To play games on the Mig, you must download them from individuals who have extracted files from cartridges, or extract the games yourself using a tool like the Mig Dumper, and then load them onto a microSD card. Whether used for pirated games or copies of games you legally own, Nintendo regards both as a breach of its user agreements.

The creators of the Mig cartridge have made efforts to distinguish their product from its likely use by most buyers, which is playing pirated games. The product page emphasizes that it is meant “as a backup and development device solely supporting gaming using personal game backups. […] To keep the Mig Flash warranty valid during online use, it’s crucial to use self-dumped backups with valid Certificates, UID, and Card Set ID.”

Nintendo isn’t bricking the consoles of offenders, at least, not immediately. YouTube creator Scattered Brain posted a video about their banned Switch 2 in which they tried to find a way around the ban. Attempting to visit the eShop wasn’t possible, nor was unlinking an account from the console, since both activities require the internet. They were able to unlink Virtual Game Cards from their Switch 2 from Nintendo’s account management site and load them onto a Switch OLED, suggesting that the ban is limited to the hardware and not the account. However, a factory reset essentially bricked their Switch 2, as it no longer allowed signing into any Nintendo Account. This is something that Nintendo reserves the right to do per its updated account services user agreement and privacy policy.

No one, but especially Mig users, should be surprised about this ban. Nintendo has a rich history of aggressively pursuing those who pirate its games, as well as those who build emulators that can run pirated copies of games originally made for its platforms. Considering that the Switch 2 is the fastest-selling console of all time, Nintendo’s clearly throwing everything it’s got at making sure gamers are playing by its rules.