The Nintendo Switch 2 is just around the corner. The new console/handheld hybrid hits shelves on June 5th, 2025. Various retailers are expected to have stock in stores; however, before the launch, another piece of information has popped up regarding the security protocols of the Switch 2.

It seems like Nintendo has increased the security level to the max to ensure there is no software or hardware tampering. While the original Switch could easily be modded, this time around, doing so with the Switch 2 might not go as smoothly for modders as before.

Iron-clad defense mechanism of the Switch 2 

In a post by JayPea on GBAtemp forums, there was a thread related to modding the Switch 2, and various modders shared their experiences, and all of them had a common variable: that the Switch 2 defences have been increased to the max.

The first aspect was the use of a MIG switch, which is a device used to mod the console and can also be used to play various games by adding it from the PC and using it as a cartridge on the console. However, using that, bricked the Switch 2, making it inoperable, and it gets stuck in a bootloop. Any efforts to probe the flash storage of the ROM chip also resulted in being locked out from the handheld console, and the device itself getting bricked.

A reason given for this is that the Switch 2 has a safety mechanism that is activated when it detects any changes or fluctuations in the voltage, even if it is minor. The use of an early access game on the Switch 2 also led to it crashing, and while it rebooted, it was operable till a fresh install of the firmware was done.

Switch 1 exploits aren’t possible on Switch 2

So, it seems like any modding or exploits that rely on forcing a reboot to run unauthorized code to implement some changes will also result in the Switch 2 not working, as the firmware will refuse to run. Traditionally, to resolve software or hardware issues, you could do a fresh install of the OS or drivers, but for the Switch 2, you'll need an active connection to the Nintendo servers, which doesn't allow for specific firmware to be installed.

This means that if there is an issue with the latest update, you can't rollback to a stable version, and also sets back the modders, as this method was used to bypass updates. So, while the original Switch could be easily modded due to the vulnerabilities in Nvidia's Tegra chip, this time around, Nintendo has taken a very proactive approach against hardware and software modding.

According to the forum post, three testers had their consoles bricked while attempting to mod them, and as they couldn't get them to work again, they had to return them and pay the full price of the consoles.

Nintendo seems confident that the Switch 2 will sell even better than the original Switch, and providing a secure console that is harder to mod or crack will certainly help deter piracy or unauthorized mods.

About the Author

Ussamah Mehmood

Ussamah works as a content writer and editor at BGFG. He is experienced in tech, hardware, gaming, and marketing.