Hacking Nintendo Switch Banning Hub & Warning

[Draxzelex]

Edit;
Hmm ok so that is tied into deleting and archiving software.
As long as you have it as a homescreen icon you should still be able to.
So lesson 1; NEVER delete a title I guess.

Edit2:
To confirm that once more; https://en-americas-support.nintend...w-to-redownload-nintendo-switch-eshop-content
So now the fun question is what IF you did delete software, what would be the best way to redownload it if you have a console eshop / online ban.

I'm guessing Update Download Progress doesn't do the trick?

Or maybe the web version gets updated when you delete it from your Switch allowing you to re-download it.

Also, I'm thinking of outlining what you can do in certain bans in the OP mostly so I can let other people know the method you discovered (makes having to look for that post less of a hassle). Just gotta get off my lazy ass.

 

[PatrickD85]

Thanks for bouncing the ideas
Also sure by any means throw it in the OP, 40+ pages is too much info for anyone really.

But some findings;

New games
The Update Download Progress works fine for NEW titles, so thats cool.
No console eshop access but still getting my new games.

But I was just wondering about titles you archive / delete.

Archived games
They can just be redownloaded ... like normal from the Switch itself. No extra work needed for them.

Deleted games
These are the ones I am still thinking a method up for.
The things seems to be that whenever you install a game some small bits of data are stored on the console. (probably the ticket / cert or something similair)
only if you DELETE the software are they removed.

I confirmed this by removing the SD and booting without it. Home Icons stay in place but cant find there ... files/folders etc.
Thus meaning it is stored on the console itself in regards to the home icon. Which basically offers that functionality.

So the fun part is going to be; IF you delete a title (which you just should not do)
And run into a ban of sorts. How are you going to get that back on the system.

 

[hashcheck1]

Ban? Y
If Yes, provide proof (video preferred)
SX used? Y
SX used while online? Y
Played SX Backups online? N
If Yes, do you have a certificate/header ban (look for error code 2124-4025)? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? 1.0
Non-TX Layered FS Used? Y
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online? N
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? Y
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? CFW/OFW/ Y
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? Y
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/non-TX CFW? Y
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? Y
AutoRCM? TX/Hekate/ Y
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? N
receive-lp1.dg.srv.nintendo.net blocked and/or "Don't Share Usage Information" ticked under "Other Settings"? Y
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? Y: 5.1
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? N
Airplane mode? Y
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? N
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? N
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? UNSURE
Console/Account Region(s) AUS
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments

 

[Draxzelex]

Backups updated? CFW/OFW/ Y
AutoRCM? TX/Hekate/ Y
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? UNSURE

For the first 2 questions, you did not indicate your answer. Or do you mean to say you used both for both questions? If so, I'll update the questionnaire so people know how to respond if they used both.

Also, I suggest trying to download from Nintendo's website using your Nintendo Account to check if your account got banned. Preferably something free like Pokemon Quest.

 

[Itsblaze302]

Ban? N
SX used? N
SX used while online? N
Played SX Backups online? N
If Yes, do you have a certificate/header ban (look for error code 2124-4025)? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? N
Non-TX Layered FS Used? Y
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online? Y
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? N
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? N
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? N
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/non-TX CFW? Y
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? Y
AutoRCM? Hekate
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? N
receive-lp1.dg.srv.nintendo.net blocked and/or "Don't Share Usage Information" ticked under "Other Settings"? N
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? N
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? N
Airplane mode? N
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? Y
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? Y
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? Y
Console/Account Region(s) USA
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments: I played a backup of xenoverse 2 and got an error trying to connect online but i haven't been banned yet. LayeredFS crashed multiple times when I first started but never cleared any logs.

 

[yadspi]

Ban? Y
If Yes, provide proof (video preferred) - Just happened
SX used? Y
SX used while online? Y
Played SX Backups online? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? 1.0
Non-TX Layered FS Used? N
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online?/N
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? N
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? CFW/OFW
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? Y
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/CFW? Y
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? Y
AutoRCM? TX
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? No, started using Homebrew on 5.1
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? Never cleared
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? N
Airplane mode? N
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? N
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? N
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? Yes, PC but downloads don't appear on the Switch home menu
Console/Account Region(s) - US
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments - My internet has been very slow this couple of days, tried to enter eShop and it entered, then told me my internet connection was weak and to try again, I tried again then a message popped up saying and error code ( the one with weak wi-fi signal) I reset the router and tried again to a Restricted Online features message...finally banned. The 1st thing I did was install DevMenu and replace all my XCIs with NSP

 

[QRC]

Just received my 2nd Switch and SX Pro.

Now it's staying on airplane mode until we have mode info on what gets you banned.

This thread made me paranoid.

I blocked access to wlan in my router. Don't trust the airplane mode, it's their software they could try to deactivate for a second.
If you need to do something online, enable, do it, disable. I'm still not banned.

For sure they have some permanent internet detection going on. Try disabling acces in your router, then update software.
It will show you an error. But if you activate wlan in your router again, it will auto refresh ASAP and retry.

 

[PatrickD85]

Well Nintendo NL got back to replying;

Dear,
As you have already read through the link that you have sent, you have done unauthorized actions with your Nintendo Switch and you are permanently blocked from the online part of Nintendo. Unfortunately we can not change anything here.
Sincerely,
The Nintendo Team

Well superb (sarcasm) not even any information on the what and how. (I've asked them in a followup mail.
But we can not change anything here is very nice .... (sarcasm)

I dont mind being banned that much really ... I get it.
But what if their system false positives on anything?
We can not do shit about it ... is not the answer people want.

 

[bunny_wabbit]

I forgot to go into flight mode before using my SX PRO for the first time, how fucked am I?

 

[PatrickD85]

I forgot to go into flight mode before using my SX PRO for the first time, how fucked am I?

Honestly we do not know.

How much do you care about online?
Some? Then some (maybe)
None? Then nothing (fact)

Fact is all of what we do outside the ecosystem is walking the line.
You CAN get banned. People need to come a bit more to terms with that I think.
Most important is the type of ban. (Mostly seen are console bans (which vary from online to online + eshop))
Account bans are a bit more rare. (Presumed more involved in regard to CDN downloading and so on)

 

[IpponDatara]

So I have to ask this.. does anybody got banned for just updating the backups in ofw and staying offline the rest of the time ?

 

[bunny_wabbit]

I'm so fucking tempted to just log into OFW, but I've had errors crop up when using WAIN and I don't know if I had error reporting blocked at the time time. I have my account linked because at the time I wasn't considering using SX PRO. So if my Switch opens GrassTheDirtyPeasant.exe when I go online, my account is fucked forever on every Nintendo console I ever own. And what if I decide to sell it because I've decided all the games suck, and then Nintendo ban the guy who uses it next?

 

[Draxzelex]

Ban? Y
If Yes, provide proof (video preferred) - Just happened
SX used? Y
SX used while online? Y
Played SX Backups online? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? 1.0
Non-TX Layered FS Used? N
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online?/N
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? N
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? CFW/OFW
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? Y
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/CFW? Y
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? Y
AutoRCM? TX
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? No, started using Homebrew on 5.1
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? Never cleared
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? N
Airplane mode? N
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? N
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? N
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? Yes, PC but downloads don't appear on the Switch home menu
Console/Account Region(s) - US
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments - My internet has been very slow this couple of days, tried to enter eShop and it entered, then told me my internet connection was weak and to try again, I tried again then a message popped up saying and error code ( the one with weak wi-fi signal) I reset the router and tried again to a Restricted Online features message...finally banned. The 1st thing I did was install DevMenu and replace all my XCIs with NSP

I'm still not banned buddy, don't lose hope.

--------------------- MERGED ---------------------------


I've been doing almost everything you list here. I have AutoRCM, I use trimmed XCi for more space, use pFBA, pSNES, Checkpoint. What I haven't done is - Play backups of online multiplayer games, layeredFS, DevMenu, install NSPs. So far so good, also never clear any logs, I thinks that's more suspicious than leaving them as the Switch wasn't designed to clear them whenever you like.

This is why I tell everyone there is a difference between not being banned and being safe. Bans are dished out at random. It still does suck that you were banned (I'm glad you are not distraught) but this is evidence that Nintendo knows whose been naughty and whose been nice. Also, you didn't indicate whether you received a certificate ban or not (error code is 2124-4025).

Ban? N
SX used? N
SX used while online? N
Played SX Backups online? N
If Yes, do you have a certificate/header ban (look for error code 2124-4025)? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? N
Non-TX Layered FS Used? Y
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online? Y
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? N
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? N
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? N
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/non-TX CFW? Y
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? Y
AutoRCM? Hekate
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? N
receive-lp1.dg.srv.nintendo.net blocked and/or "Don't Share Usage Information" ticked under "Other Settings"? N
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? N
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? N
Airplane mode? N
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? Y
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? Y
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? Y
Console/Account Region(s) USA
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments: I played a backup of xenoverse 2 and got an error trying to connect online but i haven't been banned yet. LayeredFS crashed multiple times when I first started but never cleared any logs.

Look at this man. Look at him. He's shoving LayeredFS in Nintendo's face without a care in the world and he's not banned. LayeredFS is not the devil here. This makes me further wonder whether clearing error logs is beneficial or not as well as if certain actions during LayeredFS increase ban risk over others.

Well Nintendo NL got back to replying;



Well superb (sarcasm) not even any information on the what and how. (I've asked them in a followup mail.
But we can not change anything here is very nice .... (sarcasm)

I dont mind being banned that much really ... I get it.
But what if their system false positives on anything?
We can not do shit about it ... is not the answer people want.

This would be taking it to the next level, but only in a lawsuit would they be forced to reveal that information. Would it be worth it for online play? I mean $300 can get you the same result without the time, effort, and possible risk that Nintendo wins. But you are right and this is where the problem lies. In their defense, you have no way to prove your own innocence over a simple phone call or e-mail unless you had concrete evidence you never hacked your console (not even sure what a person could come up with to prove that).

Account bans are a bit more rare. (Presumed more involved in regard to CDN downloading and so on)

I just wanted to add here that people who played Pokemon Sun and Moon before the game was officially released lost their eShop access with their accounts.

So I have to ask this.. does anybody got banned for just updating the backups in ofw and staying offline the rest of the time ?

Yes, you have been warned.

 

[Deleted User]

I'm so fucking tempted to just log into OFW, but I've had errors crop up when using WAIN and I don't know if I had error reporting blocked at the time time. I have my account linked because at the time I wasn't considering using SX PRO. So if my Switch opens GrassTheDirtyPeasant.exe when I go online, my account is fucked forever on every Nintendo console I ever own. And what if I decide to sell it because I've decided all the games suck, and then Nintendo ban the guy who uses it next?

Having error reporting blocked doesn't do anything. Many ban confirmations here had error reporting off and still got a ban out of seemingly nowhere.

About that next guy getting banned, he will find you and kill you. I don't think anybody would press charges against him considering you sold him a Switch with a ban waiting to happen.

 

[PatrickD85]

This would be taking it to the next level, but only in a lawsuit would they be forced to reveal that information. Would it be worth it for online play? I mean $300 can get you the same result without the time, effort, and possible risk that Nintendo wins. But you are right and this is where the problem lies. In their defense, you have no way to prove your own innocence over a simple phone call or e-mail unless you had concrete evidence you never hacked your console (not even sure what a person could come up with to prove that).

Yep I dont care too much about my ban really. But the lack of any information is what is so appalling (I guess that is the right term for it) to me.
What if this is a second hand Switch, what if someone honestly had a false positive.
No information is just wrong which every way you slice it.

And thats why I am on the if you did stuff own up to it camp
Did you do x then own it and deal with it.
Did you NOT do x and the system notes it, then the system needs refinement.
Not disclosing anything does not help those users nor Nintendo in the long run.

I just wanted to add here that people who played Pokemon Sun and Moon before the game was officially released lost their eShop access with their accounts.

While I can see that happen and get the bans. What if it was supplied early by some shop?
Simple example Sonic Mania Plus has a streetdate of tomorrow here (if I am not mistaken).
How come I had the physical cart of it last Friday.

You can not expect people to stop and think about ... owww it should not be available yet for anyone. but I bought it legally from retailer x lets not play it.
Sure online leaks happen, I know but that is a different ball game itself.

Only way you can do that is with a day one play patch basically, thus locking the game date-wise

PS: I hope you get my drift it's all good, no bad emotions here on anything ... otherwise you could misread the above and that is not my intention

 

[bunny_wabbit]

About that next guy getting banned, he will find you and kill you. I don't think anybody would press charges against him considering you sold him a Switch with a ban waiting to happen.

I don't understand why we don't have a Excel spreadsheet thread for this exact situation, I'm sure it's happened to everyone who's crossed Reggie Fils-Aimé. From what I read though, there doesn't seem to be a perfect way to wipe your Switch of all traces of hacking. Every time someone mentions it, another person quotes them and disproves their theory, lol

 

[k3rizz3k]

This report is for my sons unit, as I don't have an SX pro (Yet)

Ban? No
SX used? Y
SX used while online? N
Played SX Backups online? N
If Yes, do you have a certificate/header ban (look for error code 2124-4025)? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? SX OS 1.3
Non-TX Layered FS Used? N
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online? N
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? N
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? N
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? Y (Homebrew)
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/CFW? N
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? N
AutoRCM? N
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? N
receive-lp1.dg.srv.nintendo.net blocked? N
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? 5.0
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? Y
Airplane mode? N
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? N
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? Y
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? Y
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments:
Not banned... Yet

 

[offsense]

Ban? N
SX used? N
SX used while online? N
Played SX Backups online? N
If Yes, do you have a certificate/header ban (look for error code 2124-4025)? N
Lowest SX Version used when Online/Offline (NOT Switch System Firmware)? N
Non-TX Layered FS Used? Y
Non-TX Layered FS Used while online? Y
Played online w/ Non-TX Layered FS Injects? N
Used DevMenu? N
Installed any .NSP? N
Did you go online w/ any .NSP installed? N
Did you play any .NSP installed online? N
CDN Downloading? N
Backups updated? N
Homebrew/non-TX CFW Used? N
Connect to Internet w/ homebrew/non-TX CFW? Y
Connect to eShop while using CFW/homebrew? Y
AutoRCM? Hekate
Did you update your firmware without burning fuses? N
receive-lp1.dg.srv.nintendo.net blocked and/or "Don't Share Usage Information" ticked under "Other Settings"? N
What firmware(s) were you on when you cleared error logs prior to going online? N
Disabled "Send Error Information" in System Settings? Y
Wi-Fi settings deleted? N
Airplane mode? N
Auto-Update Software Enabled in System Settings? Y
Can you use the eShop on the Switch? Y
Can you use the eShop from a non-Switch device? Y
Console/Account Region(s) USA
Trimmed .XCI? Y
Additional Comments: I played a backup of xenoverse 2 and got an error trying to connect online but i haven't been banned yet. LayeredFS crashed multiple times when I first started but never cleared any logs.

How long have you been doing that for?

 

[Draxzelex]

Yep I dont care too much about my ban really. But the lack of any information is what is so appalling (I guess that is the right term for it) to me.
What if this is a second hand Switch, what if someone honestly had a false positive.
No information is just wrong which every way you slice it.

And thats why I am on the if you did stuff own up to it camp
Did you do x then own it and deal with it.
Did you NOT do x and the system notes it, then the system needs refinement.
Not disclosing anything does not help those users nor Nintendo in the long run.

I'm sure there have been people who have challenged their ban and have either been successful or not refining their ban detection process. There has to be at least one case of someone being wrongly banned and legally challenging it. Too lazy to look it up though. What I'm trying is I totally agree with your view point. Who knows, maybe whoever responded to your e-mail simply doesn't know why you got banned hence the lack of information? Trust is a 2 way street, both between Nintendo and us as well as within Nintendo's own infrastructure.

While I can see that happen and get the bans. What if it was supplied early by some shop?
Simple example Sonic Mania Plus has a streetdate of tomorrow here (if I am not mistaken).
How come I had the physical cart of it last Friday.

You can not expect people to stop and think about ... owww it should not be available yet for anyone. but I bought it legally from retailer x lets not play it.
Sure online leaks happen, I know but that is a different ball game itself.

Only way you can do that is with a day one play patch basically, thus locking the game date-wise

PS: I hope you get my drift it's all good, no bad emotions here on anything ... otherwise you could misread the above and that is not my intention

I understand exactly what you're saying. Obviously, the blame now falls on the store who sold the game against Nintendo's wishes before the release date and should be punished appropriately. The question becomes in that case, what do you do for those who bought the games legally?

Before I provide my answer, these people played the games ONLINE hence why they were caught. I actually played the game early too on my Gateway and I can still play all of my games online so...you can see where I'm going with this. Punishment is appropriate but you can argue whether or not the account ban was justified or not. Basically, Nintendo had proof to ban the people who played the game early (their fault for underestimating Nintendo's detection strategies) but Nintendo could also be somewhat at fault for having the server up before the game was released (you can say it was to save time because they shouldn't expect people to be online before the release date but this is a tangent of a tangent).

 

[offsense]

Well Nintendo NL got back to replying;



Well superb (sarcasm) not even any information on the what and how. (I've asked them in a followup mail.
But we can not change anything here is very nice .... (sarcasm)

I dont mind being banned that much really ... I get it.
But what if their system false positives on anything?
We can not do shit about it ... is not the answer people want.

Can you ask them to explain? Maybe squeeze a bit of info out of them on how it happened.