Topic: So, how do we all feel about Nintendo's ability to 'brick' your Switch 2

@sethfranum
Its not an account ban but a console ban.
While these aren't anything new for consoles they can be very nasty since they essentially permanently lock the console from accessing online features and cant be lifted (iirc there were stories during the ps5/xbox S shortages of people buying one pre owned and finding out that it had been console banned so it couldnt access online even when using a different account and i dont even think factory resets helped) its also adds a further issue of third party devs using "game key cards" on top of some of the other issues.

in general if this does bring the discussion of "console bans" into the larger discussion then it could hopefully lead to maybe some kinds of things being put in places on the consumer side similar to things like batteries being made more easily changeable (not sure if this has been put in place yet) or the USB-C standard thing, especially to combat E-waste and to avoid situations like the ps5/xbox situation mentioned.

@Truegamer79
Seems in the current cases im not sure if it was a modded system but rather a flashcart (something which seems to have a complex history with handhelds i remember the whole R4 thing) , it seems like there's some kind of detection in the system, does seem like the similar rules of avoiding such things on current devices and/or devices you are planning on taking online in any official capability alongside knowing what you are doing, still apply though.

@Mgalens That's a start they can ban your account. These are same EULA as others console makers and been since Wii. So nothing is new here you HomeBrew/Hack/Mig get ready to be locked out. Used game store now ask to verify your console so if you want to sell it be ready with your login to verify your console is working. EULA/TOS decide for consumers what are you talking about here. What are you talking about this has nothing to do with Nintendo. System ban is serial number and account should they feel you violated the EULA agreements you agreed to when you purchased and connected the device to their servers. You making false analogy standard battery aren't customized like batteries for console for a reason. Did one not watch Youtubbers clearly saying Nintendo has their hands on MigSwitch and MigCarts how else would you think they can do this now-it's baked into their hardware.

I haven't upgraded to the Switch 2 yet and don't intend to until there are a lot more exclusive games available I want to play and I can get a much better price i.e. secondhand with a few games. It feels like maybe the middle of next year but I'm not really bothered about online but obviously want to play Switch 2 exclusive single player experiences. It feels like I need to see a solution to these issues first. I have bought games from China that perhaps weren't genuine for older consoles like 3DS etc. It all makes me a little uncomfortable and a reason to hold back on the Switch 2 for a while until solutions have come out. Maybe Nintendo will be banned from preventing consoles access online in Europe. Perhaps they can ban accounts but not the hardware itself. Also the launch version of Switch 2 seems to have a few issues. Maybe we will see a improved hardware revision fairly quickly. I'm not really interested in re-visiting a lot of Switch games with higher frame rates. I'll admit I've played a lot of Switch games emulated with improved graphics, higher frame rates, higher resolutions and a much better controller on PC. It's been a much better gaming experience than my actual Switches. Switch 2 playing Switch 1 games looks like a mid-level upgrade in comparison.

@BonzoBanana
They definitely lost the plot lately. Sony is rumored to release portable console in 2026, maybe actual competition will fix the power balance. Currently it feels like Nintendo is run by Yakuza.

@barabara

I'm definitely interested to see what Sony comes out with and it seems like a more powerful portable than Switch 2 with FSR4 or better. However unfortunately I'm more interested in Nintendo exclusives than Sony exclusives and spend most time playing PC games. I haven't upgraded my Playstation 4 Pro or Xbox One X to later models and don't subscribe to their online services. I'll admit I'm perhaps most interested in a more powerful PC gaming handheld. My huge steam library has made me interested in updated steam deck or similar. I really don't know though at the moment which will be my next gaming device purchase. I really hope Sony offers a competitor to Switch 2 though as competition does drive down prices. I think I'd be quite happy with a Steam deck based on the latest Zen chip but still with a 720p OLED screen. I just need more power I think than the original steam deck and perhaps like Switch 2 really good AI upscaling. That may well be up to Switch 2 emulation as apart from the AI upscaling Switch 2 is quite weak hardware dating back to 2020/2021.

@BonzoBanana
The rumours that i was reading were talking about Nvidia chip in next "Playstation Portable", new AI Zen chips are kinda expensive, to the point that Nvidia is actually cheaper. Honestly i had so much fun with original PSP (Tekken and Ridge Racer) that i would buy new Playstation Portable day one no matter what.

Imagine if it had similiar Nvidia chip and you were easily able to emulate Switch on Playstation Portable. Bonkers

@barabara You clearly haven't gone to resell a used Switch at used game locations that buys them. You have no idea what your talking since you never done that.