By Monday morning in Asia, owners in several countries reported that access had been restored.

According to reports from IT Home and Notebookcheck, Nintendo support agents attributed the incident to a temporary system fault. Nintendo had not issued a public incident report or confirmed the number of affected consoles at the time of reporting.

The error message shown to users states that codes 2124-4007 and 2124-4508 can indicate a permanent online ban linked to violations of Nintendo's user agreement, including fraudulent transactions or community-guideline breaches.

However, several owners said they had only used new consoles and legitimate games. Some also reported that restarting their systems restored online access.

Nintendo's latest financial results showed that the company sold 3.82 million Switch 2 consoles in the quarter ended June 30, alongside 9.46 million software units. Its fiscal-year targets remain 16.50 million consoles and 60 million software units.

The incident also has implications for digital purchases because a restriction can prevent access to the eShop and other online services.

Nintendo's Switch 2 FAQ states that Game-Key Cards require an internet connection for their initial download, while online licences require a successful connection when certain games start.

Nintendo generated ¥132.7 billion in digital sales during the June quarter, representing a 90% increase year on year.

The Switch 2 price also increased in several markets from September 1, with the US price rising from $449.99 to $499.99 and the European My Nintendo Store price increasing from €469.99 to €499.99.

With access reportedly restored, the scale and cause of the incident remain unclear.