Fake Switch 2 cartridges are making it onto Amazon

A Switch 2 owner has had their console damaged after buying what turned out to be a fake, counterfeit game cartridge.

In a post shared over on Resetera, the forum user noted that they bought what they assumed to be a ‘Like New’ copy of Capcom’s recent sci-fi hit Pragmata. However, upon receiving their copy and inserting the cartridge into the Switch 2, the game became stuck in the Switch 2’s card reader slot.

After eventually prying it out and inspecting it further, it became clear that the red cartridge was actually just a hollow shell – meaning the internals were entirely missing. What shocked me about this was that the game was purchased via Amazon (specifically the Warehouse Deals section — which sells returned and refurbed goods). Resetera users are theorising that a legitimate copy was likely bought from Amazon, swapped out with a fake cartridge, slapped on a sticker, and then returned to the Amazon warehouse, where staff likely resold it without checking the contents in detail.

The unfortunate bit in all of this? Not only did the Resetera poster end up with a dud game, but the fake shell also broke the card reader of their Switch 2, rendering it unable to read any games at all. When they contacted Amazon to request a replacement or help covering repair costs, customer service reportedly disconnected the call multiple times, even after escalating to a supervisor. It’s likely not going to be a widespread issue, but all the same, it’s a frustrating one.

As for how easy it is to source the fakes? I’ve just taken a quick glance on Alibaba for Switch plastic shells, and true enough, after 30 seconds of searching found sellers offering empty injection moulded shell cartridges for as little as 70p (roughly a dollar) — including Switch 2 red options.

This is a rather annoying thing to have to now think about when buying pre-owned software. But hey, worth keeping in mind I guess when you spot a pre-owned listing that looks like a steal — check the authenticity if you can!