INSUBCONTINENT EXCLUSIVE:
Not long after its March launch last year, it was revealed that a GPU exploit in the Nintendo Switch could be used to run unofficial
software, like pirated games and homebrew ROMs
Since then, the Switch's hacking community has grown, and the discovery of a new 'unpatchable' exploit last month has only made the console
more attractive to pirates and homebrew fans.Nintendo isn't taking the assault on its walled garden lightly, however, and is taking steps to
crack down and dissuade users from taking advantage of the security holes. The Japanese company has begun banning hacked consoles from its
online services, sending error notifications when users attempt to log in
According to the message, “The use of online services on this console is currently restricted by Nintendo,” and users will need to
“Contact Customer Support via the Nintendo Support Website”.Locked outThe incident was first reported by Switch enthusiast Shiny
Quagsire, who said the error message popped up on an unhacked switch, meaning Nintendo has applied the ban to a Nintendo user account, which
could affect multiple Switch consoles if the user owns more than one.The ban restricts users to playing games on their console only with
most online services disabled, though it appears news updates are still coming through
Access to the eShop, playing online games and interacting with the Switch community are all blocked, however.Banned consoles can still
receive and download software updates.Shiny Quagsire has since contacted Nintendo to have the ban removed, but his request was denied.The
moral of the story If you're a Switch fan and don't want to ruin your Pokémon or Zelda experience, it'd be best not to mess with your
console.[Via Nintendo Life]
