Checking to see if you’ve lost access to the eShop is the quickest way to determine if your Nintendo Switch has been banned. When you try to log onto the eShop using a banned Switch, you’ll receive an error message and won’t be able to browse, purchase, or download games. You may also receive an email from Nintendo explaining the ban.
Follow these steps to see if your Nintendo Switch has been banned:
- Turn on your Nintendo Switch.
- Press A to unlock your Switch.
- Press the A button three more times to get to the Nintendo home screen.
- Click the orange shopping bag at the bottom of your console to open the Nintendo eShop.
- If you can access the eShop, your account hasn’t been banned.
- If Nintendo has suspended your account, you’ll see the message: “This account has been suspended due to a violation of the Nintendo Account User Agreement.”
- If Nintendo has permanently banned your account, you’ll see the error code “2124-4007” or “2124-4508,” and the message: “The use of online services on this console is currently restricted by Nintendo.”
Once you’ve confirmed your Switch has been suspended or banned, the next step is figuring out why. You should review Nintendo’s Code of Conduct to determine if you or someone who uses your Switch may have done something to trigger a suspension or ban.
There are certain things, like hacking your Switch or pirating games, that’ll result in a permanent console or account ban if Nintendo catches you. Other things, like using obscenities, will usually get you a temporary ban. The severity of your violation will determine what type of punishment Nintendo metes out — suspension vs. permanent ban.
